Fall River Captain Paul Gauvin releases statement after ruling allowing his return to FRPD

Through his attorney, Fall River Police Captain Paul Gauvin has issued a statement after a recent Civil Service Commission decision.

In a ruling issued Thursday, Commissioner Paul Stein found that the City of Fall River proved only some of the charges against Gauvin, and none of them were justification for firing him. He was issued a 90-day suspension and will eventually return to the department once he is recertified.

More on the ruling can be found here.

On Wednesday, Andrew Gambaccini issued the following for Gauvin.

“My primary focus has always been the betterment of this department. My loyalty to this place is unwavering and when I return, you can expect no less.”

“Those were the words written by Captain Paul Gauvin in a transition memorandum in October 2024. They bear repeating today following the unanimous decision of the Civil Service Commission ordering Captain Gauvin’s return to the Fall River Police Department.

“What followed those initial words was a lengthy and difficult process arising from allegations that ultimately did not support the termination imposed upon Captain Gauvin. The proceedings required nine days of hearing, extensive testimony and a careful review of the evidence. That process has had a significant impact on Captain Gauvin and his family, but throughout he remained committed to allowing the facts and the appropriate process to speak for themselves.

“Everyone who participated in the proceedings should be grateful for the careful and deliberate review given to this matter by the Civil Service Commission.

“Captain Gauvin consistently has maintained that he did not act maliciously and that his conduct did not warrant termination. At the same time, he has never suggested that every decision he made was perfect. An important part of leadership is having the willingness to confront accusations that are untrue while also accepting responsibility when one’s own conduct could have been better.

“That principle was reflected in Captain Gauvin’s position throughout the proceedings.

“With respect to the firearms found in his locker, the Commission concluded that the items had been stored securely and properly. Captain Gauvin nevertheless has acknowledged that he should have documented their presence in the locker, and he has accepted responsibility for that failure to follow best practices.

“Similarly, with respect to the knife and bullet found in the desk drawer—an issue that received considerable public attention—the Commission determined that there was no malicious message associated with those items, something that Captain Gauvin has said time and again through this process.

“Captain Gauvin’s willingness to acknowledge the portions of his conduct that could have been handled differently also was reflected in his own proposed decision to the Commission, in which he recognized that a period of suspension would be appropriate.

“Today, Captain Gauvin is grateful that the Civil Service Commission carefully considered the evidence and reached its unanimous decision. He also recognizes that the process has affected many people within the Fall River Police Department and the broader community.

“To the members of the Fall River community who have supported Captain Gauvin and his family throughout these difficult times, he extends his most sincere thanks. Your calls, messages, encouragement and support have meant more than you can know.

“And to the entire Fall River community and the members of the Fall River Police Department—regardless of your opinion about the events of the past two years—Captain Gauvin wants to make one thing clear and that is that his principal motivation remains exactly what it was when he wrote those words in October 2024: the betterment of the Fall River Police Department and the community it serves. That commitment has not changed and will not change.

“Captain Gauvin looks forward to returning to work, to continuing his service to the Department and community as he has for nearly three decades and to moving forward with professionalism, humility and a continued commitment to public safety.”