Page 16 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025 COUNCIL | FROM Page 1 ing them we are bringing on the very best,” said Keefe. “We want to have the best chief of police for our city.” While Keefe stressed that this would make the process professional, rigorous and competitive, there was virtually no support for making the change. Sergeants Dennis Hickey and Joseph Internicola, along with Lt. Robert Zagarella, represented the Superior Offi cers Association and expressed clear opposition to the idea. “We believe the mayor has our best interests in mind,” said Hickey. “But we are composed of a body of 33 eligible candidates.” Internicola added that the change would “adversely affect members of the police department.” Ward 6 Councillor Chris Giannino, a retired Revere police sergeant, said it was a good idea but the timing was wrong with current Chief David Callahan’s contract soon to expire. Keefe agreed and said he hoped the proposal would be referred to a subcommittee where it could be reviewed and discussed. “The current chief is under contract, which could be renewed, or he might get picked up by another city or town,” said Keefe, adding that the proposed change is a proactive step to be ready if a new chief is needed. Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto made a motion to send Keefe’s request to the Legislative Affairs Subcommittee, but there was not even enough support for it to undergo further review. “I’m not in agreement with this,” said Ward 3 Councillor Anthony Cogliandro. “The thought of having someone come from outside the city to run the city makes me uncomfortable.” Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya stressed the President of the Revere Police Superior Offi cers Association Sgt. Joe Internicola (center), VP Dennis Hickey (left) and Sec./Treasurer Lt. Robert Zagarella are shown backed by many offi cers of the department — appealing to the Revere City Council to vote against Mayor Patrick Keefe’s proposal to allow appointment of a new Revere Police Chief from outside the department. (Advocate photo) benefi ts of hiring from within the department. “An internal candidate is already familiar with the department’s operations and challenges, which allows them to step into the role without the need for extensive training. Police Offi - cers in Revere know their city, they know the residents, they know the needs of each section of the city,” said GuarinoSawaya. “A police chief from within will have established trust and rapport with the offi cers, staff and the community, fostering unity and high morale. They understand the unique needs and dynamics of the city and sections of the city they serve, enabling them to implement policies and strategies that are eff ective.” Councillor-at-Large Robert Haas agreed that internal candidates have a distinct edge. “Once you bring an outsider in, you’re already playing catch up. This should stay in house,” he said. Both Cogliandro and Guarino-Sawaya said changing the appointment process could convince offi cers there is no room for career growth within the department. Cogliandro said some officers may choose to leave Revere. Guarino-Sawaya said promoting from within demonstrates a clear pathway for career advancement. “Our officers need to feel appreciated. By hiring outside the department, we are telling them they are not good enough, which simply is not the case,” she said. Keefe agreed that the experience of internal candidates trumps other qualifications and said the change was only to have the opportunity to interview outside candidates. As for career advancement, Keefe pointed out that the Revere Police Superior Offi cers Association has 33 members — more than neighboring cities and towns. Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade newspaper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group. For a searchable database of real estate transactions and property information visit: www.thewarrengroup.com BUYER1 Najarro, Julio P REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS SELLER1 BUYER2 Hansen, Virginia L SELLER2 ADDRESS 349 Reservoir Ave DATE PRICE 01.06.25 585000 City Council President Marc Silvestri said what was troubling about the proposed change and the opposition to it was the implication that a Revere Police Offi cer couldn’t leave and succeed in another city. “I don’t think that’s right,” said Silvestri, who asked if the criteria for being appointed chief could be reviewed and changed. Keefe said it could but the council didn’t want to go in that direction, voting 9-0 to reject the mayor’s request. Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky voted present and Councillor-at-Large Michelle Kelley was absent. Revere
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