Page 2 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2025 CHIEF OF POLICE | FROM Page 1 she has served as Commander of the Criminal Investigation Division and led investigations for the major case unit, drug and gang unit, and evidence room. She also conducted internal aff airs investigations. LaVita grew up in Revere and graduated from Revere High School in 1992. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fitchburg State College and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Western New England College, and in 2007 she earned her law degree from New England Law Boston, having graduated Magna Cum Laude. The council had a few questions for LaVita, but mostly they, as Councillor-at-Large Juan Pablo Jaramillo said, tossed fl owers her way. Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna asked LaVita what she has brought to the police department since she was named interim chief after former Chief David Callahan resigned on June 30. Lavita said she has been able to share her vision for the department, adding “staffing is one of my biggest priorities.” She wants everyone in the department to get involved with recruitment and to talk to locals about taking the exam. Lavita also said open communication is an essential element of her managerial style. “My phone is always Councillor-at-Large Robert Haas echoed the congratulations and warm wishes and, like fellow councillors, he told Lavita he thinks she will do a fantastic job. Maria LaVita Chief of Police Mid-grade Regular 2.83 3.35 3.49 $3.47 Over 47 Years of Excellence! 1978 - 2025 ULS Full Service $2.99 Order online at angelosoil.com on. I try to give explanations for directives and get feedback from those who matter,” she said. Councillor-at-Large Michelle Kelley and Ward 5 Councillor Angela GuarinoSawaya both said they had positive experiences with LaVita while she was acting chief. Guarino-Sawaya, who worked with Lavita during a blood drive, said she recognized she was a great leader because of her ability to listen — to everyone. “I love this,” said Ward 6 Councillor and retired Revere Police Sergeant Chris Giannino. “I love the direction the department is taking. I’m loving the new leadership that is moving up. It’s all good. It’s what we need right now.” Jaramillo asked Lavita about her vision of the ongoing mental health crisis and problems with substance abuse disorders. “Because of my background in psychology, I come at this diff erently than other law enforcement offi cials,” she said. Lavita is interested in collaborating with other programs and services and keeping people who shouldn’t be in the criminal justice system out of court. Jaramillo also asked Lavita about her ideas on due process, which ensures individuals are treated fairly and rights are respected. “Democracy doesn’t work without it,” said LaVita. “That’s the way the courts look at it, and I support that.” Ward 3 Councillor Anthony Cogliandro warned Lavita about telling the council her phone is always on, and said he was glad to hear that she delegated responsibility. City Council President Marc Silvestri told Lavita he knows the men and women on the police force are, like the council and the community, excited to see her take over as chief. Classes of 1965 and 1966 Reunions Oct. 12 T he High School Class Reunion for the classes from Revere High School and Immaculate Conception High School 1965 and 1966 are in the works. They are joining together to celebrate their Class Reunions. The event will be held at the Casa Lucia Function Hall, Lucia Avenue, Revere, Mass., on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. The cost for the evening is $85.00. If you use VENMO, the cost is $88.00 per person. Reservations are required. We plan an evening of memories, renewal of acquaintances (and whatever) and lots of fun. For further information and/or if you wish to assist in our eff orts, contact us at rhsclassof65@yahoo.com. We want to catch up on your lives and keep in touch with you. Hope you can make it. We are searching for classmates from Revere High School and Immaculate Conception Classes graduating in 1965 and 1966. Your Reunion Committee RevereTV Spotlight T he 2025 Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival was last weekend, and RevereTV worked hard to get out daily updates on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube throughout the competition. The awards ceremony streamed live on RevereTV on Saturday night and is now replaying on the Community Channel. Check it out now to get a look at all of the fi nished sculptures and see who won! You can also fi nd a video compilation of this year’s daily competition updates playing on television. To continue the summer spirit of this festival for a few more weeks, RTV will also air coverage of comRevereTV | SEE Page 21 FLEET CARD Check Out Our LOW PRICES!
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