PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The new district attorney has taken office.

 

Paul Caccaviello was sworn into the position Thursday after being appointed by Gov. Charlie Baker to fill the role being vacated by David Capeless. 

 

"It is now my turn to step aside but I assure you I leave you in safe and sturdy hands," Capeless said.

 

Capeless is retiring and has opted not to finish out his term, but instead, pass the reins over to his first assistant -- a move that has faced a fair amount of criticism since it was announced two weeks ago.

 

Caccaviello took his oath of office in front Judge John Agostini, while dozens of supporters watched from the gallery.

 

The Dalton resident reflected on his days as an intern for the office in the 1980s to when he was hired as an assistant in 1989, to the last 14 years being the first assistant.

 

"I will continue to look back and draw on my experience and the lessons learned in these 28 years to lead this office to know and recognize the difference between a hardened criminal, the sinner, the evildoer, or simply a wrongdoing. Those are distinctions not easily defined perhaps but years of experience make them more recognizable and needs to be treated accordingly," Caccaviello said.

 

Now district attorney, Caccaviello said his office will know when to use compassion and when to prescribe the consequences.

 

"Under my administration, each case will continue to be looked at in a way that acknowledges and respects both principles," he said.

 

And he promised to continue the preventative programs, such as having staff in the schools teaching students about internet safety, bullying, life skills, and more. The office will continue its partnership in providing resources to communities and with the Triad program, he said. 

 

At the same time, Caccaviello praised the collaborations the office has with local law enforcement agencies. He promised to continue those efforts to be vigilant of those in the community who are introducing narcotics and illegal firearms, preying upon innocent victims, and committing violent acts.

 

"Be assured that the good work of this office will continue today and beyond with collaboration, integrity, and professionalism will continue to be hallmarks of this office on all fronts -- holding the guilty accountable, being the voice of the victims," Caccaviello said.

 

Overall, he promised a continuum of service, carrying forward with much of the work Capeless had been doing over the last 14 years.

 

"I am honored and I am humbled to maintain continuity of service to our communities in the name of public safety," Caccaviello said.

 

The 53-year-old was born in Pittsfield, graduated from Berkshire Community College, North Adams State College, and Western New England College School of Law. He was hired as an assistant district attorney in 1989 by then-District Attorney Anthony Ruberto Jr. He has worked under four different district attorneys in that office since then.

 

Capeless appointed him to the first assistant job in 2004.

 

"Paul Caccaviello has demonstrated that he is a man of integrity and commitment, a commitment not just to the rules of law but to the responsibility of doing the right thing and doing it for the right reasons," Capeless said.

 

Sheriff Thomas Bowler served as master of ceremonies and praised the work Capeless had done on the job.

 

"I worked side by side with you for 28 years. We are all enormously grateful to those years you dedicated yourself to protect and serve the community in the last 14 years as district attorney. You served with dignity, integrity, and you served honorably," Bowler said, calling Capeless a "true leader in law enforcement."