PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The city has a new police chief in Marc Maddalena, a more than 25-year member of the force and head of its traffic unit. 

 

Mayor Peter Marchetti announced the appointment in Council chambers on Wednesday morning, describing Maddalena as a valued member of the department, well-respected by his colleagues, and a dedicated public servant.  Maddalena has been a member of the force since 1998. 

 

"As a lifelong resident of Pittsfield, Marc knows what challenges our community faces, and is ready to lead the department into their next chapter," Marchetti said to a chamber crowded with officers and community members.

 

"Policing is always evolving, and I know Marc has a willingness to consider new ideas and learn from others. Marc is ready to lead this department, and I'm honored he has accepted his position. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I know together, we can accomplish great things." 

 

Maddalena, a lifelong Pittsfield resident, said he is proud to serve the community that has given him so much.  As he begins this role, which is "quite frankly, my final chapter in law enforcement," Maddalena said his priority is to listen, learn, and work with city staff and the community to continue to strengthen trust and support. 

 

"We've built a strong foundation in the past with previous leaders of this department," he said. 

 

"That's my intent to continue to build off of that foundation going forward, and continue to grow in this department, in this community, and to maintain, hopefully, the feeling of safety, and continue to have that feeling grow stronger and stronger, as well as quality of life within the city of Pittsfield, not just for all of us, but for all our children." 

 

The new chief said policing has gotten more challenging since he started in the 1990s. Early priorities are to continue supporting police and civilian staff, recognizing that increased morale is reflected in interactions with the community, and to serve in a way that makes everyone proud. 

 

"We want to continue to have that feeling of safety in our community when people come here, and for people to at least have an idea or belief that we're trying to increase the quality of life," he said. 

 

District Attorney Timothy Shugrue could not think of anyone better for the position, noting that Maddalena is fair, compassionate, and "the kind of person that we need in this community." He recalled working with the department over this term to solve difficult cases such as murders, saying, "a lot happened." 

 

Shugrue said the department is in good hands and that the detective bureau is second to none. He is proud of guns and drugs that were taken off the streets in the last few years, as well as the organized retail crime that police cracked down on. 

 

"It's proof in the pudding. They solve cases quickly, they get convictions, and they've worked hard on some very, very difficult cases in the last few years and I'm very proud of the work of the Pittsfield Police Department, so you're getting a good crew, and I couldn't be any more excited to have you as the next chief of police," he said. 

 

"You are the face of this community. You are the face of Pittsfield. This job brings a lot of responsibility, not only as the chief of Pittsfield, but because of what we do with our Law Enforcement Task Force; you're going to be present throughout the whole county." 

 

Maddalena replaces Police Chief Thomas Dawley, who retired last year after 24 years with the Pittsfield force and as chief for the last few. Capt. Marc Strout led the department in the interim. Dawley applauded Maddalena's appointment from the audience. 

 

The new chief has formerly served as a patrol officer, sergeant, and lieutenant, and has completed more than 240 hours as a fully accredited traffic accident reconstructionist. 

 

Marchetti said Maddalena is the go-to person for anything traffic safety and enforcement-related, and worked with city staff to implement traffic-calming measures that make roads safer for pedestrians and motorists. He has also was a liaison for the Licensing Board, Traffic Commission, and Taxicab Commission, and coordinated the implementation of a drone program. 

 

The mayor had said last week he'd offered the post to a candidate. He'd been awaiting the results of the Civil Service exam; in Pittsfield, Maddalena was listed second to Capt. John Murphy, who was first offered the post.

 

"I went to the No. 1 person and said, 'The job is yours. Do you want it?' And the response was, there have been some personal life changes that have taken place, and they declined the offer," the mayor said. 

 

Jason Cuyler, executive director of Second Street Second Chances, extended congratulations from Sheriff Thomas Bowler's office. He explained that a strong partnership between agencies is essential to public safety. 

 

"I just want to say from the heart, the community that we reside in here is a really special place. It's a special place when the mayor's office, the district attorney's office, and the sheriff's office work collaboratively to keep the men and women safe in this community," he said. 

 

"And we couldn't be more pleased to have someone at the helm of the Pittsfield Police Department that's put in the time."