DEA agent selected as police chief
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~Photo by Andrew Firestone

By George P. Hassett

Thomas Pasquarello, a regional director with the Drug Enforcement Agency, was selected this week to be the city’s police chief by Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone.

Curtatone selected Pasquarello, a Cambridge native, over three other finalists, including acting Police Chief Michael Cabral.

Cabral will return to his deputy chief position when Pasquarello starts his tenure in 90 days.

Pasquarello’s salary will be $185,000 per year with a five-year contract, subject to Board of Aldermen confirmation.

He follows former chief Anthony Holloway, who left the job two years into a three year contract to return as chief of his hometown police department in Clearwater, Florida. Unlike Holloway’s contract, if Pasquarello resigns before his tenure is completed, he must pay the city back for relocation and search consultant fees, about $28,500.

“I wanted Pasquarello to stay here long-term,” Curtatone said.

Pasquarello, a Cambridge native, has 30 years experience in law enforcement. As the DEA Agent in Charge for Connecticut and Rhode Island he dismantled violent criminal factions and gang operations in cities such as Providence, Hartford and New Haven. He also is conversant in Spanish, Italian, French and Thai.

“Somerville has a multi-cultural mix of people that makes it a global city and I believe my global experience will be a good fit,” Pasquarello said in a prepared statement. “I thank Mayor Curtatone and all of the good people involved with the Police Chief search process for giving me the opportunity to bring the experience I’ve gained back to the area of the world where my heart truly lies. Somerville has hit its stride as a great city and I am thrilled to become a part of that.”

Cabral, a graduate of Somerville High School and a visible figure at community events, enjoyed some support as the hometown candidate. However, Curtatone, who appointed Holloway over acting chief Robert Bradley in 2007, said, “This wasn’t a popularity contest. [Pasquarello] has world experience and local experience.”

Cabral will continue as acting chief for at least 90 days until Pasquarello can start.

“I want to thank Acting Chief Cabral and the department for the outstanding work of all involved during the Police Chief search process,” Curtatone said. “The department has capably responded to a number of crises in recent months, including the flooding of our Public Safety Building, and it serves as a testament to the quality and commitment of the people who will be serving under the new Chief. In particular, Michael Cabral demonstrated his professionalism despite being in the awkward situation of not knowing who the next Chief would be. He put the department first, which speaks volumes about his character.”

Pasquarello said an initial goal is to build on community and police relations.

“My philosophy is that every officer within every branch of the police department must be an emissary of community policing,” Pasquarello said. “It builds the foundation of trust between the community and the police.”