By Theresa Knapp 

At its meeting on Jan. 12, the Hopedale Select Board appointed Lieutenant Ricardo Lima as successor to current Police Chief Mark Giovanella who will retire later this year. 

In a letter of recommendation to the board dated Dec. 29, Chief Giovanella said, “Throughout the interview, Lieutenant Lima’s responses reflected strong leadership, sound management judgment, and confidence. He articulated clear priorities, demonstrated a practical understanding of day-to-day operations and long-term planning, and presented as a steady, accountable leader prepared to guide the department through continued professional growth and service to the community.” 

In a Jan. 2 memo to the board, Town Administrator Mitch Ruscitti submitted Lima as the top candidate and noted that there were “fewer than three qualified candidates” who applied for the position. 

At the Jan. 12 Select Board meeting, Chief Giovanella said that, when he retires, Lt. Lima will step into the role but, until then, Lt. Lima will be training alongside him, and working to meet the requirements necessary for the job. 

“This isn’t a job you just get to walk into,” said Chief Giovanella. “We’re going to be working hand to hand so the transition is going to be smooth.”

Before making the motion to appoint Lt. Lima, Select Board member Bernie Stock said he had worked with many police chiefs in his career. “Mark, I have to say that I think you’ve been the best. And I think one of the things that I’ve admired the most is your ability to find good quality people…and I think this is another one of those really good recommendations.”

The motion passed unanimously, with a round of applause from the room, which included several police officers. 

Lt. Lima thanked the board and said, “These are going to be some tough shoes to fill.” He also thanked the chief, police department, fire department, his wife and children, his parents who were watching virtually from Portugal, his siblings, and his grandparents. 

He said, “When I started here, I was a 21-year-old kid, I didn’t know anything. All I knew was I was big, strong, dumb and could speak multiple languages to interact with the community, and Chief Giovanella brought me in to start my long career.” 

An effective date was not announced.