FITCHBURG — In a unanimous decision on Tuesday, the Fitchburg City Council confirmed Captain Steven Giannini as the city’s next chief of police. He will take over for Chief Ernest Martineau who is retiring at the end of the month.
The appointment comes after some public contention over Mayor Sam Squailia’s choice of Giannini over Capt. Chris Garcia, who was the fist choice of the search committee.
Nevertheless, City Council President Anthony Zarrella said during the meeting that he has “total confidence” that Gianni “will lead the department to continued success.”
Mayor Squailia praised Giannini’s qualifications, highlighting his “breadth of experience, depth of knowledge, and effective communication and decision making under pressure.” She added, “His core beliefs—accountability, integrity, and transparency—resonate not only with myself but with the desires of our citizens for fostering trust between the community and the police department.”
Capt. Garcia and Chief Martineau both supported Giannini’s nomination during the meeting.
“Capt. Giannini’s not only a coworker but he’s a good friend,” Garcia said. “And he’s more than qualified to do this job. I look forward to you appointing him this evening, and I have the utmost respect and confidence that we’re gonna move forward with him.”
Giannini, with nearly thirty years of law enforcement experience and almost ten years as a captain at the Fitchburg Police Department, will officially start his tenure on February 1, 2025. His leadership period is slated until January 31, 2028.
Additional Council Actions: In addition to Giannini’s nomination, during Tuesday’s meeting, the council also approved a grant of $30,000 from the Mass DEP fiscal 2025 Sustainable Material Recovery Recycling Program to enhance recycling efforts in the city. These funds aim to boost the efficiency of curbside and drop-off waste systems through targeted policies and programs.
Another grant of $19,287 from the Department of Justice Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) was sanctioned to support the city’s community policing strategies; the grant for strengthening community policing efforts in the City of Fitchburg.
Additionally, the council approved a fiscal order, which transferred $75,000 from the Police Personal Services – Patrolmen account to the Police Detail Escrow fund.
The meeting also included a discussion on renaming the Legislative Building “The Ronald B. Ingemie Legislative Building,” after receiving a petition from Jeffrey Bean.
The Fitchburg City Council’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 7 p.m.
