On Jan 29, 2026, Governor Healey signed the bill that moves the Fall River Police Chief position from a contract position to civil service with a contract.
The change request originated in May of 2025 when current Fall River Police Department Chief Kelly Furtado was appointed to a 1-year contract. The Fall River City Council voted down a 3-year contract for Furtado but agreed to a 1-year contract in return for a home rule petition to make the police chief position civil service in the future. This bill is a result of that.
Chief Furtado’s contract expires on May 13, 2026 leaving the mayor and city council three months to address the issue. It’s uncertain if Furtado qualifies for civil service as she doesn’t meet the educational requirements of a college degree…