Maria LaVita named Revere Chief of Police

An attorney and proud Revere Public Schools graduate, LaVita brings decades of experience with the department

By Barbara Taormina

It’s official, the City Council unanimously and enthusiastically voted to confirm the appointment of Maria LaVita as the first female chief of police in the history of Revere.

Mayor Patrick Keefe accompanied LaVita to the City Council meeting this week. “I couldn’t be more proud and honored to present her to you,” Keefe told the council.

Keefe said Lavita was selected after a competitive interview process with four exceptionally qualified candidates. In any field, LaVita was bound to stand out.

LaVita joined the Revere Police Department in 1996 as a patrol officer. She was promoted to sergeant in 2009, lieutenant in 2017 and captain in 2021. For the past eight years, she has served as Commander of the Criminal Investigation Division and led investigations for the major case unit, drug and gang unit, and evidence room. She also conducted internal affairs investigations.

LaVita grew up in Revere and graduated from Revere High School in 1992. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fitchburg State College and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Western New England College, and in 2007 she earned her law degree from New England Law Boston, having graduated Magna Cum Laude.

The council had a few questions for LaVita, but mostly they, as Councillor-at-Large Juan Pablo Jaramillo said, tossed flowers her way.

Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna asked LaVita what she has brought to the police department since she was named interim chief after former Chief David Callahan retired on June 30. Lavita said she has been able to share her vision for the department, adding “staffing is one of my biggest priorities.” She wants everyone in the department to get involved with recruitment and to talk to locals about taking the exam.

Lavita also said open communication is an essential element of her managerial style. “My phone is always on. I try to give explanations for directives and get feedback from those who matter,” she said.

Councillor-at-Large Michelle Kelley and Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya both said they had positive experiences with LaVita while she was acting chief. Guarino-Sawaya, who worked with Lavita during a blood drive, said she recognized she was a great leader because of her ability to listen – to everyone.

“I love this,” said Ward 6 Councillor and retired Revere Police Sergeant Chris Giannino. “I love the direction the department is taking. I’m loving the new leadership that is moving up. It’s all good. It’s what we need right now.”

Councillor-at-Large Robert Haas echoed the congratulations and warm wishes and, like fellow councillors, he told Lavita he thinks she will do a fantastic job.

Jaramillo asked Lavita about her vision of the ongoing mental health crisis and problems with substance abuse disorders. “Because of my background in psychology, I come at this differently than other law enforcement officials,” she said. Lavita is interested in collaborating with other programs and services and keeping people who shouldn’t be in the criminal justice system out of court.

Jaramillo also asked Lavita about her ideas on due process, which ensures individuals are treated fairly and rights are respected. “Democracy doesn’t work without it,” said LaVita. “That’s the way the courts look at it, and I support that.”

Ward 3 Councillor Anthony Cogliandro warned Lavita about telling the council her phone is always on, and said he was glad to hear that she delegated responsibility.

City Council President Marc Silvestri told Lavita he knows the men and women on the police force are, like the council and the community, excited to see her take over as chief.