A Saugus police officer from a legacy lawman’s family gets lieutenant’s promotion

Fred Forni, a third generation Saugus Police officer, was recently promoted to lieutenant. Forni is a 27-year veteran of the department, serving the last decade as a sergeant.

Law enforcement runs deep in the Forni family. Lt. Forni’s father – the late Frederick Louis Forni – served for 11 years as a patrolman. His career as a cop was cut short in 1969 when he was seriously wounded in a gun battle with three armed robbers that claimed the life of Saugus Officer Augustine Belmonte. Patrolman Forni died in August 2021 – 52 years later – from complications of his gunshot wound to the chest.

The new lieutenant is the grandson of the late Frederick Forni, who served as Saugus Police Chief from 1963 to 1978. He was in charge when his son suffered the career-ending bullet wound.

Saugus Police Detective Stacey Forni is married to Lt. Forni. She was hired by the Police Department in 1995 and worked as a patrolman until 2013 when she was assigned to a detective position. She specializes in handling domestic assault and domestic violence cases. The Fornis have two children.

Lt. Forni’s brother, Michael, is a trooper with the Massachusetts State Police.