FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) -- The Fall River Police Department is losing its third chief in four years, as Mayor Paul Coogan announced Friday that Chief Paul Gauvin will step down to the rank of captain. The announcement comes as Gauvin has faced mounting criticism from rank-and-file officers, who have expressed frustration with the chief's leadership. In August, a captain filed a lawsuit against the chief and the city, alleging he was retaliated against for doing internal investigations while serving in internal affairs. "It has been an honor to serve the city of Fall River in this capacity,” Gauvin said in a statement. “However, after much reflection, I believe it’s time for change. I am proud of the progress we’ve made, but I recognize that it’s important to focus more on my family at this stage of my career." Gauvin is slated to step down as chief on Oct. 15 and assume command of the department's Major Crimes Division, according to Coogan's office. There is currently no plan to replace him, according to the mayor's office. Coogan said the personnel decision was "mutually agreed-upon," and it was reached "amicably." "Chief Gauvin has made significant contributions to the department and community turning the department around during difficult times,” Coogan said in a statement. "We are grateful for his leadership and are confident his continued service as detective captain will be a great asset to our Major Crimes Division." Fall River police leadership changes have become common in recent years. Gauvin is the third permanent chief to serve in the position since 2020, when then-Chief Albert Dupere stepped down amid a Target 12 investigation. Dupere was replaced by Jeffery Cardoza, who served as chief until he was replaced by Gauvin in 2022. Eli Sherman ([email protected]) is a Target 12 investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and on Facebook.