FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — The Fall River Police Department announced their interim police chief Tuesday after the former chief stepped down less than two weeks ago. Captain Kelly Furtado will fill the role for the next six months before officials decide on what to do next. She’s the first female to serve as chief for the city. “Being chosen as interim chief of police is a profound honor,” said Capt. Furtado. “Especially as the daughter, wife, and mother of a Fall River police officer.” Capt. Furtado is no stranger to the Fall River Police Department, as she started her career as a police dispatcher, climbing through the ranks to her most recent title of captain, in charge of the special operations division. Former Fall River Police Chief Paul Gauvin stepped down Sept. 27 after a series of discussions in the city. Both Gauvin and Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan agreed it was time for a new direction within the department. “He put his feelings secondary to the city,” said Coogan. “And when he made that offer, it also gave us the ample opportunity, with what had been going on in the department, to make a fresh start.” Coogan explained the turn-over rate in the city hasn’t been easy. “I am on my third fire chief, my third superintendent of schools,” said Coogan. “These are all big, high-stress, important decisions for the City of Fall River, and they’re turning over.” Capt. Furtado said she is excited to take on the new role. “This place is still running like 1968 when my father was hired,” said Furtado. “It’s still the same way. We need to reinvigorate, we need to modernize, we need to do some reorganizing to maximize our manpower issue.” Furtado will officially be sworn in as interim chief on Oct. 15. Categories: Massachusetts, News