FITCHBURG — The City Council convened on Tuesday and, after asking a final round of questions to the candidate, unanimously confirmed Capt. Steven D. Giannini as the city’s next Chief of Police.
Giannini’s appointment follows a thorough selection process, which sparked some debate on social media platforms regarding Mayor Sam Squailia’s decision to choose Giannini over the search committee’s top pick, Capt. Chris Garcia.
However, Council President Anthony Zarrella expressed his confidence in Giannini’s ability to lead the department, stating that all three candidates were qualified to serve as chief. Giannini, who serves as captain of support services, will replace current Chief Ernest F. Martineau, who is retiring at the end of the month.
“All three were exemplary candidates for the position and I have total confidence he will lead the department to continued success,” Zarrella said in a statement.
Mayor Squailia praised Giannini, saying he “stands out for his breadth of experience, depth of knowledge, and effective communication and decision making under pressure.”
The decision to appoint Giannini came after an extensive review process, including individual professional and community assessments and interviews with Squailia.
“His core beliefs — accountability, integrity, and transparency — resonate not only with myself but with the desires of our citizens for fostering trust between the community and the Police Department,” she said.
Both Capt. Garcia and Chief Martineau spoke in support of Giannini during the meeting.
“Capt. Giannini’s not only a coworker, but he’s a good friend,” said Garcia. “And he’s more than qualified to do this job. I look forward to you appointing him this evening and I have the utmost respect and confidence that we’re gonna move forward with him.”
Giannini brings over 28 years of law enforcement experience to the role, including nearly a decade as second-in-command captain within the Fitchburg Police Department.
As Giannini prepares to take on his new role, Squailia said she was confidence in his ability to lead the department.
“His extensive experience, demonstrated leadership, and commitment to our city make him the ideal choice to guide our department forward. I am confident in his ability to lead with vision, professionalism, and integrity,” Squailia said.
Giannini’s journey in law enforcement began in 2001 when he joined the Fitchburg Police Department. With a strong educational foundation in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration from Western New England University, he quickly rose through the ranks.
Giannini take the reins on Feb. 1, 2025 as Fitchburg chief of police for a term that will expire on Jan. 31, 2028.
Other Council business
In addition to Giannini’s confirmation, the council approved the expenditure of grant funds for recycling programs and community policing efforts, authorized the mayor to execute a Memorandum of Agreement with the Fitchburg Police Union and transferred $75,000 from the Police Personal Services – Patrolmen account to the Police Detail Escrow fund.
The council approved the expenditure of grant funds from the Mass DEP fiscal 2025 Sustainable Material Recovery Recycling Program, Recycling Dividends Fund, in the amount of $30,000. These funds will be used to implement specific programs and policies to maximize reuse, recycling, and waste reduction of curbside and drop-off disposal in Fitchburg.
The council also approved the expenditure of funds from the Department of Justice Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) in the amount of $19,287 to support community policing efforts in Fitchburg.
Additionally, the council approved Order 005-25, transferring $75,000 from the Police Personal Services – Patrolmen account to the Police Detail Escrow fund. They also authorized the Mayor to execute a Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Fitchburg and the Fitchburg Police Union, as outlined in Order 006-25.
The council also received a petition from Jeffrey A. Bean, as outlined in Petition 007-25, to rename the Legislative Building “The Ronald B. Ingemie Legislative Building”. The council discussed this petition along with other routine business.
The Fitchburg City Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 at 7 p.m.