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Revere council confirms Maria Levita as police chief
Summary
The Revere City Council unanimously confirmed Captain Maria Levita as chief of the Revere Police Department after the mayor described a multi‑candidate selection process and Levita outlined staffing and behavioral‑health priorities.
The Revere City Council on a unanimous roll call confirmed Captain Maria Levita as chief of the Revere Police Department at its July meeting, affirming the mayor's interim appointment after Chief Callahan's June 30 departure.
Mayor Patrick Keith told the council he appointed Levita after a “rigorous, interview panel process” that included outside interviewers and the colonel from the Providence Police Department. Keith said four candidates were interviewed and that Levita had served in supervisory roles in Revere for decades.
Levita, who had served as interim chief since Callahan left at the end of June, told the council staffing and officer wellness are her top priorities. “We need everyone to take ownership, do some recruiting, get some people interested in sitting for the exam that are Revere residents,” she said. She said the department also recently implemented a “brand new, 4 and 4 patrol shift, with an eye toward officer wellness and a balance of work life.” She added she will emphasize “open communication” with personnel: “My phone's always on,” Levita said.
The appointment drew praise from multiple councilors, who cited Levita's long service in the department and experience leading investigations and community partnerships. Councilor McKenna noted the confirmation marked a historic milestone: Levita is the first woman to serve as chief of the Revere Police Department.
Action and vote: The council voted on a roll call: Councilor Argencio — Yes; Cogliandro — Yes; Giannino — Yes; Greeno Sawaya — Yes; Haas — Yes; Jaramillo — Yes; Kelly — Yes; McKenna — Yes; Novoselski — Yes; Zambuto — Yes; Council President Mark Silvestri — Yes. The motion to confirm the appointment carried and Levita was sworn in.
Why it matters: The confirmation gives Levita formal authority to implement staffing and program changes the department described publicly in the weeks after Chief Callahan's resignation. Levita emphasized partnerships with behavioral‑health providers and Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for officers — steps councilors said they would support.
What’s next: Councilors offered city support and asked Levita to keep them updated on recruitment, staffing levels, and expansion of crisis‑response partnerships with local providers.
