Mayor Mitchell Appoints David Lizotte Acting Chief of Police

Today, Mayor Jon Mitchell took the official step of appointing Deputy Police Chief David Lizotte as Acting Chief of the New Bedford Police Department, following the unexpected death of Police Chief David A. Provencher last week.

Deputy Lizotte, a 32-year veteran of the force, began his career in New Bedford in 1983, serving as a uniform patrol officer for the next ten years. In 1994 he achieved the rank of Sergeant; in 1998, Lieutenant; and in 2010, he attained the rank of Captain, serving as the Station 3 Division Commander.

Over the course of his career, Lizotte also served as Commander of the Detectives Division and as Commander of the Narcotics Division. In 2011 Lizotte was appointed Deputy Chief and has served in that role until the present day.

“Dave Lizotte has had a long and exemplary career in the New Bedford Police Department, including the last four years as Deputy Chief. I have the utmost confidence that he will effectively lead the department through this transition period,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell.

“I am committed to ensuring that the high standards and effectiveness of the New Bedford Police Department established under Chief Provencher continue,” said Acting Chief Lizotte.

Acting Chief Lizotte, age 54, is married with three children. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement from Western New England College.

Details regarding the process to select a permanent Chief of Police will be announced in January 2016.