Somerville Detective, Shot In Line Of Duty, Retires

Somerville Det. Mario Oliveira was shot five times while executing a search warrant on Nov. 2, 2010. He retired from the department, effective March 1. 

S.P.D.,

I hope this email finds you well. I am sending you this letter to thank you all and to make you aware that I will be officially retired as of March 1, 2014 with special legislation.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mayor Joe Curtatone, the Board of Aldermen, Senator Pat Jehlan, State Representative Denise Provost and Senator Ken Donnelly - who all worked tirelessly writing and passing the special legislation that was signed by Governor Deval Patrick. A heartfelt thank you to the citizens of Somerville who stood by my family and I. The citizens of Somerville, including young students, sent me letters, cards and called with well wishes. My family and I are forever grateful and will never forget such acts of kindness and compassion.

I also want to thank Interim Chief Charles Femino, Deputy Chief Fallon, and Retired Deputy Chief Paul Upton, for keeping in constant contact with me throughout the past year. I want to thank my Union President Mike McGrath for being a great listener, assisting me throughout my recovery and retirement paperwork. It was a rough year for me and my family to say the least.  Not knowing my future took a toll on me mentally. These men showed me the true meaning of compassion, not just because they are my work colleagues, it was because they truly cared and are genuinely good hearted and family men. They kept me going when my spirits were down and was sitting around not knowing what the future would hold with my retirement. I also want to thank all of my brothers and sisters from the SPD who called or texted periodically to check on me and my family. The constant phone calls meant SO MUCH to me, you don’t even know….

I couldn’t leave without publicly thanking my heroes that saved my life on November 2, 2010. These officers will always have a special place in my heart.

Thank you to Lt. Jerry Reardon, Sergeant Joe McCain, Detective Ernie Nadile and Detective Mike Kiely. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for your heroism on that night. I am forever indebted to you all.

I especially want to publicly recognize and thank Deputy Chief Mike Cabral, who was the acting Chief of Police on the evening I almost made the ultimate sacrifice. Deputy Chief Cabral raced to the hospital immediately upon learning that I was shot and in critical condition. He immediately took control and made sure that my family was taken care of. He met with the hundreds of police officers who came to the Massachusetts General hospital and comforted my family and friends. He and Mayor Curtatone came to the hospital everyday to visit with me and my family. He even organized an unbelievable escort of Somerville police motorcycles and cruisers to take me home when I was released from the hospital. Deputy Chief Cabral has been by my side at every awards ceremony, including the Massachusetts State House and in Washington, D.C. 

In closing, I know being a police officer has its ups and downs. You see things during your careers that most people will never see in two lifetimes, and it comes with a heavy price. Please remember that your life can be taken from you at any time.  Cherish your families, be grateful for the opportunity you’ve been given to protect and serve the great community of Somerville. Always wear your uniform proudly.  Don’t sweat the small stuff that goes on at work and remember family comes first.  We as police officers deal with so much negativity with work that we lose sight of what really is important in our lives. Please take care of yourselves and each other. I am proud to have served the Somerville community with each one of you and thank you for always having my back when I needed it. I am thankful for all the fond memories we've made throughout the last 15 years. In my heart, I'll always remain a proud Somerville Police Officer. God Bless you all. I pray that each of you make it home safely to your families at the end of every shift. 

Respectfully,