Mayor Melinda E. Barrett made official Friday afternoon the appointment of Meaghan Paré as deputy of the Haverhill police department, the first woman to hold the job.
Then-Capt. Paré was named acting deputy last October as Barrett ordered an investigation into “operations, policies and practices” after the Haverhill Police Patrolmen’s Association and the Haverhill Superior and Executive Officers Union raised concerns. She is scheduled to be formally sworn in Tuesday morning.
“Deputy Chief Paré has been an exceptional leader during her distinguished career with Haverhill Police. In the last year she and Chief Wayne Tracy have led the Police Department, during its most challenging time, with integrity and transparency while exhibiting a calm demeanor that was desperately needed. I look forward to working with them and the Haverhill Police Department towards continued advancements and improvements in modern policing, transparency and building public trust,” Barrett said.
As WHAV reported in July, an agreement with Deputy Police Chief Stephen J. Doherty Jr. allows Barrett to appoint a new deputy even as Doherty stays on the payroll until the end of March.
In a statement, Paré expressed her thanks.
“I want to sincerely thank Mayor Barrett and Chief Tracy for this opportunity and for their confidence in me. I am equally grateful to the men and women of the Haverhill Police Department whom I am so proud to serve alongside. It is a privilege to work with such dedicated professionals who work tirelessly each day to serve and protect our community,” she said.
She also thanked her husband Scott, father Kevin and entire family for their “endless support, sacrifices, encouragement”
At the same time, the new deputy pledged to “ensure our officers have the support, resources, and tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively, while providing the exceptional service the City of Haverhill deserves.”
Tracy, himself named acting chief during the same upheaval last fall and appointed permanent chief last June, praised Paré.
“Having served as acting deputy chief for nearly a year, Deputy Chief Paré has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism and dedication to our department and community. She is highly qualified, has earned the respect of our officers and has had a long and distinguished career,” he said.