Mayor Dan Rivera and Lawrence Police Chief Roy Vasque announce the promotion of the first Latino Captain in the history of the Lawrence Police Department. Captain Maurice Aguiler, a 22-year veteran of the Lawrence Police Department, was sworn in last week in a small ceremony at the Mayor’s Office in City Hall. This historic promotion comes as a result of the collaboration between Mayor Rivera and Chief Vasque to create a Police Department that is more representative of the City’s population as a whole and throughout the ranks. The diversification of the Lawrence Police Department has been a main priority and today, for the first time ever, the Lawrence Police Department is majority-minority department. Mayor Rivera also promoted Sergeant Ariel Montas to Lieutenant, making the two promotions the latest move in the City’s dedication to not only diversify the rank and file but also the top echelon of the police force.
“It’s fitting that in the month that we celebrate Hispanic Heritage we also have promoted the department’s first Latino Captain,” says Mayor Dan Rivera. “Our commitment since day one has been to bring the police closer to the community and the diversity of the department is one of our key strategies, and when we say diversity we mean diversity from patrol all the way up to the command staff. We are proud of the work of these two highly qualified police officers who both scored higher on their respective promotional exams and assessments than any other officer. We celebrate their dedication and wish them well in their new leadership positions.”
“Both Captain Aguiler and Lieutenant Montas bring a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience to their new roles and will continue to be huge assets to the Lawrence Police Department.” Said Chief Roy Vasque. “Their ties to the Lawrence community cannot be understated and will serve them well in their ability to bring residents and police officers closer.”
It is with great honor and pride that we promote the following officers (full bios at end of press release):
Lieutenant Maurice Aguiler to Police Captain – A 22 year LPD veteran - Police Executive Research Forum-Senior Management graduate, member Massachusetts Bar Association, US Air Force Veteran of Persian Gulf War, his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from UMass Lowell; Juris Doctorate from Massachusetts School of Law, His awards include Officer of the Year Exchange Club 2016, 2 Lifesaving medals, 2 Medals of Valor. Captain Aguiler earned the top score on both the written promotional exam as well as the assessment center evaluation.
Sergeant Ariel Montas to Police Lieutenant - A 12 year LPD veteran, MA Army National Guard veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards include Lifesaving Medal and Medal of Valor. He has served in the patrol division, in Special Operations as a Motorcycle Officer and as a Field Training Officer. Lieutenant Montas earned the top score on both the written promotional exam as well as the assessment center evaluation.
Full Officer Bios:
Captain Aguiler is a 22-year veteran of the Lawrence Police Department and Lawrence resident. After graduating Lawrence High School, he served in the United States Air Force and is a Veteran of the Persian Gulf War. He later obtained his Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Northern Essex Community College, his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts – Lowell, and Juris Doctor from the Massachusetts School of Law. He has been a member in good standing of the Massachusetts Bar Association, since 2017.
Prior to being sworn in at the LPD, Sgt. Aguiler was a sworn Deputy Sherriff for 8 years and served in both the correctional facilities and on a specially designated warrant apprehension team dedicated to the City of Lawrence.
Maurice serves as Lawrence Police Department’s Executive Officer to Chief Roy P. Vasque, collaborating and advising on organizational matters including: Public Relations, Community Policing and Engagement; and several operational matters such as the anticipated implementation of the department’s Body Worn Camera program and the design and construction of the new Lawrence Police Department facility.
Maurice is a graduate of the FBI LEEDA Trilogy Program, the Senior Management Police Institute’s Police Executive Research Forum, and several executive leadership courses including the current Lawrence Partnership Organization’s Executive Leadership Development Program, hosted by Harvard Business School.
Throughout his career, Maurice has received several commendations and awards including Lawrence Exchange Club’s Officer of the Year Award, two Life Saving with Valor Awards, and the Medal of Valor.
Captain Maurice Aguiler is the new commander of Lawrence Police Department’s Bureau of Special Investigations and Community Policing Divisions.
Lieutenant Montas is a 12-year Veteran of the Lawrence Police Department. During his tenure on the LPD Officer Montas has served in the patrol division, in Special Operations as a Motorcycle Officer, as a Field Training Officer and most recently as a Sergeant within the patrol division. Lieutenant Montas has been recognized on several occasions for departmental citations relating to valor and lifesaving.
Lieutenant Montas, a native of the Dominican Republic, served in the Army National Guard for 8 years earning his United States citizenship and is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lieutenant Montas is committed in providing Lawrence residents with exceptional police services. Lieutenant Montas is extremely proud of the work he does on a daily basis on behalf of the citizenry.