By William Tauro

Our hearts and prayers go out to former Somerville Police Officer Mario Oliveira who has been hospitalized on Tuesday evening after suffering a massive stroke.

Mario is a well liked and very popular individual in the city of Somerville especially during his mary years on the Somerville Police Department.

In November 2010, Somerville Police Officer Mario Oliveira was shot multiple times as he served an arrest warrant on Gibbens Street at about 6:40 p.m. with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. Officer Oliveira was immediately transported to the Massachusetts General Hospital and was in serious condition.
The man, who shot Officer Oliveira, was struck by return fire and transported to the Somerville Hospital where he was pronounced dead. He has been identified as Matthew Krister, 21, of Somerville.
A statement from the city said the suspect, who has not been identified, opened fire on officers immediately and police returned gunshots. Oliveira was hit by bullets in the stomach, hand and shoulder.
The suspect was shot and killed during the exchange, according to the District Attorney’s office who are investigating the shooting.
Mayor Joe Curtatone, Acting Police Chief Mike Cabral and more than three dozen law enforcement officers gathered at the hospital Tuesday night as Oliveira underwent surgery.
Curtatone said the wounded officer is “one of the top officers on the force.”
“He is a great person and a great officer,” Curtatone said. “We’re holding a vigil here and hoping he makes it through.”
Officer Mario Oliveira was named Somerville Police Officer of the Year in 2005 and was one of the most decorated officers in the department at that time.
After being discharged earlier later that month from Massachusetts General Hospital for multiple gun shot wounds, Somerville Police Detective Mario Oliveira upon arrival to his home in Billerica via police motorcade was rushed directly back to Massachusetts General Hospital.
City spokeswoman Jackie Rossetti said Oliveira’s sutures became loose and he returned to the hospital. Oliveira has been re-sutured and sent home by doctors said Jackie Rossetti.
Back on March 17th, 2011, dozens of the Somerville business community members joined President Frank Wright and the Somerville Kiwanis Club as they hosted their Somerville Kiwanis Annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon at the Somerville Holiday Inn.
The banquet room was filled with St. Patrick’s Day decor, Irish music, Irish jokes and the fine aroma of corned beef and cabbage as it was being served to the singing crowd.
Massachusetts Assistant Attorney General Gabriel O’Malley was the guest speaker at the well attended event. O’Malley recently wrote and spoke about an article published in the December 19, 2010 Boston Globe titled Romantic Ireland: Is it Dead and Gone or On Its Way Back?
The Kiwanis took this opportunity to honor Somerville Police Detective Mario Oliveira and present him a $10,000 check that was donated by Paul Collyer of BA Event Promotions.
In his presentation, Collyer told the crowd “Detective Oliveira was shot five times in the line of duty in November of 2010. Today he is here for us so we can all personally thank him for his bravery, dedication and numerous contributions to the City of Somerville. Mario is a ten-year veteran of the Somerville Police Department with numerous awards including Officer of the Year in 2005.
Detective Oliveira’s wife Christy, his parents Margaret and Humberto Oliveira, his brother John, Somerville Police Chief Thomas Pasquarello, Deputy Chief Michael Cabral and Alderman-at-Large and Kiwanian Jack Connolly were all in attendance.
Mario announced to the crowd that day that he would return back to work on that following Monday.
Then in July 2013, the recognized hero police detective awaited pention approval from state legislature which eventually happened.
On March 1st, 2014, Mario Oliveira issued the following statement:
“Well it’s with mixed emotions that I post this. As of today , I am officially retired from SPD.
I made a valiant effort to return to duty after the shooting incident. My mind was on board but my body wasn’t.
I am proud to have served with the many great brothers and sisters on SPD and departments all around Boston including Federal agencies.
Thank you to all that had my back during serious calls and thank you for all the funny and fond moments we shared.
I hope that all Law Enforcement officers make it home to their loving families at the end of every tour of duty!

God Bless and in my heart I’ll always be a Somerville Police Officer!
Mario Oliveira”

We here at the Somerville News Weekly wish him all the very best for a speedy recovery.

Bottom photos:

Photo 1) Somerville Police Officer Mario Oliveira was awarded a citation for the police officer of the year in 2005. With Alderman Dennis Sullivan in photo.

Photo 2)
Kiwanis President Frank Wright, BA Event Promotions Paul Collyer, Det Mario Oliveira and Alderman Jack Connolly. – Photo by William Tauro

Photo 3)
Mayor Joseph Curtatone at MGH press conference day after shooting.