By Beth David, Editor
An emotional Lt. David Sobral signed off to “all cars and stations” surrounded by familiy, friends and colleagues at the Fairhaven Police Department, where he has served for 41 years.
Starting in 1983 at the tender age of 22 as a full time officer in Fairhaven, Lt. Sobral served as patrol officer, evening supervisor, training officer, and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. He leaves as a respected officer with a legacy of hard work. There are few residents of Fairhaven, or even drivers, who have not seen him working a detail.
Some joked that he might not actually leave and might be working a detail as they waited for him on Monday, 1/6/25.
“Lt. Sobral, you have served the Town of Fairhaven with integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment,” said his colleague over the radio. “Your leadership, expertise, and service will be missed, but your legacy will remain part of this department and this town forever.”
For this part, an emotional Lt. Sobral choked out the words of his farewell, “signing off for the last time.”
“Thank you very much for all your help and assistance over the years,” he said. “And it’s an honor to have worked with all of you.”
Police Chief Daniel Dorgan joked that he was six months old when Lt. Sobral started as a patrol officer in Fairhaven. He was the first sergeant for a young Officer Dorgan.
Chief Dorgan said one could question Lt. Sobral’s dedication and he was different breed.
Chief Dorgan presented Lt. Sobral with his retirement badge and plaque.
Rep. Mark Sylvia, who was just elected to the Mass. House of Representatives for the first time, presented a citation to Lt. Sobral.
Mr. Sylvia noted that a citation from the state house means a different thing than a citation from the police. As Town Moderator, he said he worked with Lt. Sobral for years at Town Meeting, and it was his first official act as a representative to give the citation. He also gave Lt. Sobral a flag that flew over the state house on that day.
“I would love to see him try to relax,” said Lt. Sobral’s wife, Tammy, adding she was not sure it’s possible.
“I’m excited, happy, emotional, sad,” said Lt. Sobral, noting that for four decades he did the job. “But I enjoyed every bit of it.”
He said it’s time for the new, young guys to take over.
“I hope I left a legacy to do the job the way it should be done,” he said, adding the department has a lot of good people. “It was a pleasure working with all of them.”
Any advice for someone considering police work as a career?
“It’s a great job,” said Lt. Sobral. “It’s changed a lot, but it’s still a great job. It’s about public safety. I would do it again.”
Two of Mr. Sobral’s three sons became police officers and both are currently state troopers.
Matthew, who started with the Fairhaven PD, said it was a “proud day.”
He grew up idolizing his father, he said.
“I think we all did. Two of his three sons followed in his footsteps,” said Matthew.
He said his father was the “ideal role model with shoes they can never fill.
“But we try,” he said. “I watched him work harder than any man I know. He taught us that family is number 1. You take care of family. He represents that more than anyone.”
Nathan Sobral, who is a steel worker, said his father “gave his all to this place.”
“He loved being a cop,” said Nathan, adding it was sad that part of his life was ending. “But he has a long life to live.”
“I’m happy for him,” said Nathan. “He had a great career. He’s a great father.”
Chris Sobral also became a state trooper. He said he felt proud.
“He was always someone I looked up to,” said Chris. “He’s why I also decided to put on the badge also. He’s a role model. I always looked up to him.”
The event inculded the obligatory cake, lots of other goodies, and many hugs and stories.
Sources say Lt. Sobral, ret., will be out and about working details until the law prevents him from doing so.
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- Fairhaven Police Chief Daniel Dorgan (RIGHT), asks for the last call for Retiring Lt. David Sobral (LEFT), who starts to get a little emotional at an event celebrating his retirement at the Fairhaven PD on 1/6/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- State Representative Mark Sylvia presents retired Fairhaven Police lieutenant, David Sobral, with a citation from the Mass. House of Representatives at an event celebrating his retirement at the Fairhaven PD on 1/6/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- Retired Fairhaven Police lieutenant, David Sobral, holds up the plaque he received from the Fairhaven Police Department at an event celebrating his retirement at the Fairhaven PD on 1/6/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- Retired Fairhaven Police lieutenant, David Sobral, (LEFT) and his son Matthew, install his name on the wall of name tags of retired Fairhaven police officers at an event celebrating his retirement at the Fairhaven PD on 1/6/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- Retired Fairhaven Police lieutenant, David Sobral, celebrates his retirement with his wife, sons, and granddaughter, at an event at the Fairhaven PD on 1/6/25. L-R: Tammy Sobral, David, Matthew holding his daughter, Chris, Nathan. Photo by Beth David.
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