MIDDLEBORO — Deputy Chief Robert Ferreira is serving as acting police chief following the retirement Saturday, Sept. 28 of long-time Police Chief Joseph Perkins.

Perkins began his career as a provisional police officer in Middleboro in 1999. 

He joined the Mattapoisett Police Department in 1990. From 1994 to 1999 he served as a police officer, then acting sergeant, for the Lakeville Police Department.

Perkins rejoined the Middleboro Police Department as an officer in January 2000. He became a detective in 2001 and was promoted to detective sergeant in 2009. Perkins was promoted to lieutenant in 2014 and served as head of the detective division until he was selected as the chief later that year.

During his time as chief, Perkins also served as president of the Plymouth County Chiefs of Police in 2021, a member of the Chiefs Advisory Committee for Plymouth County Outreach, an executive board member for the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police and president and an executive board member for the Southeastern Massachusetts Chiefs of Police.

 Perkins graduated from the FBI National Academy as part of Class 242 in 2010. His course of study included public speaking, conflict resolution, leadership, ethics and interpersonal communications.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to work my way up the ranks of my hometown police department and serve the Middleboro community for nearly three decades," Perkins said. "I take great pride in the profession and serving the public who puts their trust in us. I must thank the dedicated police officers I've worked with throughout the years — they are extremely committed and have been incredible to work with. There is a bright future ahead for Middleboro and its Police Department."

"We are so sad to see Joe leave, but very excited for him after his decades of incredible service to the profession and this community," Town Manager Jay McGrail said. "Joe is one of the best police chiefs I've worked with and the residents of Middleboro were extremely fortunate for his leadership."

 Select Board Chair Mark Germain also praised Perkins. "I'm truly grateful for the relationship that Joe and I have shared over the years, both personally and professionally," Germain said. "While we are disappointed that he is leaving, we all wish him nothing but the best in retirement."

The next steps regarding the police chief position will be discussed at a future select board meeting.