If you look in the 1981
Somerville High School yearbook you will find Mike's picture. Alongside
the photo it says, baseball, 1,2,3, and hockey 1,2. Memories: playing
baseball for Somerville High School. Future: play baseball and become a
policeman. Well, Michael Cabral saw one of his future plans come to
fruition in a big way when he became a police officer in 1987. He
eventually climbed the ladder to the rank of Deputy Chief.

I
have had the pleasure of getting to know Mike and his family on a
personal, as well as a professional, level over the past few years. We
get to enjoy our fellowship in the Somerville Lion's Club, as well as
at many social and civic goings on about the city. Mike and his lovely
wife Debbie seem to be at just about every important fundraiser, award
ceremony, or scholarship event that happens in our city.

When
I was concerned with speeders going the wrong way down Raymond Avenue
behind the West Somerville Neighborhood School, putting our students in
danger, I asked to speak to the Chief and was connected with him
directly.

Sure enough, the problem was taken care of quickly. Mike does what needs to be done and that's as simple as it gets.

He
takes his position extremely seriously. To me it seems that a cop who
has come up through the ranks of the city police force, and has paid
his dues with a pristine, flawless record, would be the perfect man for
the important job. Local boy makes good!

Look at how well our
local boy Mayor Joe Curtatone has served us over these many years, also
a product of a good Somerville upbringing. They know the streets, they
know the people and they know the expectations.

A lifelong
Somerville person is a special breed. They have a loyalty to the
reputation of the city, a dedication to the honor of their profession,
and a deep rooted devotion to their family. Three very essential
ingredients for any serious upstanding citizen.

A life long
Somerville guy also knows every street in the city, shortcuts to get
their quickly, and no doubt the names and faces of many of the
residents.

I also have to mention that it's very important to
have a good sense of humor when you are in a very prestigious position.
Mike can easily switch from serious law enforcer, protecting and
serving, to regular guy, laughing and socializing at a moment's notice.

Did I mention he has the coolest police hat I have ever seen,
complete with gold braids. It's the kind of "cover" you want to see on
your police chief. It's just as important to look the part as to act
the part, and Mike sure cuts a neat, professional image. And did I
mention, he's a hell of a guy?

Mike Cabral is a good friend, a
great father, a supportive husband and a proud Somerville kid who
remembers where he came from. He has a passion for police work and
knows that "by the book," works better when it also goes by way of the
heart. They don't come tougher than Mike Cabral, and they don't come
nicer.