InsideLowell has learned that Marisol Nobrega will become the first Hispanic, and only the third female overall, to ascend to the rank of Captain with the Lowell Police Department.

Nobrega, a Connecticut native who moved to Lowell in 1982 and joined the force in 1998, has spent her entire 25-year law enforcement career with LPD. She also made history in 2018, becoming the first Hispanic woman promoted to Lieutenant. She joins Deb Friedl and Susan Siopes as the only female officers to become Captain.

Friedl went on to become Deputy Superintendent and served a stint as Interim Superintendent in 2013, replacing Ken Lavallee and preceding William Taylor in that role.

Lieutenant James Fay will also ascend to the rank of Captain at a 10am swearing in ceremony at Lowell City Hall tomorrow. Fay has overseen the Training Division since 2019, including the Lowell Police Academy, which he has run since 2016.  Nobrega and Fay’s promotions fill the openings created when Stephen Gendreau and Frank Nobrega were promoted to Deputy Superintendents at the end of June.

InsideLowell has also learned that more history will be made at tomorrow’s ceremony, when Nadja Peace is sworn in as the first Black Sergeant to serve on the Lowell Police Department. Peace has also spent her entire career with LPD, joining the force in 1999.

Others being promoted tomorrow are Dawn Beauchesne and Steve Morrill to Lieutenant, with Chrystal Downs-Kum, Thomas Hickey, David Kew and Ryan Coyle joining Peace as new Sergeants.

“I am very happy and proud of each of the Officers being promoted,” Superintendent Greg Hudon said when reached for comment. “They all bring years of experience and diverse backgrounds which will strengthen our organization.”