Deputy Police Chief David Lizotte has been named as Acting Chief of the New Bedford Police Department, following the death of Chief David Provencher last week.

Mayor Jon Mitchell made the announcement on Wednesday.

Lizotte holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement from Western New England College and has been with the department since 1983 and served in many capacities before being appointed Deputy Chief in 2011.

“Dave Lizotte has had a long and exemplary career in the New Bedford Police Department, including the last four years as Deputy Chief. I have the utmost confidence that he will effectively lead the department through this transition period,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell.

The 54-year-old Lizotte says he plans to continue Provencher's initiatives.

“I am committed to ensuring that the high standards and effectiveness of the New Bedford Police Department established under Chief Provencher continue,” said Lizotte.

The Mayor's office says that details regarding the process for selecting a permanent Chief of Police will be announced in January.

More From WBSM-AM/AM 1420