OFFICER DOWN-Det. Lt. Paul Silveira

MATTAPOISETT MA Jan 21 2011 — The Mattapoisett Police Department lost one of its highest ranking officers Friday, Jan. 14, when Det. Lt. Paul Silveira died as a result of a brain aneurysm he experienced while on the job.

Silveira, 60, of Mattapoisett, was on duty Jan. 6, and had just returned to the station house on Route 6 when he complained of not feeling well. He collapsed a short while later at the station. He and was immediately administered medical assistance from Mattapoisett EMTs and transported by ambulance to Tobey Hospital in Wareham. His condition was deemed critical and he was transported to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston where he died a week later surrounded by family and friends. Silveira, a 27-year Mattapoisett Police Department veteran, was scheduled to retire in August.

Silveira was considered a father figure to many of the younger police officers on the department. Several credit Silveira for their decision to enter law enforcement.

“Lt. Silveira was an unassuming person who cared for every person he dealt with professionally and personally,” Mattapoisett Police Chief Mary Lyons said. “He was low key, but direct. He was one that stayed out of the limelight. He never raised his voice, and did everything he could to assist people with their needs. He was a mentor to some, father figure to others. Paul had a great sense of humor and liked bantering and joking around with the guys and gals he worked with. He was very well respected.”

Silveira joined the Mattapoisett Police Department in 1984. He became a detective in 1992. He was later promoted to sergeant. He was appointed to lieutenant in 2002.

“Paul was very dedicated and proud of his accomplishments with the department. He had a great sense of loyalty and respect for all his colleagues working on the Mattapoisett Police Department,” family members said in a statement.

Silveira was very well respected by public safety professionals, according to Lyons, who enjoyed a close working relationship with her top-ranking officer. Silveira was a member of several professional associations, including the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council Dive Team where he served as a certified boat operator. He also served as an assistant harbormaster in Mattapoisett.

Silveira served in the Air National Guard from 1969 to 1984. Prior to joining the Mattapoisett Police Department, Silveira worked as a police security officer at Otis Air Force Base.

“Paul was happiest spending time with the love of his life, Jane and his family. Paul spent a great deal of time relaxing at the ocean where he enjoyed the serene affect the ocean had on his life,” family members said in a statement. “He liked boating, especially the tranquility he found in sailing. Paul said, ‘Sailing would get him away from the mad world. The ocean was peace.’”

Silveira and his wife, Jane Santos Silveira, have been married 38 years. They had dated since Silveira was 15 and his wife was 13.

In addition to his wife, he leaves his mother, Adeline Viera Silveira of Acushnet, a daughter, Tracy Silveira, a son, Paul Silveira, and a grandson, Mason Silveira, and two brothers, Wayne Silveira and Mark Silveira, and his wife, Diane, all of Acushnet, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Sidney Alton Silveira, and a granddaughter, Chelsea Olivia Silveira.

A funeral Mass was held in his memory Tuesday, Jan. 18, in St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett. A wake was held Monday, Jan. 17, at the Saunders Dwyer Home for Funerals, located next door to police headquarters. He was buried in Cushing Cemetery in Mattapoisett.