Members of the select board approved the promotion of two Westport Police Department officers, and joined with the chief in recognizing a third for his contributions to the community, Monday evening.

Michael Chicca

Officer Chicca, a familiar face at many town events, was awarded the department’s Community Service Award for his work in the community.

“The drive he has to help the community is unparalleled,” Deputy Chief Rob Rebello said. “He’s a role model to his peers and embodies the definition of public servant.”

Chicca, who thanked his wife for giving him the time to attend events on his own time, said he was thankful for the award and said he enjoys getting out and about — “As long as the community keeps having these great events, I plan on being there. Keep them coming.”

Lt. Christopher Mello

For one brief shining moment, Sgt. Mello, appearing before the select board as part of Chief Christopher Dunn’s nomination to promote him from sergeant to lieutenant, earned a huge promotion, when board chair Shana Teas referred to him as chief.

But “the chief’s job is already filled,” Mello joked as Teas and others chuckled. “I’m good — too many Christophers!”

“I’m just thankful for the board, thankful for the chief and deputy chief, for giving me this opportunity,” Mello said. “I will continue to try to represent the town well.”

Chief Dunn said Mello’s promotion helps fill the department’s lieutenant ranks, which call for three but have been unstaffed for months. He said Mello rose to the top of the list in a recent competitive process for the post, and said he is an asset to the town.

Mello, a lifelong Westport resident and member of the force since 1998, became a full time officer in 1999, served as a school resource officer and was named sergeant in 2012.

His promotion becomes effective in mid-December.

Fernando Goncalves

Field Training Officer (FTO) Goncalves was also promoted Monday, filling the position of sergeant vacated by Mello’s promotion.

As a department FTO, Goncalves is responsible for setting the standards of how the department’s officers are trained and he excels in that role, the chief said.

Goncalves has been a department member since 2016 and apart from his work as FTO and now as sergeant, he apparently makes a mean kale soup — he won an internal department soup competition last year. His promotion also becomes effective in mid-December.