Below is a press release from the Wilmington Police Department:
WILMINGTON, MA — The Wilmington Police Department is proud to announce the promotion of Sergeant Matthew Stavro to the rank of Lieutenant and Detective Kevin Skinner to the rank of Sergeant. Both promotions will be effective August 29, 2025, and will fill vacancies created by the upcoming retirement of Chief Joseph Desmond on September 4, following 37 years of dedicated service to the Town of Wilmington.
Incoming Lieutenant Matthew Stavro is a 1994 graduate of Norwich University and joined the Wilmington Police Department in 2002 as a Patrol Officer. In 2013, he was assigned to the Traffic Unit, where he played a key role in advancing both traffic safety and community policing initiatives. That same year, he launched the department’s social media program, serving as its coordinator since its inception. During his time in in Patrol and Traffic, he served as a Field Training Officer, mentoring and developing new officers. In 2014, he introduced Wilmington’s annual National Night Out, a community-building event that has become a much-anticipated annual event in the community. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2019 and has spent the last 6 years as a Patrol Supervisor. He is a member of our Honor Guard and serves as the Department Bagpiper.
Incoming Sergeant Kevin Skinner joined the Wilmington Police Department in 2013, serving as a Patrol Officer before being assigned as a detective earlier this year. He has served as a Field Training Officer and is a department CPR instructor. He has also dedicated several years to working with local youth through the Wilmington Police Explorers program, fostering strong relationships between the department and the community’s younger residents.
Chief Joseph Desmond, who will retire after more than three decades of service, expressed his pride in the department’s leadership transition.
“Incoming Lieutenant Stavro and Incoming Sergeant Skinner have both demonstrated exceptional commitment, professionalism, and initiative throughout their careers,” said Chief Desmond. “I am confident they will excel in their new roles and continue to strengthen the department’s service to the community.”
Incoming Chief Brian Pupa, currently the Deputy Chief of Police, also praised the promotions, noting the importance of continuity and leadership.
“Matt and Kevin bring energy, experience, and a genuine dedication to the people of Wilmington,” said Incoming Chief Pupa. “Their leadership will help guide our department into the future while preserving the values and traditions that have made the Wilmington Police Department what it is today.”
Both officers will be formally sworn into their new positions on August 29, 2025.
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