The Mattapoisett Police Department recently commemorated the service of Lt. Detective Paul Silveira with a new bench and plaque at Town Hall.

Silveira joined the force in 1984 and passed away in January 2011 after suffering an aneurism while on the job, just a few months before he planned to retire.

“He was a great guy who was very dedicated to the town,” said Police Chief Mary Lyons.

“We thought it was a nice tribute to him for all the service he gave to the townspeople.”

Lyons said the bench was purchased with donation funds from the Police Department’s budget, and was assembled and installed by the Highway Department.

“Time has a way of forgetting a lot of things,” said Town Administrator Mike Gagne.

But with commemorations such as the new bench and plaque, people will remember, he said.

“There will be people who will ask, who was this individual.”