Jim DiPaola Takes Own Life

Middlesex Sheriff Ends Life in Maine Saturday

– Allison Goldsberry

Middlesex County Sheriff Jim DiPaola has taken his own life, according to several local sources.

DiPaola shot himself in Wells, Maine on Saturday afternoon.

The popular sheriff, 57, had been criticized publicly in recent weeks over attempting to retire and collect his pension and salary at the same time. It was also announced this week his office was under investigation by the State Ethics Commission to determine if sheriff’s office employees raised money for DiPaola’s political committee.

DiPaola, a Malden native who spent years as a police officer and state legislator before being elected Sheriff in 1996, was re-elected to his third six-year term on November 2. He resigned as Sheriff last week following a Boston Globe story that revealed his attempt to take advantage of a pension law loophole that would allow him to retire, collect his pension, and collect a salary while continuing to serve as county sheriff.

Boston.com published a statement from the sheriff’s office about DiPaola’s death:

“At this time we ask that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time. Operations at the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office will continue under the direction of Special Sheriff John Granara,” said the statement.

According to a biography published on the Middlesex Sheriff’s website, DiPaola served two terms as a state representative from Malden after spending eighteen years as a police officer. He was a patrolman, sergeant, and undercover narcotics detective in the Malden Police Department. DiPaola also served over twenty-five years in the US Military Reserves.

DiPaola has been recognized by his peers and has won several awards for his department’s initiatives, including the Youth Public Safety Academy, which brings together public safety workers and children.

DiPaola was well-respected and well-liked by his colleagues, local political officials, and local residents. News of his recent troubles and of his suicide have shocked and saddened the community.