Chicago Deputy Police Chief Commits Suicide Weeks After Promotion

After being promoted to a deputy chief, Chicago police officer Dion Boyd was found dead inside his office on Tuesday with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Boyd served the Chicago police force for 30 years. He died at age 57.

Chicago Police Supt. David Brown said that they are extremely saddened by the loss of a respected member of their staff.

"We are shocked, saddened at the loss, and it's deeply felt by me and the many colleagues and friends with whom Deputy Chief Dion Boyd worked and mentored throughout his career," Brown was quoted in a report.

According to a report, Boyd was promoted deputy chief of criminal work, which focuses on gang and drug investigations.

An autopsy will be on Wednesday. Boyd's body was taken to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office in a long procession.

Community Mourning

Chicago Mayor Mori Lightfoot said her condolences on Twitter.

Lightfoot said that they are at a loss of words by the passing of Boyd.

The mayor reminded police officers, "We want you to know that you are deserving of help and healing, and no one needs to struggle alone."

Brown talked about the family and friends Boyd left behind, saying that many lives will be changed forever from now on.

He added that Boyd's presence would be greatly missed and asked people to pray for his family and friends.

Chief Dion Boyd's Career

Boyd served as a field lieutenant earlier in his career in the Calumet patrol district. This covers the Far South Side neighborhoods like Roseland and West Pullman.

He was also a sergeant in the Bureau of Internal Affairs and a detective unit.

People who worked with Boyd described him as an upbeat and positive boss who wants his officers to do their best.

One colleague said that he was always happy and always appeared to be in good spirits, a report says.

The colleague remembered Boyd encouraging him, so other bosses notice and promote him even further.

A former top-ranking Chicago police official, Keith Calloway, said that he knew Boyd for more than 20 years.

Calloway said Boyd always worked hard and was always easy going to work with.

A supervisor, who was not allowed to speak on the record, said that Boyd always made sure that the officers were OK.

"He would say, 'listen, you go through these downtimes, but everything is going to get better. Just hang in there,' " Boyd's supervisor was quoted.

The supervisor said that Boyd's suicide was just a reminder that no matter how beautiful someone looks like outside, you still need to check on them.

Boyd was also a commander/executive officer of Area 1 and commander of the 2nd District.

Suicide Cases in the Chicago Police Force

Boyd would be the 10th Chicago police to die by suicide in two years if his death was ruled by suicide.

Justice Department's 2017 review found that the suicide rate was 60 percent higher than the national average.

Brown called on his colleagues, saying that should be no shame in reaching out for help.

"If you see any signs that your colleagues are having trouble coping with stress, please check in on them and let them know you're there," Brown was quoted in a report.

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