July 30, 2020
Newly Promoted Chicago Deputy Police Chief Found Dead Of Apparent Suicide
The Chicago Police Department announced that a newly promoted deputy police chief was found dead Tuesday morning of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at the Homan Square police facility on the West Side, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
The announcement of the death of Dion Boyd, 57, was made at Chicago Police Department headquarters Tuesday afternoon by Supt. David Brown. Boyd was found dead in his office Tuesday morning, but it was unclear when the shooting occurred.
Boyd had just been sworn in as deputy chief of criminal networks two weeks ago on July 15 in a series of leadership changes by Brown. The unit does investigations into gangs and drug trafficking.
Before the appointment, Boyd was previously the Area One commander on the South Side and commander of the Wentworth District. He had experience as a tactical officer, undercover officer in narcotics, homicide detective, and internal affairs officer.
“There’s really no way to convey or express the magnitude of this loss,” Brown said. “We are shocked and saddened at the loss that is deeply felt by me and the many colleagues and friends with whom Deputy Chief Boyd worked and mentored throughout his career.”
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot made a statement via Twitter.
We are truly at a loss of words by the death of Deputy Chief of Criminal Networks Dion Boyd, who passed away last night.
— Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) July 28, 2020
Deputy Chief Boyd called the Chicago Police Department his home for more than 30 years, proudly serving the South Side as Commander of Area 1 and the 2nd District, along with numerous other roles.
— Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) July 28, 2020
This devastating loss will not only be felt at every level of this Department, but in the countless communities and homes Deputy Chief Boyd touched during his decades-long service to our city.
— Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) July 28, 2020
To every officer, we want you to know that you are deserving of help and healing, and no one needs to struggle alone.
— Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) July 28, 2020
This City has a fundamental obligation to support each of you, and over the coming weeks, we will be taking steps to bolster our support network so that every first responder understands that help is available.
— Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) July 28, 2020