BOSTON, Mass. — Several law enforcement departments are praising the naming of Superintendent-in-Chief William Gross as the new commissioner of the Boston Police Department.
Gross is the first African American commissioner of the Boston Police. He will replace William Evans who announced his retirement on Monday.
Thank you Commissioner Evans for your lifetime of service in keeping the residents of Boston safe. I am proud to name Superintendent in Chief William Gross as the next @bostonpolice Commissioner, a trusted & respected officer, and member of the community. https://t.co/RppctU92JJ
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) July 23, 2018
Many police departments took to Twitter to praise the historic announcement.
Congrats, @DeputyGross, on being named new Commissioner of @bostonpolice. Well deserved! Commissioner Bard & all of us at #CambMA PD look forward to further establishing the bridges between our communities. Commish Evans - you will be missed. Thx for your tireless leadership. pic.twitter.com/elKIVXKbhS
— Cambridge Police👮🏽 (@CambridgePolice) July 23, 2018
Huge congratulations to Commissioner @DeputyGross . A friend to Stoughton PD and a true gentleman. We wish you well sir. Best of luck. pic.twitter.com/N0CSSxK00A
— Stoughton Police (@StoughtonPD) July 23, 2018
Congratulations to @DeputyGross on being selected as the new Commissioner of the @bostonpolice
— BU Police Department (@BUPolice) July 23, 2018
Congratulations to @DeputyGross on being appointed as new @bostonpolice Commissioner. A class act through and through. Excellent pick by Mayor Walsh.
— Chief Ronald Sellon (@RASellon) July 23, 2018
In a statement, Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley said Gross "brings the highest traditions of law enforcement to the job along with a modern view of policing and community engagement."
Congrats to PC Evans on his retirement, and to @DeputyGross on being named his successor. Bill Evans was personally committed to the city he served and the department he led, & I have every confidence in Willie Gross' leadership moving forward. https://t.co/osld1qZVmK pic.twitter.com/DDL6SfZL0s
— Suffolk County DA (@SCDAONews) July 23, 2018
Gross is a 33-year-veteran of the Boston Police Department. He spent many years in the Gang Unit and Drug Control Unit, as well as serving as an Academy Instructor.
As of August 5, Gross will serve as interim Commissioner until he is sworn in as Commissioner. A swearing in ceremony will be announced in the coming weeks, according to the Mayor's office.
Evans will start as executive director of public safety and chief of police at Boston College on August 6.
Cox Media Group