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City leaders congratulate Gross as Boston's new police commissioner

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.

Many police departments took to Twitter to praise the historic announcement.

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."

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.