In this July 15, 2020, photo, retiring Chicago Police Department First Deputy Superintendent Anthony Riccio, left, swears in newly-promoted Deputy Chief of Criminal Networks Dion Boyd during a promotion ceremony at CPD headquarters in Chicago. (Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 6:15 PM PT — Wednesday, July 29, 2020
The Chicago Police Department is mourning the loss of one of their own after their deputy chief took his own life. 57-year-old Officer Dion Boyd was found dead in his office at the Homan Square Facility on Tuesday from what authorities believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Less than two weeks ago, the 30-year veteran was promoted to Deputy Chief of Criminal Networks, a division devoted to drug and gang investigations.
Those close to Boyd have said he struggled with the loss of a fellow officer, who was gunned down in 2018. Boyd’s fellow officers and firefighters gathered at the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office to pay tribute to him.
“Dion left people he loved here and colleagues who loved him as well,” stated Superintendent David Brown. “Please, officers: stay humble, stay human, stay safe, stay well.”
According to the U.S. Justice Department, the Chicago Police Department’s suicide rates in the last few years have been 60% higher than the national average. If Boyd’s death is officially ruled a suicide, he will be the 10th Chicago officer in just the last two years to take his own life.
One of his colleagues spoke to the department to remind officers there is no shame in seeking help.
“Everyday life can seem insurmountable at times for anyone, but for police officers, the stakes are even higher due to the tireless work they do to safeguard others,” added Brown.
Additional mental health resources are reportedly being implemented at the Chicago Police Department.
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