City mourns death of New Bedford Police Chief

December 14, 2015 5:23 pm

By Ana Bottary

abottary@abc6.com

@anabottary

Flags were at half staff in New Bedford Monday to honor Police Chief David Provencher, who died unexpectedly Sunday night from respiratory arrest. Friend and co-worker, Brian Gomes, has known Provencher for more than 30 years and is devastated over the loss.

"He was committed to the city, and that is the great loss we felt. It’s been felt ever since last night," says City Council President, Gomes.

Chief Provencher was a veteran who also had more than 35 years of experience on the New Bedford Police Department. Gomes says he worked closely with him, not only as city council president, but also Chairman of the Public Safety Committee.

"I’ve watched his career grow, as he has watched mine grow. I was very proud of him," says Gomes.

Chief Provencher was a big part of the community. Any event taking place, he was there, even up until this past Saturday at the city’s annual Santa Race. He is described as a fighter, battling cancer for more than 20 years. Friends that spoke with ABC6 News say he had a great sense of humor, and was a hard worker who constantly worked on his leadership skills and devoting himself to his job.

"He was very direct, transparent, he was informative. I can’t say enough about the guy, he was an enormous asset to this community," says New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell.

"He modernized New Bedford law enforcement in regards to technology, but he always had that old-school style as well to communicate with someone on the phone that way you could feel the importance of the issue. He is going to be greatly missed," says New Bedford City Councilor Kerry Winterson.

"No time is the right time, but, may he rest in peace," adds Gomes.