Family remembers Providence police officer killed in the line of duty

A tragic day for the Providence Police Department as one of its officers is killed in the line of duty. Officer Max Dorley was on his way to a call in Providence this morning when he crashed into a utility pole and died.

On Admiral Street in Providence Thursday morning, officers responded to one of their own. 42-year-old Max Dorley was pulled from his police cruiser after he collided with a utility pole. Neighbors who saw it all happen say it was tough to watch.

“I come outside and see a police cruiser 7 feet in the air and pole was just split in half,” Scott Andriole said.

Police say it all started when Dorley was on his way to a call, he tried to avoid a car that had turned in front of him and ended up crashing to his death.

“Everyone knows he was all cop,” Police Chief Hugh Clements said. “He was responding to that call, probably over the speed limit responding to that call, but it's a very sad situation for Providence Police today.”

Mark Dacosta, who grew up with Officer Dorley, lives just two houses down from the accident. He watched his childhood friend die.

“We used to break dance in school together at Olneyville Boys Club. He was a very nice guy,” Dacosta said.

Dorley was a 15 year veteran of the force, a husband and a father of two. His family says his daughter was supposed to graduate from college next month.

“I'm just in a state of shock,” Hawa Vincent, the officer's aunt said. “My supervisor had to drive me to the hospital because I couldn't even drive. I'm just in a shock.”

Dozens of Dorley's family members gathered at his home in Johnston, struggling to understand why this happened to the man who lived to protect his family and his city.

“He was always smiling, always focused on his job,” Vennetta Cassell, the officer's cousin said while choking back tears. “We are going to miss him. It's just too sad.”

Officer Dorley will be promoted to the rank of sergeant posthumously. The accident is still under investigation.