OfficerBlueHolyoke Police Chief James Neiswanger formally announced his death on Friday, according to MassLive. Detective Escobar was first told about his diagnosis about eight months to a year ago.
He was a 13-year veteran of the Holyoke Police Department.
Chief Neiswanger said Detective Escobar was “a great man that served his country and his community, bravely with honor and distinction.”
He also said, “He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.”
During his service with the Holyoke Police Department, Detective Escobar received several commendations. In 2013, his actions and apprehension of several subjects after shots were fired led to three arrests, location of the handgun, and a departmental commendation.
In 2014, he and other officers responded to a scene where a man had been stabbed and “gravely wounded.” They were commended for their professionalism and bravery, and they were directly responsible for saving the victim’s life and taking the suspect into custody. He was promoted to detective in September, 2016.
Chief Neiswanger said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. The Holyoke Police Department lost a dear brother and loved one today. All of us are grieving his loss. I respectfully ask others to consider his family’s privacy during this extremely difficult and trying time.”
Detective Escobar graduated from Holyoke High School and Holyoke Community College. He was also a decorated Army veteran with four years of service.
He also served for a short period of time in the Colombian Army, and with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department.
Detective Neiswanger is survived by his wife, Cam-Ly, children, parents, family, and friends.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Holyoke Police Detective Daniel Escobar, both blood and blue. Godspeed, sir, we will take the watch from here. Thank you for your service.