Holly MatkinChicago, IL – Chicago Police Department (CPD) Deputy Chief Dion Boyd was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at the department’s Homan Square facility on Tuesday morning.
The 57-year-old deputy chief’s body was discovered inside his office at the Homan Square facility at approximately 9 a.m. on July 29, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
Chicago Fire Department paramedics were initially called to the scene for a report of an unconscious person, according to WLS.
Chief Boyd was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to investigators, the deputy chief died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
It was unclear how long he had been inside his office prior to his body being discovered, according to the paper.
CPD Superintendent David Brown said Chief Boyd served the CPD for 30 years, WMAQ reported.
He was promoted as deputy chief of the criminal networks unit less than one month ago.
Chief Boyd’s body was transported from the CPD facility to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office at approximately 12 p.m., WGN reported.
Dozens of CPD officers soon arrived at the medical examiner’s office to pay their respects, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
“We are shocked, saddened at the loss that is deeply felt by me and the many colleagues and friends with whom Deputy Dion Boyd worked and mentored throughout his career,” Superintendent Brown said just moments after the procession ended.
“Many lives will be forever changed from this moment on,” he continued. “Deputy Boyd’s presence will be greatly missed.”
In addition to his recent promotion, Chief Boyd previously served as a commander/executive officer of Area 1 and had commanded the 2nd District and the Bureau of Patrol, WMAQ reported.
“He also served as…a Field Lieutenant in the 5th (Calumet) District,” the CPD said in his promotion announcement earlier this month, according to WMAQ. “As a Sergeant, he served in the Bureau of Internal Affairs and in Area Central’s Special Victims Unit.”
His career included positions as an undercover narcotics officer, tactical officer, and homicide detective, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
Chief Boyd attended Boston University’s Senior Management Institute for Police, and earned a master’s degree in business administration from Saint Xavier University, WMAQ reported.
“Deputy Chief Boyd was a man who commanded respect, and our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends, particularly his two sons, who are now grieving over this unimaginable loss,” Superintendent Brown said in a statement, according to USA Today. “Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.”
“The job of a Chicago police officer is not easy, especially at a time when there is intensified stress,” the superintended added, according to WBBM. “Everyday life can seem insurmountable at times for anyone, but for police officers the stakes are even higher due to the tireless work that they do to safeguard others.”
Chicago Police Supt. Brown confirms officer who died is Deputy Chief Dion Boyd.
Says he died by suicide.
Boyd had been promoted less than two weeks ago to Deputy Chief of Criminal Networks. @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/IZ3xbZtmJm
— Megan Hickey (@MeganHickeyTV) July 28, 2020
Condolences to my friends @Chicago_Police, Dep Chief Dion Boyd once served as a PIO with our team bc he wanted to help get the message to underserved neighborhoods that CPD cared deeply about keeping them safe. He wasnt just a friend, he was a son of Chicago & one hell of a cop. pic.twitter.com/n9F94sK5v3
— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) July 28, 2020
#CPD Superintendent David Brown confirms Dep. Chief of Criminal Networks Dion Boyd died by suicide. @WGNNews has learned Boyd was found in his office by his secretary this morning. Brown urged officers to reach out if they need help. pic.twitter.com/VvJZQpzLDy
— Tonya Francisco (@TonyaFrancisco) July 28, 2020
CHICAGO — A newly appointed deputy chief of the Chicago Police Department fatally shot himself Tuesday morning in the Homan Square police facility on the West Side.
Dion Boyd, 57 CPD released the news this afternoon.
Reach out. Mental health is REAL. pic.twitter.com/xeYgqmXEmj
— J.T. Yuodis,PIO (@PIOYuodis37) July 29, 2020
#CPD mourning the death of Dep. Chief Dion Boyd. @WGNNews pic.twitter.com/LUdK5seCRn
— Tonya Francisco (@TonyaFrancisco) July 28, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Chicago Police Department Deputy Chief Dion Boyd, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
