A retired Boston Police detective was killed in Haiti, officials confirmed Thursday.
The death of 66-year-old Yves Dambreville, a 33-year veteran of the Boston Police Department was shot to death this week.
Danbreville devoted his life to helping members of the Haitian community. The news of his death is affecting many throughout Boston.
"He was just a fierce advocate for social and economic justice, but he was also a principaled man who believed in helping people down on their luck, no matter what their economic status, no matter what their racial background would be," recalled former Boston Mayor Ray Flynn.
Police in Haiti are investigating the details of his death while his family and friends here are remembering the man who was Boston's first Haitian police officer and the city's first liason to the Carribean community.
"Yves really helped, he was the link between the community and City Hall in getting young people education, job training, and young women into the various job opportunities," said Flynn.
"I always call him the mayor of the Carribean community," said friend Joseph M. Chery. "Mayor Flynn was everywhere through him, in that sense."
Massachusetts
The latest news from around the state
Chery says Dambreville may have been retired from the Boston Police Department, but that he was using his expertise to help train Haitian police.
"The loss is not just for us. It's also for haiti, and it's so sad he didn't get a chance to do what he wanted to do there," said Chery.
Massachusetts Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry offered her support, as well.
"I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Yves Dambreville who was an important, pioneering figure in Boston's Haitian community over the last four decades," she said in a statement. "Dambreville was one of the first Haitian Boston Police officers and was a key liaison between the city's emerging Caribbean community and city government. He was a friend and mentor to many that followed in his footsteps. Our prayers and sympathies are extended to his wife Ingrid, their four children and extended family. We stand ready to assist them in their time of need."
"Detective Dambreville was a hardworking, dedicated, and well respected member of the department," said Boston Police Commissioner Bill Evans in a statement. "I was saddened to hear of his passing and send my thoughts and prayers to the entire dambreville family."
Stay with necn as this story develops.
