Law enforcement officials from across the region are mourning the loss of their fallen collegue and friend New Bedford Police Chief David Provencher. The Chief died Sunday night from respiratory arrest.

Bristol County Sheriff Tom Hodgson spoke with WBSM's Phil Paleologos on Monday and called Provencher a leader who inspired others to perservere even in the face of devastating illness. Provencher was diagnosed with throat cancer 20 years ago.

"He show us that courage and focus and sort of looking forward can be an inspiration and something that all of us need to do when we think that sometime things are not going as well as we might like. He show us that look, you rise above that and focus on things that matter," said Hodgson.

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn said he was stunned and saddened when he heard that Police Chief Provencher had passed away. The D-A says he spoke with Chief Provencher around Thanksgiving, and they planned to have a followup meeting soon.

"He had a good heart and always tried to do what was best for the safety of the citizens of New Bedford. He also had a soft spot for youth who went astray a little that we discussed, and I shared, and tried to help them move in the right direction," said Quinn.

He added he was gratful for Provencher's support when he was named District Attorney back in January.

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