New Bedford Police Chief Dies At 59

NEW BEDFORD (AP) — The New Bedford's mayor's office says that the city's police chief has died.

A spokeswoman said that New Bedford Police Chief David A. Provencher died around 7:30 p.m. Sunday at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford. The cause of death was respiratory arrest.

The 59-year-old was with the New Bedford Police Department for 35 years. He had served as chief for the last five years.

Mayor Jon Mitchell said Provencher leaves behind a legacy of a "more modern and effective" department and a "stronger community." He said he was "shocked and saddened" by his death.

A city councilman told WPRI-TV that Provencher had been battling cancer.

A call to the mayor's office was not immediately returned.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.