Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said that it’s a “sad day” for the city of Boston after the passing of its former Mayor Thomas Menino.
“Gave it his all. Made the city a great place. You know, he was always great to me and all the confidence in the world in me. It’s a sad day for the city,” Evans said at City Hall on Thursday. “You know, I want to wish his family well and just say all our thoughts and prayers go out to such a super guy who the city will owe a debt of gratitude for all he has done.”
When asked what his last conversation with the mayor was, Evans said he got the chance to speak to him recently.
“Well, he called me Thursday night. As sick as he was and he was always out there watching out, and giving me advice. And he was calling me Thursday night about some issues, so I was fortunate to talk to him very recently,” he said.
Evans’ brother, Paul Evans, was the first ever police commissioner named by Menino and lasted for ten years under his leadership.
“Sad day for my family… my brother Paul. You know, he meant a lot to all of us,” Evans said.
The flag outside City Hall was lowered to half staff after the announcement of the mayor’s passing.
Later, the commissioner released the following statement:
As Mayor Martin Walsh expressed earlier today, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Mrs. Menino and the entire Menino family.
The Boston Police Department is assisting the family at this time and will continue to do so during the difficult days ahead. Mayor Menino was always supportive of the Boston Police Department and our mission to make Boston safe for all of its residents, as well as those who work in and visit our city. Through his support over the last 20 years we have been able to make the Boston Police Department the finest in the nation.
Out of respect for Mayor Menino, flags at all Boston Police facilities will be flown at half staff and I would like each sworn member of the Boston Police Department to wear the black mourning band on their badge through the duration of the funeral services.