Boston Police Department

Boston Police Department Commissioner William Evans Retires

He served the Boston Police Department for nearly four decades

What to Know

  • William Evans formally announced his retirement in a press conference on July 23.
  • Evans will oversee the police force at Boston College beginning in August.
  • His successor, William Gross, is making history as the city's first black police commissioner.

William Evans is now a civilian.

With cupcakes, smiles and one final roll call, the Boston police commissioner retired Friday morning after announcing his departure from the department on July 23.

"It’s a sad day for me. It's the camaraderie, the men and women who I’ll miss," Evans said.

He gave his final roll call at District 11 in Dorchester, coincidentally where his career began.

"I used to be a cadet here almost 38 years ago," Evans said. "This is a young, young station. It's neat to look at them and say, 'I was there one day.'"

Evans leaves behind a department that's beginning to use body cameras and under his leadership, has embraced community policing.

"I think with social media, with terrorism now, all of the dialogue in Washington on immigration, this job has gotten so much more complicated," he said.

Through all his success as commissioner and climbing up the ranks since a cadet, Evans said he will never forget his proudest moment — ending the manhunt for the Boston Marathon bombers.

"I remember the feeling like we had just won the war," he said.

Evans credited his success as commissioner to the diligence and long hours put in by his civilian personnel and officers.

"I'm going to miss the work," he said. "But I'm really going to miss the people."

The outgoing commissioner said goodbye to nearly four decades with the department as he looks forward to the next chapter in his career. Evans will oversee the police force at Boston College starting in August.

His successor, Boston Police Superintendent-in-Chief William Gross, was appointed the same day Evans announced his departure. He is scheduled to be officially sworn in next week.

"His main focus is on the senseless violence on our streets and that's been my focus and Mayor Walsh's focus from day one," Evans said.

Before he begins his work at Boston College, Evans will spend time relaxing with his family and running a race in Maine with them.

"I'll always be a policeman," Evans said when he formally announced his retirement last week.

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