The 51���� community gathered earlier this fall to celebrate the life of former 51���� Chief of Police Lester Mitchell.

Chief Mitchell, who served the 51���� Police Department with distinction for 28 years, died February 2, 2014, after being struck by an intoxicated driver in a traffic accident.

In attendance for the memorial were Chief Mitchell’s widow, former 51���� Dean of Student Life Dr. Diane Dillard-Mitchell, and daughter Lisa Mitchell Arcuri, as well as other family members and friends. A crowd of colleagues also turned out in honor of “Mitch,” as the chief was affectionately known.

“Lester Mitchell was my friend,” said 51���� Police Sergeant Richard Flaherty, shown here with, from left, Dr. Dillard-Mitchell, Chief Mitchell’s sister-in-law Denise Dillard-Shaw and niece Matiera Shaw on the new memorial bench dedicated in honor of the chief, outside the Campus Safety Building.

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