BROCKTON, Mass. — Brockton's mayor William 'Bill' Carpenter has died at the age of 62, Boston 25 News has learned.
Carpenter, who has been the mayor of the city for over five years, was up for re-election for a fourth term in office.
Mayor Carpenter was a true partner in our shared pursuit of public safety in Brockton. A participant in our Operation Safe Streets meetings, he ensured cooperation of all levels of city government - police to city hall - in our efforts to make this city a safer place for everyone pic.twitter.com/L8NZQ271XG
— DA Tim Cruz (@PlymouthCtyDAO) July 3, 2019
Brockton Police responded to a 911 call at around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday for reports of an unresponsive man sitting inside a parked car at the Arnone School.
With much sadness, we express our condolences to the city of #Brockton and the Carpenter family on today’s tragic loss of @MayorBillCarp . He was a true friend of the Massachusetts State Police who cared deeply about the safety and well-being of his citizens. A sad day.
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) July 3, 2019
Emergency crews responded to the scene and found Mayor Carpenter inside the car. He was transported to Good Samaritan Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Carpenter was at the school to drop off his grandson at a summer program.
According to City Councilor Dennis Eaniri City Council President Moses Rodriguez will serve as acting mayor.
Our hearts go out to the family of Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter, a deeply committed public servant who was dedicated to improving the lives of his neighbors. We join them and the entire community in mourning his passing.
— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) July 3, 2019
Carpenter was a resident of Brockton for 32 years and a father of six.
Prior to becoming mayor, Carpenter served for four years as the Ward 5 representative for the Brockton School Committee. He was also a radio talk show host for 17 years before that.
Brockton City Councilor at Large Win Farwell extended his sympathies to the Carpenter family on Wednesday, offering his "sincere condolences and sympathy during this difficult time."
Mayor Carpenter was a true ally in fighting the opioid crisis, including his work with The Champion Plan recovery program.
— Maura Healey (@MassAGO) July 3, 2019
His leadership will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/eBVyL4w9jX
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the exact cause and manner of death. Officials say they do not suspect violence was involved.
"Our office sends its sincere condolences on the sudden passing of Mayor Carpenter," Plymouth DA Timothy Cruz said. "The Mayor was a true partner in our shared pursuit of public safety in the City of Brockton. A long time participant and attendee at our Operation Safe Streets community meetings, he ensured the participation and cooperation of all levels of city government, from the police to city hall, in our collaborative efforts to make the city a safer place for everyone who lives and works here."
On Wednesday afternoon, City Council President Moises Rodrigues issued a statement on behalf of the City of Brockton regarding the mayor's death:
"Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter, a tireless champion of his beloved City of Champions, has died. He was 62. A 32 year resident of Brockton, Mayor Carpenter was serving his third term as the city's 48th Mayor and had recently taken out papers to serve another term. His indefatigable and infectious approach to governing had created unprecedented momentum and urban renewal in the city's downtown. The Mayor was a nationally recognized innovator in substance use treatment, and was also recognized nationally for his advocacy in funding for public education. The Mayor was working up until the very moment of his passing. An autopsy is being undertaken by the Office of the Massachusetts Medical Examiner to determine the exact cause of death. This is Bill Carpenter's administration and we're going to keep that moving forward. We ask for support for the Mayor's family and his family in city hall," he continued. The Mayor leaves six children and his life partner Juli Caldwell. Final arrangements will be announced at a later time."
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