A buzz of excitement was in the air as Boston Police Superintendent-in-Chief William Gross participated in a weekly peace march on Tuesday.
Gross, slated to become the next Boston Police commissioner in August, walked with current Commissioner William Evans and Mayor Marty Walsh in a show of unity on the streets of Dorchester.
At the Copley Food Mart on Bowdoin Street, Doug Whittaker reminded Gross of a prediction he made over a decade ago.
"15 years ago, that he would be commissioner of police," Whittaker said.
Now, with the transition just a few weeks away, Gross is feeling all sorts of love from his colleagues.
"When you can show you're on the same common ground, especially at these levels, will these people respect you and reach out in partnerships to solve problems," Gross said.
Evans said the walks are the favorite part of the job.
"Me and Chief Gross work together well," Evans said. "Being out in the community is an important part of our strategy.'
>>PREVIOUS: Evans leaving Boston Police Dept., Chief Gross named new commissioner
As Mayor Walsh mixed and mingled with neighbors, he said having someone like Gross, another city resident like Evans, is a great fit for Boston.
"There's a really big upside to having somebody who understands the neighborhood," Walsh said. "Not just relationships through the police department, but aside from the police department."
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