Former Edgartown police chief David Rossi died at the Henrietta Brewer House in Vineyard Haven on Nov. 29 and received an outpouring of condolences from the community. He was 65. 

Chief Rossi joined the Edgartown force in 1990 following several years at the Tisbury department and rose through the ranks for nearly 30 years, wrote Edgartown Police Chief Chris Dolby in an email statement. 

Chief Rossi served as the Edgartown School’s first resource officer, preceding the establishment of the role nationwide. He also served on school committees.

Chief Rossi ended his policing career in Edgartown at the highest rank. He was appointed chief in 2015 and retired in 2017 after suffering from a heart attack.

“His commitment and friendship have left a lasting mark on our department and community,” Chief Dolby wrote. “He genuinely cared for others and was instrumental in shaping the department we know today.”

The Edgartown Police Department announced the news in a Facebook post last week. It has amassed over 300 comments from community members expressing their grief. 

The Edgartown Fire Department, Oak Bluffs Police Force and the Dukes County Sheriff’s Office also expressed their condolences for Mr. Rossi. 

“He was a great role model for other officers, balancing humanity, compassion and empathy with holding people accountable when necessary,” Chief Dolby wrote. 

Chief Dolby, who served as lieutenant under Chief Rossi, said he is deeply saddened by his passing. 

“His loss will be profoundly felt by all of his friends and the officers who had the privilege of working alongside him,” he wrote.