Former Denver Police Chief David Michaud Dies At Age 80

DENVER (CBS4) - The Denver Police Department is remembering former Chief David Michaud who died Saturday night in hospice care. Michaud, 80, was diagnosed with cancer.

Michaud spent 31 years with DPD, joining the force in 1967 and rising to Chief of Police in 1992. The former Marine retired from DPD in 1998 but later went on to become Chairman of the Colorado Parole Board.

Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen released the following statement to CBS4:

"Retired Chief David Michaud was a forward-thinking leader who embraced community partnership while working tirelessly for the safety of Denver residents. I spoke with Chief Michaud frequently throughout my career, consider him a mentor and was deeply saddened to hear about his passing. The Denver Police Department shares our condolences with his loved ones and friends. Semper Fi, Chief Michaud."

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock tweeted about Michaud's passing on Sunday night, describing him as a dedicated public servant.

Former Denver Mayor Wellington E Webb provided the following statement to CBS4:

"I was sadden to hear of the passing of former Denver Police Chief David Michaud last weekend.

I appointed Michaud as my police chief in 1992 and he served in that capacity until he retired in 1998. A former Marine, he joined the DPD in 1967 and after his retirement he became Chairman of the Colorado Parole Board until 2010.

We had perfect chemistry that fit like hand and glove. We personally visited every shooting involving a police officer. He was a dedicated marine and police officer who just wanted to get the job done, and he was a great chief.

He helped lead the city through several difficult times, including racist skinheads protesting at the Capitol during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday celebration and the so-called Summer of Violence gang shootings in 1993."