Chicago police are mourning the death of Deputy Chief William Betancourt, who died while he was off duty Saturday morning, officials said.

Betancourt, 60, served with the Chicago Police Department for nearly 30 years, going up the ranks from sergeant to deputy chief, according to his LinkedIn.

The department described him as someone who “embodied what it meant to be a public servant and a great leader throughout his career” at the department.

“He will be deeply missed by his brothers and sisters at the Chicago Police Department,” CPD said in a statement.

Ald. Gilbert Villegas, 36th, mourned the loss of Betancourt on Facebook. “Our hearts are with his family, friends, and the Chicago Police Department in this moment of grieving,” he said.

Villegas said Betancourt had worked closely with his ward in Chicago’s Northwest Side for years.

“His dedication and desire to see better for our neighborhoods and communities were evident in his actions and his consistent presence every day that he showed up for work, striving for a better tomorrow,” Villegas said.

An autopsy performed by the Cook County medical examiner’s office found that Betancourt, who joined CPD in 1996, died of heart disease.

Before he was promoted to deputy chief, Betancourt served as commander of CPD’s Ogden (10th) District, which covers the Little Village and North Lawndale neighborhoods.

CPD records show the number of reported index crimes in the Ogden District consistently fell while Betancourt served as commander.

The Tribune’s Sam Charles contributed. 

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/05/cpd-chief-william-betancourt-dies/