Deputy Chief William Betancourt of the Chicago Police Department died early Saturday after suffering a medical emergency while off duty, the department said. A familiar face on Chicago's West Side and a veteran of nearly 30 years with CPD, Betancourt is being remembered by colleagues and neighbors who gathered to mourn as officials asked residents to keep his family in their prayers.
Department Statement And Immediate Details
In a statement shared with local outlets, the Chicago Police Department praised Betancourt’s long service and urged Chicagoans to keep his family in their thoughts, according to CBS Chicago. The department confirmed that Betancourt was off duty when the medical emergency occurred and has not released an official cause of death. CBS Chicago reported that the announcement of his death came early Saturday morning.
A Long Career On The West Side
Betancourt had served with the department for nearly three decades, according to his LinkedIn profile cited in local reporting by FOX 32 Chicago. He held command posts on the West Side, including a stint as commander of the 10th District, as noted on the district's public page through the Chicago Neighborhood Policing Initiative. Those listings show Betancourt as a regular presence at CAPS meetings and community events in the Ogden Avenue policing area.
Leadership And Local Coverage
Previous coverage placed Betancourt in a senior Area 5 leadership role and detailed his involvement with an internal memo on uniform and appearance standards circulated in 2025, according to the Chicago Sun‑Times. That reporting highlighted his broad administrative responsibilities across multiple districts and described a hands-on supervisory style. Colleagues told the paper Betancourt was a visible presence in day-to-day district operations.
Possible Cause And Next Steps
In a letter obtained by local outlets, CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling wrote, “Deputy Chief Betancourt dedicated his career to serving our city and serving others,” according to CBS Chicago. Sources told CBS Chicago that Betancourt may have suffered a heart attack, though the department has not confirmed a cause of death. Video shared with local outlets showed a police procession to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office as officers gathered to pay their respects, and details on public memorial services have not yet been released.
