Next police leader ‘more than qualified’

Longtime friends and colleagues of Boston’s first black police commissioner William G. Gross yesterday extolled the virtues of an egoless public servant who has a heart and soul of blue.

“I don’t think he wants to be looked at as ‘the black police commissioner.’ That’s the hot buzz today, but that will wear off,” said Boston police Detective Larry Ellison, who was appointed to the force with Gross in 1985. “He’s a very affectionate person. He’s the type of person who comes up and gives everyone a hug. I remember he was always the guy who brought in snacks for everyone else.”

Ellison, president of the Massachusetts Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers, said of the department’s rank-and-file officers, “At the end of the day, we just want someone who’s going to be fair, regardless of color. I think he’s more than qualified to handle it — even with a smile.”

Gross, 54, a history buff and member of the patriotic Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston, has served as retiring top cop William B. Evans’ right hand since 2014, when he became the city’s first black superintendentin-chief. He drew public attention representing the department at community outreach meetings — a role he seemed born for with his self-effacing personality and tireless ear for residents’ concerns. But he has also been firm in defense of his fellow officers, notably at a crime scene in March 2015 after police had shot and killed an armed robber who had shot a cop. Gross patiently took questions, but as one protester pressed him on why police shot the man, he replied, “Did you hear the part where he shot the officer in the face?’’

A cop’s cop, his friend Chelsea police Chief Brian Kyes said, “The biggest challenge for Will is he’s going to have to wear a suit every day.”

Kyes, president of the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs of Police Association, traveled with Gross to El Salvador this month to learn about Central American gang intelligence.

“He’s very knowledgeable,” Kyes said. Also this year, Gross became the first major-city chief to deliver an address before the Central Intelligence Agency. Kyes recalled walking across the field at Fenway Park with Gross, hearing fans call out, “Chief! Chief!”

“He does command a room,” Kyes said. “You can’t be taught charisma. It’s natural. And he has it.”