CHICOPEE, Mass. -  Detective Michael J. Dion, the longest serving member of the Chicopee Police Department, passed away on Wednesday following a heart attack while on duty earlier in the week.

Dion was in his 39th year of service in the Chicopee Police Department. He was given Badge 1 on Dec. 30, 2020, making him the Senior Patrolman. 

According to the Chicopee Police, Dion was working a traffic assignment on Monday when he suffered the heart attack. 

Dion was transported to Baystate Medical Center where he was on life support until Wednesday.

Following his death, the Chicopee Police Department bestowed the 2021 Chief’s Commendation Award and the 2021 Officer of the Year Award to Dion.  

Additionally, Governor Charlie Baker has acknowledged the request by Honorable Mayor John Vieau and has ordered that the United States of America Flag,  the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag, and the City of Chicopee flags in the jurisdiction of the City of Chicopee be lowered to half-staff beginning at sunrise on Friday Nov. 12 until further notice.

Memorial services for Detective Dion will be held this week. Calling hours are from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Grise Funeral Home on Springfield Street in Chicopee. A funeral service will be held at Chicopee Comprehensive High School at 11 a.m. on Saturday.