Worcester Police Diversity Officer, Sgt. Dies Off-Duty

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester will fly flags at half-mast in the coming days following the death of Sgt. Derrick Leto, who was also the department's lead diversity officer.

Leto, a Millbury resident who was promoted to sergeant in 2017, died Friday. Apart from his job as a police officer, Leto volunteered in Worcester youth programs. He was also a father and husband.

"There are no words to express how difficult this loss is to the men and women of the Worcester Police Department and the entire city. Derrick was an outstanding police officer and exceptional human being," City Manager Eric Batista said in a letter to city employees, according to a social media posted Friday by District 2 Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson.

The department will offer peer support and crisis intervention to Worcester police and other employees affected by the death, Batista's letter said.