Boston’s police chief delivers inspiring message

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, MASS. – Boston Police Department Superintendent-in-Chief William G. Gross, a 32-year veteran of the department, offered some historical and first-person insights during a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., observance event here Jan. 30.

“Inspiration is what I came here to talk about today,” said Gross, Boston’s highest-ranking uniformed police officer. “I’ve been inspired in my life by people who have paved the way.”

People like the Tuskegee Airmen, who he said took that path to make it easier for the next generation.

The chief spoke about Willis D. Saunders, a World War II Tuskegee Airmen who rose to become Boston’s police deputy superintendent in the 1980s.

“When he came on [to Boston Police Department in the 1950s], prejudice wasn’t hidden, it was right there in your face,” Gross said.

He added that he learned to be an inspiration to others from Saunders’s sacrifice.

Gross, who grew up on a pig farm in Maryland, also spoke about knowing your history.

“Not much to do on the farm when the chores are done except be inspired by living history, my grandmother,” he said. “Because if you know your history, you know your self-worth.”

Gross reflected on how Martin Luther, a 16th century German professor of Theology, inspired Dr. King’s father.

“Inspiration inspired Michael King, Sr., who soon changed his name to Martin Luther King, Sr.,” he said. “And he inspired a young man, his son, whom he named Martin Luther King, Jr.”

Gross spoke how African-Americans have made inspiring sacrifices since the colonial times.

“I don’t doubt at all that young Martin Luther King, Jr., knew about those folks that made those sacrifices,” he said. “Those folks that inspired others, that, through all odds and difficulties put upon them, still fought for this country. Maybe they had a dream that one day we would be able to live together in peace.”

During the MLK observance at the Minuteman Commons that originally scheduled earlier in the month, Gross highlighted King’s ties to Boston.

In addition to earning his doctorate at Boston University in 1955, King returned in 1964 [to donate personal papers to BU] and in 1965 to address two legislative bodies at the state house, he said.

The chief closed by challenging those attending the event to remember the sacrifices made by King and others.

“One day I hope the words of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King will ring true,” he said. “As we go forward, let’s not forget the words of Dr. Martin Luther King. Let us not forget the words of people that he inspired, who still do the right thing. Let’s not forget the words that we can pass on to future generations because it is our charge now to go forth and make their path smoother.”

The event also included a re-enactment of MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech by Hanscom employee Timothy Martin and music by Sabina D. Rene-Smith, Tech. Sgt. Joshua Brantley and Airman First Class Denzel P. Dorsey, all employees at Hanscom.

Gross is a 2014 and 2015 Martin Luther King, Jr., Leadership Award recipient.