NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Police Department said Sunday that it was mourning the passing of its first African-American female officer, Yvonne Bechet, who entered the police academy in 1968, according to a story on the WWNO radio site.
Bechet served for 22 years with the NOPD, according to the department's tweet.
"Heaven gained another angel today. Your legacy will never be forgotten," added the tweet. "Thank you for paving the way for many of our officers."
According to NOLA.com, Bechet's 22 years as an officer reportedly included stints as an undercover narcotics officer, commander of the community relations division and deputy superintendent.
On Monday, Mayor LaToya Cantrell issued a statement calling Bechet a pioneer who advocated reform within the department long before it was a popular appeal.
"Yvonne Bechet, the pioneering NOPD officer who became the first woman to serve as Deputy Superintendent of the NOPD, passed yesterday. She was among the first courageous advocates for reform of the NOPD, long before most 'got religion.' She didn't just talk the talk, she walked the lonely and often dangerous walk. May she rest in God’s perfect peace."
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