Richard Spirlet died this week at 78 years old after being hospitalized with complications from COVID-19. His son, Troy Spirlet, said while his father will be buried in his captain s uniform, he was so much more than a cop.
In work, the late Spirlet fixed cars at his father s autobody shop, served as a public information officer and New Bedford s first K-9 officer, became a selectman in Westport, hosted a talk show and taught criminal justice at a local college. In life, he was a funny man and a family man with a sweet tooth and a perpetual smile, according to those who knew him.
Retired New Bedford Police Captain Richard Spirlet Passes Away
Richard Spirlet of Westport, who attained the rank of captain during a 36-year career with the New Bedford Police Department, died on Monday, Dec. 28 from complications of COVID-19. He was 78.
Spirlet joined the police force in 1971 and after patrolling the North End for five years, he became the department s first K-9 officer, initiating a program that still exists today.
In 1993, as a Sergeant, Spirlet started a Community Police Program and two years later received a regional award for its outreach with the public.
Spirlet later served as commander of the North End station and served as the police department s representative at New Bedford Housing Court, neighborhood events and government meetings.