Former Utica Deputy Police Chief Michael Bailey has passed away.

Bailey, who had been suffering from health complications, died on Wednesday at the age of 50.

Bailey retired from the UPD in 2012 after 22 years with the department.

In a statement, the Utica Police Department says Mike was a true leader, mentor and friend and he will be missed.

Former Utica Mayor David Roefaro, who appointed Bailey Deputy Chief, issued the following statement on Bailey's passing:

“Mike Bailey was a hero who greatly served the Utica Police Department during a time when residents demanded a decrease in crime. When I appointed Mike as Deputy Chief of the department, he worked day and night with Chief Williams to make Utica safer. He played a critical role in our successful efforts to reduce gun crime and get illegal guns of the streets, working in concert with former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s office, the NYPD and the Department of Justice to achieve the goal. Simply put, his police work saved lives. I am deeply saddened to hear of Mike’s passing and pray for his entire family. Mike was a proud family man. He loved Utica, his brothers and sisters of the UPD, and he cared deeply about other people. Mike always had a smile on his face, one I will never forget. His passing is a loss to us all.”

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