Bel Air bids farewell to late assistant police chief

With lights flashing and sirens blipping, a steady stream of Bel Air Police Department cruisers and unmarked vehicles drove in a procession down Main Street early Monday afternoon, paying tribute to the department's late deputy chief, Armand Dupre.

A 33-year-veteran of the town police department, Mr. Dupre died at his White Hall home on July 26 after battling cancer for a little more than a year.

He was remembered by former colleagues as a dedicated, true blue police officer.

"It's not only a profession for him, it's a way of life," Chief Leo Matrangola said of Mr. Dupre last week.

For much of his tenure as deputy chief, Mr. Dupre handled media relations for the town police. He had an excellent working relationship with local news reporters and editors.

Following Mr. Dupre's funeral service at Schimunek Funeral Home of Bel Air late Monday morning, police cars escorted the hearse down Main Street to Gordon Street and then made the loop onto Bond Street and then headed back to Route 1.

From there, the procession drove to Highview Memorial Gardens in Fallston where Mr. Dupre was laid to rest.