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Former Lorain Police Chief Celestino Rivera passes away

Rivera served as Lorain's Chief of Police from 1994 to 2019.

LORAIN, Ohio — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News when Lorain Police Chief Cel Rivera retired.

The Lorain community is mourning after learning of the death of retired Lorain Police Chief Celestino "Cel" Rivera. 

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Rivera was 71-years-old when he passed away.

Named chief in 1994, Rivera retired from the force in 2019 after a long career with the police department.

RELATED: Lorain Police Chief Cel Rivera announces retirement

 At this time, his cause of death has not been made public.

In a statement, Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley called Rivera “a gentle man who exemplified what it means to be Lorain proud.”  

“I worked with Chief Rivera during my legal career and always found him to be fair while striving to uphold the law,” Bradley said. “He not only served our community as a police officer but also gave back so much of himself in trying to help the community and our youth. Chief Cel Rivera will be missed, but his legacy will never be forgotten.”

On Facebook, the Lorain Police Department expressed its condolences. 

With great sorrow and grief, the Lorain Police Department announces the passing of Chief Celestino Rivera, Lorain Police...

Posted by Lorain Police Department on Thursday, June 23, 2022

Currently, no information regarding Rivera's funeral arrangements has been released. 

Stick with 3News as we learn the details of Rivera's funeral arrangements and cause of death. 

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