Condolences pour in for fallen officer

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Condolences have started to pour in for a Providence police officer killed Thursday morning when his patrol car slammed into a utility pole on Admiral Street.

Max Dorley, 42, was killed after swerving to avoid a car while responding to a call on Admiral Street shortly after 9:30 a.m.

• Providence police officer killed while responding to call

Those who knew Dorley and some who have never met him offered their sincere condolences online.

Belinda Guarino Geronda writes on our Facebook page, "Very sad and should never have happened...thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this terribly sad time."

" This is so sad, God bless his family, will pray," Becky Lynn wrote.

Greg Dore writes, "So sad please show some respect for his family, 15 years on the force with no tarnishes against his name. He was responding to a officer needs help call, may he rest in peace." 

• Photos: Fallen Providence Police Officers

"Max was a great officer. A good family man. A friend to many of this department, including me, and everyone knows he was all cop," Providence's police chief, Col. Hugh Clements said. "My deepest condolences go out to his family, his wife, his children. I know them well. He's a friend of mine. Beautiful family. And as well, my condolences go out to everyone in this police department."

Attorney General Peter Kilmartin

"When a police officer is killed while performing his sworn duties, it’s not just an agency that loses an officer; the entire community loses a friend and brother. On behalf of the entire staff of the Office of Attorney General, our prayers go out to the family of Patrolman Maxwell Dorley and to his fellow officers of the Providence Police Department.”

Mayor Angel Taveras

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant Dorley’s wife, children and family, and with the men and women of the Providence Police Department. Sergeant Dorley’s death while responding to a call for assistance is a sober reminder to all of us that every officer who takes the oath and wears the shield of the Providence Police Department puts their life on the line every day they come to work to protect our city."

Taveras has ordered all city flags to be flown at half-staff.

Council President Michael A. Solomon:

"Patrolman Dorley was a dedicated public servant who spent his adult life protecting the residents of Providence. A father of two children, my thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family on this tragic day."

Council President Pro-Tempore Terrence Hassett:

"Officer Dorley was tremendous spirit in the Providence Police Department. This tragedy is an unfortunate reminder of the sacrifice the brave men and women of the Providence Police Department are willing to make to ensure our safety. We will forever be indebted to Officer Dorley and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and colleagues on this tragic accident."

Councilman David Salvatore:

"Today, people throughout Providence are mourning the loss of Officer Dorley. Born and raised in the city, he spent his career trying to make a difference in the lives of others. Whether it was at the Providence Housing Authority or the Providence Police Department, Maxwell carried with him a joyful and personality and a large heart. Countless individuals mourn his loss today."

Dorley's been posthumously promoted to sergeant. He leaves behind a wife and two children.