PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Police Department is mourning the sudden loss of a longtime officer.

Chief Thomas Dawley announced the unexpected death of Officer Michael Silver "with great sadness" on Monday. Silver worked for the department for more than 15 years and is remembered as a highly respected member of the force.

The Dawley's post on Facebook stated the department would not release more information and requested privacy for Silver's family.

"Rest in peace Ofc. Michael Silver Call Sign #403, your brothers and sisters in blue will take it from here," he wrote in a Facebook post.

Silver began his career with PPD in 2008 after graduating from the State Police Municipal Academy. He has been a senior tactical operator on the Berkshire County Special Response Team since 2016 and was assigned to the department's traffic unit.

"Ofc. Silver was dedicated to the profession of being a police officer and was highly respected by his peers," Dawley wrote.

Silver briefly served with the Lee Police Department in 2015 and was a certified Municipal Police Training Committee instructor in several areas. He received several letters of commendation and was the recipient of the Weapons Seizure Award and a Drug Buster Award.

Dawley and members of the PPD extended their deepest condolences to the officer's family, friends, and those who knew him.