Newport News Police released, Thursday, that their former Chief of Police, George C. Austin, died overnight at the age of 86.

From Newport News Police

Retired Newport News Police Chief George C. Austin

Austin joined the Newport News Police Department in June of 1947. He progressed through the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, captain and major before being appointed Chief of Police in July of 1975. He was Chief of Police until his retirement in February of 1983.

Austin was the first African-American officer in the history of the Newport News Police Department to progress to the rank of Chief of Police.

In addition to his duties as Chief of Police, Austin participated in many organizations, and served on the boards of the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Boys and Girls Club, Criminal Justice Services Commission and Virginia State Crime Commission.

He died at a local hospital after a lengthy illness, and leaves behind a wife, son and granddaughter.

A spokesman for the department says funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.