NORTH ATTLEBORO - The passing of retired Det. Sgt. Brian Coyle marks the end of an era in local law enforcement.
The 86-year old passed away Wednesday after a brief illness.
Coyle was a 1955 graduate of North Attleboro High School where he was an offensive lineman on the Red Rocketeers’ football team.
He joined the U.S. Marines shortly after graduation, serving in Okanawa, Japan. While with the marines, he played football, taking part in the annual Rice Bowl. Now, a post-season college all-star game, the annual match-up pitted the Marines against the Air Force.
He returned to North Attleboro in 1959 and married his high school sweetheart Leonie LaLancette. He joined the NAPD in 1963, walking a beat downtown
He eventually rose to the rank of sergeant, where he was head of detectives, police prosecutor and custodian…yes, custodian. Prisoners would often mock him when he cleaned the Mason Street cells in the morning and then panic when they saw that same man in a suit standing across from them in court.
He survives his older brother, Chief John Coyle, and nephew, Captain Dan Coyle. The three protected the town for a combined century-plus of service.
Sgt. Coyle was recognized by the North Attleboro and Plainville Rotary Club in 2001, when they honored him with their Outstanding Public Employee award.
Click the video below to stream North TV's tribute to Sgt. Coyle.
