The city is mourning the loss of Yvonne Bechet, who broke the color barrier as the NOPD's first African-American female police officer.
NOPD officials confirmed on Sunday that Bechet had passed away, saying her legacy will never be forgotten as a trailblazer for the women and minorities who followed her into law enforcement.
Bechet joined the academy in 1968 and served the NOPD for 22 years, working for a time as an undercover narcotics officer.
After two years on the force, Bechet was promoted to commander of the Community Relations Division and pioneered a series of summer-time talent shows at the city's housing projects.
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