Canton Police Officer Rafael Centeno passed away last Friday, Feb. 8, and in his honor, the Canton Fire Department has hung a black bunting below the Canton Police sign outside the building.

A bunting is to honor the life of a loved one.

Canton Police Sgt. Robert Gooley expressed his feelings over Centeno's loss. Gooley has been a member of the department for 20 years and also shared his shift with Centeno during the six years Centeno served on the force.

"We were very good friends and worked together every day on the same shift," Gooley said. "He also was on mobile operations and rode a motor cycle. Rafael had a heart of gold and would never give any Canton resident a speeding citation, he would only give them a warning."

He added, "Rafael played on a traveling soft ball team out of Boston which is where he lived. Prior to joining the Canton Police Department he had a lateral transfer from the Boston Municipal Police where he served for 16 years."

Canton Patch welcomes anyone in town with memories or stories of Officer Centeno to share them here in the comments section below.