A 52-year-old Chelsea Police detective who’s credited with dismantling “the violent MS-13 gang” has died, according to officials who called his death a “sudden and tragic passing.”

Det. Scott Conley died on Friday following a lengthy battle with an illness, the Chelsea police chief announced.

Conley had been a member of the Chelsea police force for nearly three decades — from February of 1996 up until his death.

“It is with deep regret and profound sadness that we announce the sudden and tragic passing of our Brother-in-Blue,” Chelsea Police Chief Keith Houghton said in a statement.

“We sincerely feel this tragic loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with Detective Conley’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the chief added. “Detective Conley’s presence will surely be missed. As we grieve his loss, remember Scott’s ardent dedication to our community and service to our nation as a United States Army veteran.”

During Conley’s tenure in Chelsea, he was assigned to the department’s first critical response team — receiving specialized training in tactical and urban operations with a focus on gang operations.

He was assigned as a task force officer with the FBI’s Violent Gang Task Force, operating out of the Boston field office in Chelsea. Conley investigated transnational gangs that operate between the U.S. and Central America.

“We are heartbroken by the loss of Chelsea Police Department active duty Detective Scott Conley, End of Watch March 15, 2024,” Massachusetts State Police posted.

“Detective Conley provided tremendous assistance to MSP on many cases, including the dismantling of the violent MS-13 gang,” MSP added. “He made the streets of Chelsea safer for everyone who lived, worked, and raised families there. Our prayers are with his wife and children.”

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Conley had traveled numerous times to Central America, most notably to El Salvador, as a consultant for the U.S. State Department. Then in 2017, Conley was asked to testify in front of Congress as an expert on border security and the rise of transnational gangs in the country.

The Chelsea police chief said, “We shall honor Detective Conley’s memory by continuing to serve with the same professionalism, dedication, and compassion he exemplified.”