In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

We honor the memory of our fallen officers. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

Patrolman Cassius White
End of Watch: Sunday, August 23, 1936
Patrolman Cassius White was struck and killed by a drunk driver while assisting two state troopers who had stopped another car on Boston Road, near Billerica Center. A vehicle traveling in the wrong direction in the left lane struck Patrolman White and one of the troopers. Patrolman White suffered fatal injuries and died a few minutes later. The driver of the vehicle was charged with manslaughter. Patrolman White had served with the Billerica Police Department for 18 years. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and two sisters.

Patrolman Kenneth Collins
End of Watch: Tuesday, October 7, 1969
Patrolman Kenneth Collins suffered fatal head injuries after responding to a fight at a local bar. Patrolman Collins had served with the Billerica Police Department for 10 years.

Patrolman Thomas Strunk
End of Watch: Wednesday, March 27, 1985
Patrolman Thomas Strunk was killed when he was dragged by a drunk driver while he attempted to turn off the ignition of the vehicle. He was off duty and driving with his family in Billerica when he observed a vehicle behind him being driven in an erratic fashion. Suspecting the driver was drunk, Patrolman Strunk exited his vehicle when traffic stopped and identified himself as a police officer. He asked the driver to turn the vehicle off, and when he refused, Patrolman Strunk reached inside to turn it off. As he did so the operator sped off, dragging Patrolman Strunk approximately one quarter mile before slamming into a utility pole. The suspect fled the scene but was arrested a short time later. He was sentenced to 14 years but served only seven years. Patrolman Strunk had served with the agency for two years and was posthumously awarded the George L. Hanna Award for Bravery. He was survived by his wife and three sons, one of whom also served as a police officer in the Billerica Police Department.