Patrolman Cassius W. White
Billerica Police Department
Massachusetts
End of Watch: Sunday, August 23, 1936
Officer Down Memorial Page
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 Barry Collins
Billerica Police Department
Massachusetts
End of Watch: Tuesday, October 7, 1969
Officer Down Memorial Page
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. He was survived by his wife, five children, father, and two brothers.
Patrolman Thomas E. Strunk
Billerica Police Department
Massachusetts
End of Watch: Wednesday, March 27, 1985
Officer Down Memorial Page
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 on Allen Road approximately four-tenths of a mile north of Route 3A.
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 was a U.S. Army veteran. He had served with the Billerica Police Department 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 went on to serve with the Billerica Police Department.
Sergeant Ian G. Taylor
Billerica Police Department
Massachusetts
End of Watch: Friday, April 26, 2024
Officer Down Memorial Page
Sergeant Ian Taylor was struck and killed by a piece of construction equipment while working a construction detail at the intersection of Boston Road and Pollard Street at about 2:00 pm.
He was assisting a tractor-trailer passing through the construction zone when he was struck by an excavator that was backing up. Sergeant Taylor was transported to Lahey Hospital and Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.
With 21 years of law enforcement experience, Ian’s dedication began in 2003 with the Lawrence Police Department, continued through the Wilmington Police Department and found its culmination in the Billerica Police Department, where he served as a Detective until his passing. He is survived by his wife and two children.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
