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Incident
Patrolman John McKenzie succumbed to injuries he received when he was struck in a hit-and-run while directing traffic at Broadway and Eleanor Street in Chelsea. On August 6, 1924, Patrolman McKezie was directing traffic when a driver failed to stop at the intersection, hitting him and another officer. The driver kept driving and abandoned his car on Shurtleff Street. Patrolman McKenzie was transported to Chelsea Memorial Hospital with severe head lacerations. He passed away from his injuries two months later. The driver was sentenced to one year for leaving the scene of a crash and was fined $150 for failing to stop at the intersection, operating an automobile dangerously, and leaving the scene of an accident. Patrolman McKenzie had served with the Chelsea Police Department for 18 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, five sons, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman McKenzie gave the Chelsea Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chelsea community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman McKenzie.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Chelsea Police Department has lost 7 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
John is one of 158 officers lost to accidents in MA, 33.7% of the 469 remembered there.
John is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1924, 3 officers in MA were lost to accidents, the 7th heaviest of 86 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1924, 86 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 18th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1924, 98 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 23rd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 52. Of the 154 lost to accidents in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 39. John had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
John was 52. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. John had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 52. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 7.6% of these deaths in MA; August holds the most, 12.7%. Mondays: 9.5%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 42.9% of all 7 deaths at Chelsea Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 33.7% of all 469 deaths in MA, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 1.3% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 1.6% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 1.3% of these deaths.
His people
Chelsea Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 18-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Chelsea Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
