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Incident
Correction Officer James Callahan suffered a fatal heart attack when he was assaulted by an inmate at the Middlesex House of Correction and Jail at 269 Treble Cove Road in North Billerica.
At 6:05 a.m., the inmate was being moved to an isolation unit for creating disturbances throughout the night. While walking with the inmate, he began to kick and swing at the guards, hitting one in the head and striking a huge blow to Officer Callahan in the abdomen. He immediately began to wheeze and gasp for air. Officer Callahan was transported to Saint John's Hospital where he had passed away on arrival.
Officer Callahan had served with the Middlesex County Sheriff's Office for nine years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and six children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Correction Officer Callahan gave the Middlesex County Sheriff's Office 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Medford community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Correction Officer Callahan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Middlesex County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 199 officers killed feloniously in MA, 42.4% of the 469 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
James is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1973, 6 officers in MA were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1973, 171 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1973, 188 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 49. Of the 195 killed feloniously in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 52.5; the middle age was 42. James had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 11 years.
James was 49. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 49. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8% of these deaths in MA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Fridays: 12.1%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Middlesex County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was person, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 42.4% of all 469 deaths in MA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 1.8% of these deaths.
His people
Middlesex County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Middlesex County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
