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Incident
Patrolman Francis Gilleland was shot and killed at the corner of Boston Avenue and North street while attempting to stop a drug store break-in. Patrolman Gilleland was found shot to death at the entrance to an alleyway in the rear of a small drug store in the Medford Hillside district. There were bullet wounds in his head and chest. His revolver was clutched in his hand. Neighbors told police they had seen four youths in a large touring car with red wheels and black body fleeing from the vicinity. An investigation found an attempt had been made to force open a rear door of the drug store, but that entrance had not been made. Two of the suspects were picked up later the same day in Nashua and the woods near North Chelmsford but were released. The murder remains a mystery. Patrolman Gllleland was a World War I veteran and served with the Medford Police Department for eight years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Gilleland gave the Medford Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Medford community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Francis J. Gilleland served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Francis is the only officer of Medford Police Department remembered here.
Francis is one of 199 officers killed feloniously in MA, 42.4% of the 469 remembered there.
Francis is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Francis 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 1928, 4 officers in MA were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 107 years on record. The heaviest was 1908, with 6.
In 1928, 201 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1928, 202 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Francis was 34. Of the 195 killed feloniously in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 52.5; the middle age was 42. Francis had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 11 years.
Francis was 34. 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. Francis had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Francis was 34. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Francis had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 8% of these deaths in MA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Mondays: 19.1%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Medford Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 42.4% of all 469 deaths in MA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 27.6% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
Military Service
Francis J. Gilleland served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit Francis J. Gilleland’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
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