Prev
Incident
Officer Edward Callahan was shot and killed, and his partner was seriously wounded while responding to a robbery at a market on the corner of Pleasant and Pearl Streets. The shooter was apprehended in Maine several days later. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. In 1971, his sentence was commuted to life. He became one of Massachusetts' most notorious prisoners, assaulting guards, starting riots, and sexually assaulting other inmates. He died in prison on August 4, 2014. Officer Callahan was a United States Navy World War II veteran and had served with the Malden Police Department for ten years. He was survived by his wife and two children. His father became a Malden Police Officer shortly after coming from Ireland in 1900. His son later became a Malden police officer and proudly wore his father's badge. When he died from cancer at age 33 in 1992, the city was devastated, and the badge was permanently retired. In 2013, his son's nephew became a Malden Police Officer.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqpewmrrrtqz2d3as4zz- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Edward. Claim this record.
Also honored at salute.nw. One record, 2 gates. Edward is one person.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
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.
Officer Callahan gave the Malden Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Malden 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
Edward C. Callahan served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Malden Police Department has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Edward is one of 199 officers killed feloniously in MA, 42.4% of the 469 remembered there.
Edward is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Edward 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 1963, 3 officers in MA were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 107 years on record. The heaviest was 1908, with 6.
In 1963, 71 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1963, 71 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 106th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Edward was 36. Of the 195 killed feloniously in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 52.5; the middle age was 42. Edward had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 11 years.
Edward was 36. 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. Edward had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Edward was 36. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Edward had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 10.6% of these deaths in MA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Mondays: 19.1%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Malden Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 25% 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.
His people
Malden Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Edward among them.
Where
Military Service
Edward C. Callahan served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit Edward C. Callahan’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 32-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Malden Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
