Incident
Patrolman Francis Haddock was shot and killed by escaping robbers who had just murdered Patrolman Forbes McLeod after robbing the Needham Trust Company bank. The men had taken hostages and shot and killed Patrolman McLeod as they escaped in a vehicle and entered Needham Heights. Patrolman Haddock was at the fire station talking with a firefighter. Upon seeing the uniformed men the suspect opened fire with a machine gun, killing Patrolman Haddock. The subjects were convicted of first degree murder and executed. Patrolman Haddock had been with the Needham Police Department for 14 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MA-E1CA2600- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Francis. Claim this record.
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.
Patrolman Haddock gave the Needham Police Department 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Needham 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 O. Haddock served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman Francis O. Haddock is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In MA, 199 of 469 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.4% of this state's fallen. That is 11.8 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Needham Police Department, 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Francis O. Haddock's cause is highlighted.
How Francis O. Haddock Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Francis O. Haddock is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Francis O. Haddock was killed by rifle; machine gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Needham Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
