Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Francis McDermott and Patrolman Charles Emerson were shot and killed while paroling the Peat Meadow in the area of Lowell and Woodland Streets at 10 p.m.
They had been assigned to the area to watch for persons who were stealing hay in the location. The suspect in their murders was never apprehended.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MA-4BF4F0E3- 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 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman McDermott served with the Methuen Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Methuen community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman McDermott.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Francis McDermott is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 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 42.4 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Methuen Police Department, 4 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 80% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Francis McDermott's cause is highlighted.
How Francis McDermott Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Francis McDermott is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Francis McDermott was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Methuen Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
