Michael Thomas Connolly

Portland Police Department — Portland, ME

Felonious

End of Watch August 15, 1930

Age 49

Badge 71

The Vigil Panel 60 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 4

Incident

Patrolman Michael Connolly was killed after he stopped a group of bootleggers or smugglers delivering illegal goods to the area. Patrolman Connolly was found the next day in the water near Fish Point. His hands were handcuffed behind his back with his own handcuffs, and his revolver had been shoved into his front pocket. It is believed that Patrolman Connolly discovered an illegal shipment of whiskey while patrolling the waterfront. It is thought that he knew the suspects and believed he would be released after a short time, as no sign of a struggle could be located. The cause of death was determined to be drowning, and the incident was ruled a homicide. The case remains unsolved.

Survivors

Patrolman Connolly was survived by his wife and five children.

In Our Keeping

Permanent identifier: BO-US-ME-98B5E369
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 Michael. 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 Connolly served with the Portland Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Portland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Connolly.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Department Portland Police Department

Location Portland, ME

Platform Identity ppd.cumberland.me.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch August 15, 1930

Age 49

Badge Number 71

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Weapon Person

Offender Not available

Patrolman Michael Thomas Connolly 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 ME, 43 of 102 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.2% of this state's fallen. That is 12 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.

At Portland Police Department, 2 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 40% of this agency's fallen.

Portland Police Department

of 5 officers

40% Felonious

ME — Statewide

of 102 officers

42.2% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious