Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer John Ruggiero was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious vehicle on Boutwell Street at 3:30 am. He had observed the car driving without lights and began to follow the car. The vehicle pulled into a parking lot and two men jumped out and ran towards Officer Ruggiero's patrol car while shooting at him. The suspects, 26 and 34, were apprehended a short time later. The youngest was sentenced to life. In 1988 Officer Ruggiero's wife as well as others throughout this nation were enraged when they found out since 1984 her husband's killer had been released more than 30 times under Massachusetts' furlough program. One inmate released, committed a brutal attack and rape. Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis, running for president, saw his leed in the poles evaporate. This and his famous tank ride led to his loss to George H.W. Bush. Furlough programs existed in 40 states, but were done away with over the next two years due to public pressure. Officer Ruggiero was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Fall River Police Department for almost three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MA-336EEE81- 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.
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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.
Officer Ruggiero gave the Fall River Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Fall River 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
John W. Ruggiero served in the Other (1965) before joining law enforcement.
Officer John W. Ruggiero 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 Fall River Police Department, 3 of 9 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John W. Ruggiero's cause is highlighted.
How John W. Ruggiero Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John W. Ruggiero is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John W. Ruggiero was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Fall River Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
