Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Peter Kneeland succumbed to injuries sustained on September 18th, 1991, when he was struck by a drunk hit-and-run driver in front of a sports bar on Cambridge Street.
The subject fled the scene but was arrested three days later. He was subsequently convicted of charges connected with the incident.
The collision caused Officer Kneeland to suffer severe head injuries that left him in a wheelchair, unable to communicate, or care for himself. He remained in an institutional care facility from the time of the collision until he passing away as a result of his injuries.
Officer Kneeland had served with the Worcester Police Department for 14 years at the time he was struck.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, two children, brother, and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MA-458754DC- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Kneeland gave the Worcester Police Department 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Worcester community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Kneeland.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Peter James Kneeland 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 Worcester Police Department, 2 of 9 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 22.2% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Peter James Kneeland's cause is highlighted.
How Peter James Kneeland Compares
Offender Outcome
Convicted
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Peter James Kneeland is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Peter James Kneeland was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Worcester Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
