Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John Fitzgerald died from complications of a cerebral hemorrhage he suffered three days earlier shortly after assisting another officer in making an arrest of a theft suspect.
Patrolman Fitzgerald was reporting to duty at the Franklin Park Substation when he was stopped by another officer and asked for assistance in making an arrest at 3409 Washington Street of three larceny suspects who stole a $5.00 brass pipe. As the officers arrived at the home one of the suspects resisted arrest and fought with Patrolman Fitzgerald before making an escape. Two other suspects were arrested inside the home. Later that evening at the Franklin Park Substation Patrolman Fitzgerald complained of not feeling well and an ambulance was summoned to take him home. Shortly after arriving at his home, he slipped into unconsciousness and a doctor was summoned. The doctor determined that he had suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and was suffering from paralysis on his right side. Patrolman Fitzgerald died three days later after having never regained consciousness.
The suspect who had fought with him was arrested on the morning of his death. Patrolman Fitzgerlad's partner testified under oath that morning that it was the same suspect that fought with him and Patrolman Fitzgerlad prior to making his escape. The suspect was charged with assaulting Patrolman Fitzgerald and fined $25 for drunkenness with a $200 bond. It is unknown if any other additional charges were filed resulting in Patrolman Fitzgerald's death.
Patrolman Fitzgerald served with the Boston Police Department for 27 years and was attached to Division 13, Franklin Park Substation. He was survived by his wife. On March 1st, 1929, Patrolman Fitzgerald's widow requested a pension for her late husband from the city of Boston. Her request was granted in October 1929 after no objection by the mayor. A motion granting the request stated her husband "John J. Fitzgerald a member of the Police Department died as a result of injuries received while in the performance of his duties."
Patrolman Fitzgerald served with the Boston Police Department for 27 years and was attached to Division 13, Franklin Park Substation. He was survived by his wife. On March 1st, 1929, Patrolman Fitzgerald's widow requested a pension for her late husband from the city of Boston. Her request was granted in October 1929 after no objection by the mayor. A motion granting the request stated her husband "John J. Fitzgerald a member of the Police Department died as a result of injuries received while in the performance of his duties."
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-MA-873614F5- Stewardship
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
27 years. You could have gone home.
Patrolman Fitzgerald gave the Boston Police Department 27 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Roxbury Crossing community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Fitzgerald.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John J. Fitzgerald is one of 17,559 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 53.9% of all 32,587 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 11.5 percentage points below the national rate of 53.9%.
At Boston Police Department, 45 of 106 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John J. Fitzgerald's cause is highlighted.
How John J. Fitzgerald Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John J. Fitzgerald is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John J. Fitzgerald was killed by person.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
105 officers from Boston Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
