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Incident
Patrolman Richard Dupre was struck and killed by a drunk driver while working a traffic detail on Route 20, between Main Street and Burgess School Road. The drunk driver was attempting to pass another car in a no-passing zone at the time. The driver fled the scene but was apprehended a short time later. The suspect received only a minimal sentence and was released from jail within one year. Patrolman Dupre was a former Explorer for the Sturbridge Police Department and had served as an officer with the agency for six years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Dupre gave the Sturbridge Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Sturbridge community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Dupre.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Richard is the only officer of Sturbridge Police Department remembered here.
Richard is one of 199 officers killed feloniously in MA, 42.4% of the 469 remembered there.
Richard is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Richard is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1979, 1 officer in MA was killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 107 years on record. The heaviest was 1908, with 6.
In 1979, 136 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1979, 153 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Richard was 26. Of the 195 killed feloniously in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 52.5; the middle age was 42. Richard had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 11 years.
Richard was 26. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Richard had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Richard was 26. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Richard had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 10.6% of these deaths in MA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Saturdays: 12.6%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Sturbridge Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 42.4% of all 469 deaths in MA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 10.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 32-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Sturbridge Police Department are honored on badge.nw.