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Incident
Patrolman Charles Mathews succumbed to injuries sustained two days earlier while directing traffic at the intersection of Palmer Avenue and Pond Street at approximately 9:00 pm. Patrolman Mathews had served with the Natick Police Department for 10 years. He was survived by his wife, four daughters, and one son. Patrolman Mathews' grandson, Patrolman Wallace Mathews, was killed in the line of duty on April 23rd, 1953 while serving with the Massachusetts State Police.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four daughters, and one son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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 Mathews gave the Natick Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Natick community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Mathews.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Charles is the only officer of Natick Police Department remembered here.
Charles is one of 158 officers lost to accidents in MA, 33.7% of the 469 remembered there.
Charles is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1921, 3 officers in MA were lost to accidents, the 7th heaviest of 86 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1921, 68 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 54th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1921, 105 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 15th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Charles was 53. Of the 154 lost to accidents in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 39. Charles had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Charles was 53. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Charles had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 53. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Charles had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 10.1% of these deaths in MA; August holds the most, 12.7%. Tuesdays: 12%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Natick Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 33.7% of all 469 deaths in MA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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