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Incident
Patrolman Francis McDermott and Patrolman Charles Emerson were shot and killed while paroling the Peat Meadow in the area of Lowell and Woodland Streets at 10 p.m.
They had been assigned to the area to watch for persons who were stealing hay in the location. The suspect in their murders was never apprehended.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 McDermott served with the Methuen Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Methuen community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman McDermott.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Methuen Police Department has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Francis is one of 199 officers killed feloniously in MA, 42.4% of the 469 remembered there.
Francis is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Francis 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 1908, 6 officers in MA were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1908, 129 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1908, 129 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
August holds 8% of these deaths in MA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Saturdays: 12.6%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at Methuen Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 75% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 42.4% of all 469 deaths in MA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 27.6% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Methuen Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Francis among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Methuen Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
