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Incident
Sergeant Max Dorley was killed when his patrol car struck a utility pole on Admiral Street, near Huxley Avenue, as he responded to a disturbance call at approximately 9:20 am.
Two vehicles in front of him pulled to the side, however a third vehicle attempted to make a left turn in front of him, causing him to swerve. His vehicle left the roadway and struck the pole head-on, causing the pole to break in half and fall on the patrol car. He was extricated from the vehicle and transported to Rhode Island Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Sergeant Dorley had served with the Providence Police Department for 16 years and was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant.
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.
Sergeant Dorley gave the Providence Police Department 16 years.
Thank you for your service to the Providence community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Dorley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Providence Police Department has lost 9 officers; 4 of them lost to accidents.
Maxwell is one of 23 officers lost to accidents in RI, 41.8% of the 55 remembered there.
Maxwell is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Maxwell is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2012, 1 officer in RI was lost to accidents, the 4th heaviest of 20 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 2.
In 2012, 51 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 94th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2012, 56 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 95th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Maxwell was 42. Of the 22 lost to accidents in RI whose age is recorded, half were between 28.3 and 41.3; the middle age was 34. Maxwell had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Maxwell was 42. 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. Maxwell had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Maxwell was 42. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Maxwell had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 4.3% of these deaths in RI; December holds the most, 21.7%. Thursdays: 13%.
April holds 7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Thursdays: 14%.
April holds 7% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 44.4% of all 9 deaths at Providence Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 41.8% of all 55 deaths in RI, 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 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Providence Police Department has 9 officers remembered here, Maxwell among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 25-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Providence Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
