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Incident
Patrolman Keith Nivala was killed when a fleeing motorist crashed into his patrol car on Route 2.
Patrolman Nivala served as a part-time officer with the Westminster Police Department, and also served as a full-time officer with the Massachusetts Department of Corrections. He had served with the agency for six years.
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 Nivala gave the Westminster Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Westminster community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Nivala.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Westminster Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Keith is one of 199 officers killed feloniously in MA, 42.4% of the 469 remembered there.
Keith is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Keith 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 1989, 1 officer in MA was killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 107 years on record. The heaviest was 1908, with 6.
In 1989, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1989, 108 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Keith was 27. Of the 195 killed feloniously in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 52.5; the middle age was 42. Keith had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 11 years.
Keith was 27. 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. Keith had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Keith was 27. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Keith had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8% of these deaths in MA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Sundays: 14.1%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Westminster Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 50% 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.
His people
Westminster Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Keith among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 4-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Westminster Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
