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Incident
Patrolman Harold Pelissier was killed in a motorcycle accident while escorting an ambulance transporting a mother and her two children to the Cooley-Dickinson Hospital in Northampton. As he traveled on the Northampton-Amherst Highway, now Route 9, an elderly man confused by the sirens stepped into the path near the intersection of West Street. After striking the man, Patrolman Pelissier struck a utility pole. The elderly man was killed instantly, and Patrolman Pelissier died within hours from his injuries. Patrolman Pelissier had been with the agency for four 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 Pelissier gave the Hadley Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hadley community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Pelissier.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Hadley Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Harold is one of 158 officers lost to accidents in MA, 33.7% of the 469 remembered there.
Harold is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Harold is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1930, 5 officers in MA were lost to accidents, the 3rd heaviest of 86 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1930, 113 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 3rd heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1930, 131 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
Who
Harold was 26. Of the 154 lost to accidents in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 39. Harold had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Harold was 26. 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. Harold had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Harold was 26. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Harold had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 8.2% of these deaths in MA; August holds the most, 12.7%. Sundays: 14.6%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 14%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Hadley 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 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Hadley Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Harold among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Hadley Police Department are honored on badge.nw.