Edward James Rathbun

Captain Edward Rathbun died as a result of complications from influenza while performing his assigned duties during the Influenza Pandemic.

The city of Springfield, due to the overwhelming number of cases of influenza and shortage of doctors, worked in coordination with the Massachusetts Army National Guard and the MassMutual Insurance Company to create a temporary field hospital outside of Springfield in Forrest Park known as "Tent City" to treat victims of the Influenza. The Springfield Police Department had been tasked with enforcing local health laws to help prevent the spread of influenza, as well as performing their regular police duties.

Captain Rathbun served with the Springfield Police Department for 10 years.