Patrolman Borges’ Name Added to National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
Patrolman John Borges’ name was engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Photo courtesy Taunton Police Department) 
Luisa Borges was presented with a Fraternal Order of Police The Supreme Sacrifice Medal of Honor in recognition of Patrolman Borges’ service and sacrifice. (Photo courtesy Taunton Police Department) 
Luisa Borges (forefront, left) with members of the Taunton Police Department. (Photo courtesy Taunton Police Department) 
Taunton Police wore shirts with Patrolman John Borges’ badge number, #369, during the 34th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13. (Photo courtesy Taunton Police Department) 
Congressman Jake Auchincloss (third from right) with members of the Taunton Police Department and Luisa Borges. (Photo courtesy Taunton Police Department) 
Patrolman Borges passed away at just 48-years-old on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020, after a courageous battle with COVID-19, which he contracted in the line of duty. (Photo courtesy Taunton Police Department)
TAUNTON — Chief Edward J. Walsh shares that members of the Taunton Police Department traveled to D.C. this past weekend to honor the life and service of the late Patrolman John M. Borges during National Police Week.
This past weekend, members of the Taunton Police Department had the honor of escorting Luisa Borges to National Police Week events in Washington, D.C., in celebration of the life of her brother Patrolman Borges. Among those who escorted Luisa Borges was Taunton Police Sgt. Lori Neves whose brother, Edward E. Neves, Jr., also died in the line of duty.
Borges was a graduate of Taunton High School and went on to work with the Taunton Police Department for over 20 years. He was one of the founding members of the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council’s (SEMLEC) Search and Rescue Team and served as a search manager. He was also a lead trainer for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and was an active member of the Civil Air Patrol.
“We were honored to have the privilege of escorting Luisa to National Police Week in remembrance of her brother,” Chief Walsh said. “John was a beloved member of our department and served the Taunton community honorably for many years. We all miss him greatly and remember that in valor there is hope.”
As part of the National Police Week celebration, Taunton Police visited the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, the nation’s monument to law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, to view Patrolman Borges’ name which was recently engraved on the memorial. Also memorialized on the wall is Taunton Police Officer Clarence E. Bolton.
Taunton Police also remembered Patrolman Borges at the 34th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13 on the National Mall. At the vigil, thousands of people from across the nation came together to hear the names of fallen officers read aloud and to memorialize those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. While in attendance at the vigil, Taunton Police officers wore shirts with Patrolman Borges’ badge number, Badge #369.
During the 41st Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol, Luisa Borges was presented with a Fraternal Order of Police Supreme Sacrifice Medal of Honor in recognition of Patrolman Borges’ service and sacrifice. At the service, President Joe Biden provided remarks.
Taunton Police also participated in the 28th Annual Memorial March and Service, organized by the National Conference of Law Enforcement Emerald Societies (NCLEES), and the Wreath Laying and Stand Watch for the Fallen ceremonies.
While in D.C., they were also given a tour of the White House by Congressman Jake Auchincloss.
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