For Immediate Release

Friday, May 17, 2019

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Methuen Police Host Annual Memorial Service Honoring Officers Who Died in the Line of Duty

METHUEN — Mayor James P. Jajuga and Chief Joseph Solomon report that the Methuen Police Department held its annual memorial service this Wednesday in honor of law enforcement officers who have passed away, including those who have died in the line of duty.

The service was held at the Methuen Police Station on Hampshire Street. Each year, the Methuen Police Department hosts a memorial service to honor its officers who died while protecting and serving their city.

Five members of the Methuen Police Department — Officer Arthur Bower, Officer Charles Emerson, Officer Walter Hird, Officer Ronald Kinlock and Officer Francis McDermott — have died in the line of duty during the department’s history.

“Our police officers work incredibly hard to protect and serve our city, and this annual service is a somber reminder of those who have lost their lives fulfilling their duty,” Mayor Jajuga said. “The challenges our officers take on are essential to the safety of our community, and their highly trained, comprehensive response to the myriad calls for help they receive every day speaks volumes about their dedication and professionalism.”

The service included remarks by Lt. Joseph Aiello, Mayor Jajuga, Chief Solomon, and opening and closing prayers from Father Christopher J. Casey of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish.

Chief Solomon also presented Life Saving Awards at the event to Officers Joseph Alaimo, Brandon Laflamme and Walter Torres. Officers Alaimo, Laflamme and Torres responded to a report of a man that had fallen and was injured at the intersection of Park Street and Pleasant Street. Upon arrival, the Officers found the individual unresponsive, without a pulse. The Officers began administering CPR and used an AED to revive the man. The man survived as a result of the quick response of Officers Officers Alaimo, Laflamme and Torres, and their ability to rely on their training to provide critical aid.

“Officers Alaimo, Laflamme and Torres saved this man’s life because of their quick thinking and effective response,” Chief Solomon said. “This service is a somber event that reminds us of the significant sacrifices members of our department have made, but this event and these awards are also a reminder of the positive impact our officers have on their community, and the duty we all have to serve our city and help people in times of need.”

The Methuen Police Department Honor Guard gave a Presentation of Colors and 21 Gun Salute at the service, Chief Solomon lead a candle light vigil, members of the Methuen Police Superior Officers Association and Methuen Police Patrolman’s Association placed a wreath, Methuen High School students Lucas DeLeon and Adam McCraw played the bugle and Central Catholic Student Bella Perrotta gave musical performances of “I Salute You” and the National Anthem.

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