Boston Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch Thursday, January 13, 1898
Cornelius F. Regan
Patrolman Cornelius Regan passed away after contracting spinal meningitis after rescuing a drowning man from the Charles River early on Christmas morning.
He was on patrol near the old Charlestown Bridge at 2:15 am when he heard a man shouting. He ran to the center of the bridge, where he observed a man struggling in the icy river 20 feet below.
After taking off his belt, Patrolman Regan climbed down a bridge pile to the water. He was able to pull the man to the bridge using his belt, at which point he discovered the man was too drunk to assist himself in anyway. Despite getting soaked with the ice-cold water, Patrolman Regan was able to secure a boat which brought them both to shore.
Patrolman Regan began feeling ill the following day. His condition worsened and it was determined that he contracted spinal meningitis as a result of his exposure to the cold. He passed away on January 13, 1898.
Patrolman Regan had served with the Boston Police Department for four years in Division 13, Headquarters, Division 5, and was assigned to Division 1 when he passed. He was survived by his wife and five children.
Bio
- Age 34
- Tour 4 years, 11 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Duty related illness
- Incident Date Saturday, December 25, 1897
Most Recent Reflection
View all 9 ReflectionsOn the anniversary of this law enforcement officer's death. We thank you for your service. My family we live here in the city of Boston and we are appreciative and thankful to live in this great city because we have fine Police Officers like Cornelius. No matter how much time passes we will always pray and remember the sacrifice. We are thinking of you tonight Cornelius and praying for you. As the quote goes that everyone knows blessed be the peacekeepers for they shall be called children of God.
Former Protective Security Officer (PSO) for Region 1 U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Service Police, Pete Harrington BostonMA
January 13, 2016
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