Boston Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch: Thursday, April 24, 1930
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 24, 1930
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolman Franklin Dreyer was shot in the chest while investigating a break-in at a store at Adams and Ashmont Streets.
Patrolman Dreyer entered through the rear of the store when he found it jimmied open. Upon entering the store, he was fired on and took a round to his right wrist. He transferred his weapon over to his left hand and fired at the suspect, who fired again and hit Patrolman Dreyer in the chest. As he fell to the ground, Patrolman Dreyer emptied his revolver, although it was later determined that he did not hit the suspect.
The suspect fled out the rear of the store. A witness who heard the shots ran to the downed officer. Patrolman Dreyer gave the witness his box keys and told him to go to the call box across the street and call in for help. Officers arrived on the scene and transported Patrolman Dreyer to the hospital where he passed away from his injuries.
Patrolman Dreyer was survived by his wife and three sons.
He is buried at New Calvary Cemetery in Mattapan, Massachusetts.
A Hero sign is posted on Adams and Ashmont Street District 11 in his honor.