Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Mulligan, it has been 30 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

September 26, 2023

Today on your anniversary of your death, the Officers both active and retired of the Boston Police Department will never forget your service.

Retired Boston P.O. Robert E. Anthony Historian

September 26, 2023

Det. Mulligan,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Boston. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 26, 2023

Never forgotten by the Officers of the Boston Police Department

Retired Boston P.O. Robert E. Anthony Historian

September 26, 2022

Never forgotten.

Chris CosgriffFounder & Executive DirectorOfficer Down Memorial Page

March 17, 2022

Never forgotten by the officers of the Boston Police Department

P.O. Robert Anthony Historian
Boston Police Department

September 26, 2021

Having worked at E5 as a civilian clerk I got to know Det. Mulligan. He was probably the hardest working cop in the district. Always chasing down thugs to the point they would move to an area of the city he did not work in. Rest In Peace John. You were my idol.

Nick C
Echo Base

November 20, 2020

Rest in peace always and know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 26, 2020

Thank you so much for your service, always remembered Rest In Peace!

Karen Hodsdon

August 30, 2020

Rest in peace John. I was sad to hear of your passing. I send my condolences to your family

Paula M Kenney
Friend

November 5, 2018

Det. Mulligan, it'll be 25 years since your murder by useless and cowardly individuals. God Bless and may you continue to Rest in peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

April 25, 2018

Today marks the 22nd anniversary of your horrible murder by cowardly filth who God willing will face TRUE justice, if not in this life, in the next.

May your rest be eternally peaceful and God bless you, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

September 26, 2015

Detective Mulligan I remember following the details of your killing in the Boston Globe even though I live in NYC. May you rest in peace and your family, friends and coworkers be comforted now and forever.

Thomas A Rochford
Amtrak-Penn Station, NYC.

February 8, 2015

He was working a paid detail in a Roslindale shopping center, providing security for shoppers. Boston was a dangerous town back then and the police stayed busy. He was ambushed and murdered by animals.

MSG Mark
US army

November 23, 2014

I bear the same name and served for 40 years with An Garda Siochana, Dublin Ireland and feel that we are related due to the great contact between my country and Boston.
I am proud to bear the same name as you John and pray for you having made the ultimate sacrifice.
You were a proud bearer of the Clann O Maolagain (Gaelic Version)name and we salute you

Det Supt John James Mulligan (Retd.)
An Garda Siochana Dublin Ireland

January 6, 2012

Your name rings true, straight to my heart. It's been so many years since your death, buy yet I have found you so easily, which makes me fully believe that you and what you have striven so hard to be, still lives on.
Your first name is the name of my cousin.
Your middle name is the name of my uncle.
Your last name, is my maiden name. A Mulligan I will always be.
I've always felt proud to carry the Mulligan name...I've always felt there was something special, something about being a Mulligan that I could always hold my head up high to. John, you are part of the reason, why I can continue to bring the name of "Mulligan" up anywhere I go.

Thank you, John, for all you have done, and for all you have given up. Some time may have passed, but your memory and what you stood for still lives on.

Chris,
I'm proud to stand tall beside you as a Mulligan. Keep marching forward...I'm sure you're well into your career right now. Don't lose steam and trudge ahead. There are more people than you think that are behind you.

Lovingly from,
Another Mulligan

Barbara Mulligan

January 17, 2009

To Detective John James Mulligan and his loved ones:

On this the fifteenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Your family and department really went through significant struggles in their lengthy quest for justice.

Chris, I am sure your Dad is so proud you are following in his footsteps. I loved the "mulliganized" stories... what
an amazing cop your Dad was and what a role model to follow.

Rest in Peace, Detective Mullligan. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service Detective Mulligan gave to his community and the citizens of Massachusetts, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 26, 1993.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

September 26, 2008

God Speed brother!
Chris, I hope your career is law enforcement is all you hoped it would be. Their is no greater career or honor. Stay Safe.

Det. Chris Mulligan
San Bernardino Sheriff

July 5, 2008

The announcement of your parting should have never had to happen. no one had the right to hurt you. I will never forget the reaction and the words of your brother wayne anderson. "He sat in silence" but his back was straigh and then he said Naw, Naw!!!!!!. he became restless and extremely upset. and the tears fell from his eyes. he pulled himself togeather and began preparing me for what was the inevitable . you are not forgotten and I will always hold stedfast the honor, love and respect present to me from wayne.YOU Are ALWAYS Rememberd And YOU Are ALWAYS Rememberd .... as with wayne I can not say goodbye! but salute your greatness.
committed to your honor . angela, dale christopher, and ariana

angie
citizen

June 5, 2008

I left a reflection earlier but forgot to mention one thing. And I would be surprised if this has ever happened in the entire history of law enforcement, to actually have a "procedure" named after you. John Mulligan was so dedicated to fighting crime and so very very effective, that when he got you and got you good, you were "mulliganized". And this is what they actually called it. And defendants would be in the hallway and I, knowing who had arrested them, would ask them what happened, and instead of telling me the events leading up to their arrests, they would look down at the floor and say that they were mulliganized. It was absolutely hilarious to see this. They meant, of course, that they were tracked down and apprehended by none other than John Mulligan, and they were almost proud of it. I never saw anything like it. John was absolutely relentless. If he was on your trail, you might as well have just gone to your nearest police station and given up, that is how sure you would be of eventually being caught. Fair and square. By one of the best officers I have ever seen. Not arrested or tracked down, but "mulliganized". What a reputation for catching the bad guys. And the bad guys used the same word to describe their predicament. That was what was so funny. And they would always look at the floor when they said it.

former st/fed pros. Davis C Bruce

March 7, 2008

What can we say about John Mulligan. A one of a kind guy. Always ready to help anyone at anytime. Cutting thru the usual boring paperwork and caring enough to do something about a situation instead of looking it up in a book to see exactly how someone says it should be done. John would tell it like it was, would do his duty, would get the bad guys. John got results. He will be sorely missed. I saw him on a day to day basis from March 1985 to pretty close to the day of his death. We were all in shock at the time of the news. His memory lives on. A cop who did his job. That is how he will be remembered. There is no higher honor than being a police officer. Former state and federal prosecutor, former Marine, I have handled 20,000 criminal cases. Some of the most memorable were with Detective John Mulligan, BPD, at West Roxbury District Court 1985-1993.

Crim trial atty Davis C Bruce

March 7, 2008

Chris,
Your father is VERY proud of you. I know in my heart he always has been and will always be proud of you. You will make a fine officer.

Good luck and God Bless...

March 5, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 7, 2007

Det. Mulligan,
On today, the 14th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Boston. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

September 26, 2007

I'll never forget you John, I had tremendous respect for your guts and knowledge as a cop. God Bless you.

Sgt Dave Allen
BPD

July 22, 2007