Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts
End of Watch Friday, August 31, 1951
Add to My HeroesAlje M. Savela
Patrolman Alje Savela was shot and killed while making a traffic stop on Route 122, in Barre, at 8:20 pm. A farmer heard several gun shots and found Patrolman Savela's body with seven 9 mm gunshot wounds.
One of the subjects in the case later shot and killed Assistant Superintendent James Godwin, of the Florida Department of Corrections, during an escape attempt on April 4th, 1955. The inmate died in prison.
Patrolman Savela had served with the Massachusetts State Police for four years and was assigned to A Troop. The range at the Massachusetts State Police Academy is named in his honor. He is buried at North Cemetery in Lunenberg, Massachusetts.
Bio
- Age 35
- Tour 4 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; 9 mm
- Offender Never identified
Most Recent Reflection
View all 22 ReflectionsPatrolman Savela, it has been 72 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 3, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
![Segus R. Jolivette](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27106/c_2024_jolivette.jpg)
Senior Corporal Segus R. Jolivette
Lafayette Police Department, LA
EOW: July 25, 2024
![Mohamed Said](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27101/police-officer-mohamed-said.jpg)
Corporal Mohamed Said
Melvindale Police Department, MI
EOW: July 21, 2024
![Edgar Ordonez](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27100/c_edgar-ordonez.jpg)
Probationary Police Officer Edgar Ordonez
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: July 10, 2024
![Robert William Sumner](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27096/c_robert-sumner.png)
Corporal Robert William Sumner
Oklahoma Department of Corrections, OK
EOW: July 14, 2024
![Matthew Bowen](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27095/police-officer-matthew-bowen.jpg)
Police Officer Matthew Bowen
Vacaville Police Department, CA
EOW: July 11, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fernando Esqueda
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: July 11, 2024
![Kevin Linn Palmer](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27091/c_k._palmer.jpg)
Assistant Chief Kevin Linn Palmer
North Richland Hills Police Department, TX
EOW: May 1, 2024
![Jamieson Ritter](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27085/police-officer-jamieson-ritter.jpg)
Police Officer Jamieson Ritter
Cleveland Division of Police, OH
EOW: July 4, 2024
![William Butler, Jr.](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27084/c_butler-bill.jpg)
Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr.
Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office, MI
EOW: June 27, 2024