Boston Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch Monday, April 6, 1908
Add to My HeroesJohn J. Fitzgerald
Patrolman John Fitzgerald died from complications of a cerebral hemorrhage he suffered three days earlier shortly after assisting another officer in making an arrest of a theft suspect.
Patrolman Fitzgerald was reporting to duty at the Franklin Park Substation when he was stopped by another officer and asked for assistance in making an arrest at 3409 Washington Street of three larceny suspects who stole a $5.00 brass pipe. As the officers arrived at the home one of the suspects resisted arrest and fought with Patrolman Fitzgerald before making an escape. Two other suspects were arrested inside the home. Later that evening at the Franklin Park Substation Patrolman Fitzgerald complained of not feeling well and an ambulance was summoned to take him home. Shortly after arriving at his home, he slipped into unconsciousness and a doctor was summoned. The doctor determined that he had suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and was suffering from paralysis on his right side. Patrolman Fitzgerald died three days later after having never regained consciousness.
The suspect who had fought with him was arrested on the morning of his death. Patrolman Fitzgerlad's partner testified under oath that morning that it was the same suspect that fought with him and Patrolman Fitzgerlad prior to making his escape. The suspect was charged with assaulting Patrolman Fitzgerald and fined $25 for drunkenness with a $200 bond. It is unknown if any other additional charges were filed resulting in Patrolman Fitzgerald's death.
Patrolman Fitzgerald served with the Boston Police Department for 27 years and was attached to Division 13, Franklin Park Substation. He was survived by his wife. On March 1st, 1929, Patrolman Fitzgerald's widow requested a pension for her late husband from the city of Boston. Her request was granted in October 1929 after no objection by the mayor. A motion granting the request stated her husband "John J. Fitzgerald a member of the Police Department died as a result of injuries received while in the performance of his duties."
Bio
- Age 54
- Tour 27 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Assault
- Incident Date Friday, April 3, 1908
- Weapon Person
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 4 ReflectionsOfficer Fitzgerald you are remembered by your brother and sister officers of the Boston Police Department. Rest in Peace.
Michael Kane
Retired Detective, Boston Police Dept.
June 21, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths

Criminal Investigator Steven A. Carnes
Tom Green County District Attorney's Office, TX
EOW: November 13, 2022

Police Officer Gonzalo Carrasco, Jr.
Selma Police Department, CA
EOW: January 31, 2023

Master Patrol Officer Clarence L. "CJ" Williams
Cairo Police Department, GA
EOW: January 28, 2023

Supervisory Officer Jacqueline Montanaro
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: January 14, 2023

Police Officer Carl Douglas Kimball
St. Francisville Police Department, LA
EOW: January 12, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Darnell Calhoun
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: January 13, 2023

Court Services Officer Curtis Matthew Worland
Alaska State Troopers, AK
EOW: December 13, 2022

Chief of Police Justin McIntire
Brackenridge Borough Police Department, PA
EOW: January 2, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Isaiah Cordero
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: December 29, 2022