Patrolman Charles E. Cadorette, Ashland Police Department, Massachusetts

Patrolman Charles E. Cadorette

Ashland Police Department, Massachusetts

End of Watch Monday, September 11, 1967

Charles E. Cadorette

Patrolman Charles Cadorette was shot and killed while he and his partner made a traffic stop.

Unbeknownst to the officers, the car had been stolen and was being followed by another car driven by a female acquaintance. As his partner talked to driver of the second car the other driver came up to Patrolman Cadorette holding a 9 mm handgun and disarmed him. He then held Patrolman Cadorette as a human shield and told the officer to shine his flashlight on his partner

Patrolman Cadorette instead turned in an attempt to disarm the gunman and was shot in the chest. His partner was able to return fire, killing the suspect, but was also struck in the chest twice and seriously wounded. The wounded officer was able to make it back to his patrol car and call for backup. The two officers were the only Ashland officers on duty that night and had to wait for officers from neighboring agencies to find the location.

Patrolman Cadorette had been with the agency for four years and was survived by his wife and four children.

Bio

Age 38
Tour 4 years
Badge 9

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; 9 mm
Offender Shot and killed

traffic stop

Most Recent Reflection

View all 12 Reflections

Charlie, I still remember my father, Dick, talking about the call he received fifty years ago to this day informing him of the death of you, his cousin. Your passing stayed with him for the rest of his life, until he was laid to rest on the date of your death, forty-six years later. I've always felt a strong connection to you, as you ended your watch on my first birthday.

Thank you for your service and courage. Your sacrifice has inspired me to do everything I can to ensure that every Officer and Firefighter in Garland, Texas has the training, equipment and staffing to come home safely at the end of every shift.

Fifty years - you are not forgotten. Rest well in your eternal peace.

Rich Aubin, Councilman
City of Garland, Texas

September 11, 2017