Cambridge Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch Thursday, October 3, 1918
Add to My HeroesJohn William Donnelly
Reserve Police Officer John Donnelly contracted the Spanish flu during the commission of his job duties while assigned to the ambulance unit.
Officer Donnelly served with the Cambridge Police Department for over two years. He was survived by his wife and two children.
Effects of Spanish Flu on Law Enforcement
From 1918 to early 1919, the Spanish Flu pandemic infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet’s population—and killed approximately 675,000 Americans. Many officers contracted this virus due to the requirements of their job.
The names of every officer who died in the line of duty from the Spanish Flu will likely never be known, but ODMP researchers continue to uncover new cases as part of our mission to never forget the fallen.
Bio
- Age 27
- Tour 2 years, 10 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Duty related illness
Most Recent Reflection
View all 2 ReflectionsOfficer Donnelly, thank you for your service especially at such a difficult time in history. Your efforts to keep people safe, at the risk of your own safety and life, are admirable.
God Bless and may you forever Rest in Peace, Brother.
Officer Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department
May 24, 2024
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