Sergeant Arthur Cashin, Chelsea Police Department, Massachusetts

Sergeant Arthur Cashin

Chelsea Police Department, Massachusetts

End of Watch Sunday, July 20, 1980

Arthur Cashin

Sergeant Arthur Cashin was shot and killed while making a traffic stop.

After stopping a vehicle for going the wrong way on a one-way street in Bellingham Square, Chelsea, Sergeant Cashin approached the driver's side of the vehicle as his partner, Officer William Copello, approached the passenger side. The driver got out of the vehicle and immediately punched Sergeant Cashin, who landed face first on the sidewalk. The driver then un-holstered Sergeant Cashin's service weapon and shot the officer twice in the back as he lay on the ground. Officer Copello then drew his service weapon, shooting and killing the driver.

Sergeant Cashin was pronounced dead shortly after midnight on July 20th at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Sergeant Cashin had been with the agency for nine years. He was survived by his wife and two young daughters. His nephew, Captain Rick Cashin, was killed in an on-duty automobile accident while serving with the Massachusetts State Police on January 28, 2009.

Bio

Age 37
Tour 9 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Saturday, July 19, 1980
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Not available

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Most Recent Reflection

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Sarge, now it's been 26 years. Though Officer Copello may never have seen himself as a hero, he truly was/is. He no doubt saved not only his own life (for which I thank God) but who knows how many others may have perished at the hands of the animal who brutally murdered you.

Where ever Officer Copello is now, I hope he knows what a splendid job he did and you Sergeant Cashin, you too are a hero for all you did for the City of Chelsea.

God Bless you and may your continued rest be ever peaceful, Brother.

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

July 20, 2016