Boston Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch Monday, October 26, 1987
Reflections for Detective Roy Joseph Sergei
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Detective Sergei, it has been 36 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
October 26, 2023
Never Forgotten by the Officers both active and retired of the Boston Police Department.
Retired Boston P.O. Robert E. Anthony Historian
October 26, 2023
I recently saw Detective Sergei’s memorial by MIT and was moved to read his story. It is important to pay tribute to heroes taken too soon and still honor those who served long ago.
RIP
Jon Q Publick
Passerby
November 22, 2022
Never forgotten by the Officers both active and Retired of the Boston Police Department.
Retired Boston P.O. Robert E. Anthony Historian
October 26, 2022
When I saw your story on fbi files it reminded me of my own father who was also killed in the line of duty 3 years before you
Your sacrifice will never be forgotten thank you for your service and bravery may your soul rest in the arms of god
THE BRAVE MAY NOT LIVE FOREVER BUT THE CAUTIOUS DO NOT LIVE AT ALL
REST IN PEACE ROY
June 29, 2022
Rest in peace.
J.R.
December 23, 2021
Never forgotten by the Officers of the Boston Police Department
P.O. Robert Anthony Historian
Boston Police Department
October 26, 2021
As a fellow first responder I admire Detective Sergeis bravery & service also his fellow officer's your legacy will forever be known & honored for everyday we put on a badge & uniform we never know if we will be returning home.
Benjamin J Freeman
September 30, 2021
I saw on FBI files the story and I wanted to say thank you for your service and sacrifice God bless you and your family.
Shantia J
Citizen
March 7, 2021
Roy was a police who strived to become a detective, he was ridiculed by some of his peers due to his professional demeanor!! Roy had every one of his daily journal that he kept to use as evidence in his daily tours!! I know because I was the officer he same to aid in that alley!!
P.O Christopher Rogers
Boston police
November 23, 2020
Lest We Forget...
Detective Chris Hartgrove
Boston Police
October 31, 2019
Detective Sergei, it's now been 32 years. Your murder has never been forgotten and you are thought of often by your colleagues, family and friends.
May your rest remain peaceful, Brother and may God Bless you and all who still feel the pain after all this time.
Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department
October 26, 2019
I saw the memorial sign for Detective Roy Joseph Sergei while on Mass Ave today. I live near by and walk my dogs in the area. I don't know if these reflections are read or by whom, but if so wanted to express my sympathy to Detective Sergei's loved ones. I realize he passed in 1987, but time does not heal all wounds. May he rest in joy and may your days be peaceful and blessed.
Margaret Davis Karabanow
August 30, 2018
I live in the back bay. We back up to the alley where detective Sergei gave his life protecting residents . I grew up in Boston and recognize it is very different environment today than the 70's and 8o's Most residents pass the small sign / memorial without notice / or awareness ---- I wanted to let the family and loved one know that his sacrifice is not unrecognized by a resident who passes the memorial every day , and thinks of him and the family when I look out the back window that faces alley 429
Citizen Mark Canha
Citizen City of Boston
April 22, 2018
Roy was always a hard working street cop. I would always see him working the streets of Boston's South End during my times working for the Massachusetts Bay Transit Police. Often times I would see Roy in court where we would exchange information on wanted criminals and their M.O. Along with his dedication to duty, Roy was also a compassionate cop and great family man. Rest in Peace Roy. I miss you and your smile!
Joe Mastrorilli (Sgt. Det. Retired)
MBTA Transit Police
April 11, 2016
I just read an article with your daughter Michelle in it, now 45 years old.
The love she has for her Dad shined thru and made me want to look you up. RIP
Mark Kiley
Citizen
March 23, 2016
Roy, You are missed RIP.
James Fong Sgt. Det. (Ret)
Boston Police Department
October 2, 2015
Today we remember your sacrifice 26 years to the day. The men and women of the BPD will never forget our fallen officers.
P.O. Robert E. anthony
Boston Police Dept
October 26, 2013
I met Roy one spring night back in the early 80's when I was a doorman at "Fathers II on Beacon Street just outside Kenmore Square. He was responding (whether called to or not, I don't know) to a fight that was taking place outside between Fathers II and Sgt. Peppers Pizza Shop. The individuals that were fighting were BU students and patrons/staff of the bar because they, the students, were asked to leave as a result of rowdy behavior and improper remarks to some female wait staff. Officer Sergei was very quick to diffuse the situation, albeit nightstick in hand along with several other officers who arrived moments later. I introduced myself to him after the situation was brought under control and asked if he would like a soda or something to drink. He said, "I'd love a cranberry and ginger ale with a lime" which I immediately served to him. As we talked for a few moments, I came to realize rather quickly that this young officer was not only a professional at his job, he was a gentleman. Not one to use profanity or be judgmental of people, he struck me as being a "class act." I told him of my grandfather, Frank Gunning who was a Boston Police Mounted Patrolman for 25 years in the Fenway area of Boston. After he finished his beverage, he thanked me and gave me his phone number at home in the event I ever needed any advice or help. We would see each other often over the next several years in and around Kenmore Square and unless he was busy with a call, he would always take a few moments to speak with me. He would often talk about his family in such a way that I knew he was much loved and adored as I also felt strongly that he was a good husband and father. As a Infantry and Military Police K-9 Handler veteran of the US Army, I admired him for his honor and dedication to the City of Boston and I think of him sometimes when I look at my grandfathers pictures in uniform on his horse "Dick" in front of the Hotel Kemore on Commonwealth Ave.
May you rest well Detective Sergei in the Halls of Valhalla.
Wally Ployer
Friend
April 23, 2013
Roy Sergei was a dedicated cop who died while answering a call for someone in distress. A truly fascinating case ensued and culminated with the arrest and conviction of Ted Otsuki who is serving a life sentence in Cedar Junction. Those who knew Roy recognized him as what a police officer should be. He is now and will always be missed.
Detective Billy Dwyer
Boston Police Dept 1968 - 2000
November 14, 2012
It's difficult to believe that it has been twenty-five years. You are not forgotton, Roy. As a Department, we will honor you today by placing a memorial plaque at the scene of the incident. You are in our thoughts today and always.
anonymous
October 26, 2012
If this man should fall,who will lift the flag and carry on? Thank you for carrying the flag Det. Sergei.
Deputy Darrin Ellis
Kings County Sheriffs Office(Ca.)
June 11, 2012
Have seen your story a couple of times on the FBI files and discovery channel. As I watch the actors go into the alley I always pray that you don't get hurt even though I already know the outcome. No one can truly understand the bond that Police Officers have for one another even though they may never have met. Rest in peace Detective and welcome home...
Seregeant Chris DiToro
NYPD
January 30, 2009
Det. Sergie,
I watched a repeat from FBI files and wanted to let your family know you are not forgotten. Thank you for your service to this city. May you rest in peace.
Anonymous
October 15, 2008
"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission
Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
November 7, 2007
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