Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Chief Hardy, it has been 50 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 that you and too many others have made for us. Thank you for your service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

June 12, 2023

Chief Hardy,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Rowley. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 11, 2023

Although I never got the chance to meet you, I am very proud to call you my grandfather. I share your story with many, just as Oma did. She never turned off her police scanner- and it wasn’t until after her passing that I realized why. The house the two of you shared on Railroad Ave has now been demolished, but the memories will last forever. The two of you truly made an every lasting impact on the town of Rowley.

Thank you for looking out for me from above.

Rhiannon Hardy
Granddaughter

August 11, 2022

Rest in peace Chief of Police Hardy.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 3, 2020

You laid your life on the line to sacrifice all you held true. A natural protecter to all who loved and knew you. The many many many stories I have heard of you are countless and awe inspiring. The holiday’s without you did not go unnoticed as we had the pleasure of your one of a kind widow Hilde!! What a treat you gave to all of us in the wake of your untimely demise with the blessing of your wife- my dear aunt Hilde. I am proud to have been so close to your family in a family so big. You would be so proud of so many of us especially your beautiful grandchildren. Your grandson serves his community as a school nurse and your granddaughter is simply exceptional and beautiful. Until we get the chance to meet; I am privileged to keep you in my honor.

KMH
Anonymous

November 27, 2019

Dear Uncle Bobby,

I'll never forget seeing you at Hampton Beach boardwalk in your uniform. I was beaming with price and you picked me up and put me on your shoulders carrying me around. To top it off you let me blow your police whistle. I've never have forgotten you or stopped thinking of you as a hero.

Love you always

Your niece Jackie

Jackie Hardy Rowell
My Uncle

July 31, 2018

Chief, it has now been 45 years since your passing. After reading the reflection left by Capt. Wood, I see more clearly now, what a great man you were and an inspiration you still are.

God Bless you, Brother and may your eternal rest continue to be peaceful.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

June 11, 2018

Chief Hardy, I will never forget June 11, 1973 as your family was a big part of my family. Your inspiration as a Police Officer in my home town inspired me to become a Police Officer in the Town of Rowley. I started as Auxiliary Patrolman, Part-Time Officer and then a full time police officer. I was promoted to the Rank of Sergeant. After serving over six years in Rowley I moved on to continue my law enforcement career as a New Hampshire State Trooper. Being a Trooper was my dream and I achieved it. After serving nearly 29 years with New Hampshire State Police I retired in May 2016 at the rank of Captain. My Law Enforcement Career was 35 years total. My son Gary Jr has followed in my footsteps as a New Hampshire State Trooper. I spoke about your inspiration given to me to become a police officer at my retirement party!! You have been greatly missed, but will never be forgotten!! I was proud and honored to serve the citizens as you did in our home town. God bless you for service and rest in peace.

Captain Gary J. Wood
New Hampshire State Police

October 19, 2017

June 11, 1973 . . . I pray your family has been being watched over by GOD , you and family . GOD bless your SOUL on the other~side, Chief.

I was starting my 16th year of USAF Security Police Forces in June 1973 .. retired. I'm pretty sure that you and I are distantly HARDY related. . My HARDY line started in MA in 1630.

I pray when it is my time to cross~over I will meet you and our HARDY ancestors.

Terry B. Hardy, Police Chief {IA}. Ret.

August 15, 2017

My family knew you well you are a great man. We were on our way to Alaska when all this happen but we thought of you often. Family inform us.. Our thought and prayers are with you and your family. RIP

Barbara Welcj
live in Rowley

July 11, 2016

I will never forget that day in June 1973. Chief Hardy grew up with my Mom Louise Mehaffey and I grew up with his kids Bob and Susan Hardy. I was working on Rt 1 at Transene Company when Jack Fenders, selectman came flying through the doors to tell his wife Maud Fenders that Chief Hardy had been in a head on collision up the street from where we were working and that it didn't look good. I will never forget.

Marcia Mehaffey Farina

July 11, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 15, 2015

Chief Hardy, your widow has come to be a dear friend of mine. She misses you so much and has been so brave for these past 41 years. She is a wonderful, compassionate, funny and strong woman whom I am privileged to know and I feel as if I know you through her stories and pictures. Anyone who knew you has nothing but good things to say. I am sorry that I never got to meet you but thank you for bringing Hilda here. She is a true treasure.

Rest In Peace

Nancy Phillips
friend

December 16, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

June 11, 2012

Chief Hardy you are remembered by your brother and sister officers of the Boston Police Department. RIP

Det. Michael Kane
Boston Police Dept.

December 19, 2010

A few times a week I like to come through ODMP to pay my respects to one of our nation's heros. Today, Chief Hardy, I read your story.

My prayers go out to his family who have had to live so long without their loved one.

Laura
Philadelphia, PA

December 30, 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

February 18, 2008

Rest in Peace Chief

Jeff

February 17, 2008

You died when I was just a baby, so I unfortunately have no memories of you. That's my loss. But your family -- and your town -- have not forgotten you. Your memory lives on like a Rowley legend, and I'm proud to say that you were my grandfather.

Jon Stafford
Grandson

June 28, 2007

Rest in Peace Chief. 34 years ago today you were killed in the line of duty. I know you still patrol the streets of Rowley with us...

Patrolman
Rowley Police

June 11, 2007

Chief Hardy, today marks the 34th anniversary of your untimely tragic death. Thank you for your service to the Commonwealth. You are a hero.

May God Bless you and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

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

June 11, 2007

Chief, today marks the 33rd anniversary of your death. To family and friends it must seem like yesterday. I know you never truly left them and probably still patrol the streets of Rowley.

God Bless and may you Rest in Peace, Brother.

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

June 11, 2006

May your soul rest in peace, Chief Hardy.

As minister of the First Congregational Church of Rowley, and as Chaplain of the Rowley Police Department, I have come to know Chief Hardy through the stories his friends and colleagues have told me. Chief Hardy was a wonderful man and member of our community. He sang in the church musicals at the Town Hall for many years, had a great sense of humor and was respected by all. His tragic death still weighs on the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him. I just wish that I had been serving in Rowley during Chief Hardy's time, as I know I would have counted him as my friend and brother in faith, and in service to our town.

To his wife and family, may God be with you, bringing you peace and comfort for your loss, as well as joy for having known and loved Chief Hardy.

Peace & Blessings,

Rev. Robert M.J. Hagopian
Chaplain, Rowley Police Department
May 18, 2006

Chaplain Rev. Robert M.J. Hagopian
Rowley Police Department

May 18, 2006

Rest in peace fallen hero. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Anonymous

February 1, 2004