Mahoney

The State Police Association of Massachusetts

In memory of the Massachusetts State Police Officers who gave their lives in service to the Commonwealth

Support the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation

November 21, 1976

A much decorated veteran of the State Police, Trooper Mahoney was sworn in on December 12^th, 1959, a member of the 42^nd Recruit Training Troop. He had spent 12 of his 17 year career assigned to Troop E, the Weston Barracks on the Massachusetts Turnpike. On April 13^th, 1973, while patrolling the turnpike in Southborough,. Trooper Mahoney came upon a burning car that had overturned in the median. He attempted unsuccessfully to rescue the trapped occupant and in the attempt burned his hands and face. Eye witnesses to the event lauded the heroism of Trooper Mahoney and he was awarded the State Police Medal of Merit for his heroism. He was later named Trooper of the Year and received other citizen awards for his attempts.

Three short years later, on November 21^st, 1976, Trooper Mahoney conducted a motor vehicle stop EB on Rte. 90, the Mass. Turnpike at approximately 1155 hours. As he was sitting in his cruiser writing a motor vehicle violation, a tractor trailer unit slammed into the rear of the cruiser. The cruiser fuel tank exploded upon impact, trapping Trooper Mahoney inside the car, burning him to death.

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