Melrose Police Giving Back To Charity That Supported Them In A Time Of Need

MELROSE, MA — The Melrose Police Department is working to return the favor to an organization that helped one of its own loved ones in a time of need.

The department is currently raising funds for the 100 Club of Massachusetts through the Boston Bruins and National Grid’s BFit Challenge. As of Friday, Jan. 9, it is very close to its goal of raising $6,000 with less than $100 to go. More than 15 generous donations make up the total it has accumulated throughout the fundraising period.

The 100 Club is a nonprofit that provides immediate and lifelong financial and emotional support to the surviving families of police officers and firefighters who were killed in the line of duty. Melrose Police Officer Stephen Galvin died suddenly at his home as a result of a cardiac event in which he unknowingly had been experiencing for about 48 hours, according to Melrose Police Lieutenant Paul Norton. The 51-year-old is survived by his wife, Erin, and their two children. Norton said the department had no relationship with the organization prior to Galvin’s death.

“The Hundred Club of Massachusetts was able to provide a monetary contribution one time benefit to Stephen’s family so that they would not be burdened financially at a very stressful time,” Norton told Patch. “They contacted us the day after Stephen’s (Galvin) death while we were researching how to contact them with tons of questions for them hoping they could help us.”

This is the first year the department has participated in the BFit challenge as a team, with the captain being Officer Thomas Grant. Melrose fire is also participating this year with its beneficiary being the 100 Club as well.

The challenge will be held at Boston’s TD Garden on Monday, Jan. 26. In which participants can walk or run around the arena. A virtual option is also available in which participants are asked to track their steps using a specific program during that time period.

“This means so much to us and is our way of giving back to them so they may continue to support families of fallen first responders in their darkest hour,” Norton told Patch.

Donations can still be made online ahead of the challenge day.

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