Melrose Residents Mourn Loss Of Massachusetts State Trooper

MELROSE, MA — Melrose residents say goodbye to the longest-serving active state trooper in Massachusetts after a battle with cancer.

Trooper Robert "Bob" Whittier died on Jan. 28 at the age of 71 with his family by his side, his obituary reads.

"With great sadness, we announce the passing yesterday of Trooper Robert Whittier, the longest-serving active-duty Trooper with 47 years on the Department," the Massachusetts State Police said in a Facebook post last month.

Trooper Whittier was given the MSP's Badge #1 earlier in January to celebrate his achievement with the agency for the longest active service status with 47 years on the Department, the MSP said in the Facebook post.

Trooper Whitter had been assigned to the motorcycle unit since 1992.

Trooper Whittier "excelled at route and contingency planning, and his expertise was sought after during arrivals of Dignitaries, Heads of State, and large events in the city," his obituary reads. "He was entirely devoted to the badge, and his fellow [officers]."

Trooper Whittier leaves behind his brother, nieces, nephews, and cousins, and was laid to rest on Feb. 2, 2022.

"Across all the decades, at events and incidents large and small, Trooper Whittier provided dedicated and exceptional service to our state and its people," the MSP said. "Rest easy Trooper. We have the watch from here."