Natick Officer Who Died Last Week Laid To Rest Monday

NATICK, MA - A Natick police officer known for his service on the K9 unit who died suddendy last week is being laid to rest Monday.

Michael Mabardy, Mabardy, an 11-year veteran of the Natick Police Department, died Tuesday night at the age of 39. He was a day patrol officer who also worked on the K9 unit with his partner, Axel, who assited him during investigations.

Mabardy's funeral was held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Patrick's Church, 44 East Central St. It was preceded by a procession from the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home at Natick Common at 4 Park St. with the Natick Police Honor Guard. Mabardy was buried in a private ceremony.

According to an article in the MetroWest Daily News, Police Chief James Hicks said Mabardy suffered a medical emergency while playing hockey Tuesday night at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough.

Sherborn resident Louise Coleman, who knows the family, said on Saturday that she understood Mabardy's fondness for dogs, which helped him in several work situations.

"There was one situation I know of when a dog bolted from a veterinarian's office and was lost for two or three days," she said. "I remember that it was cold and snowy, and the dog wouldn't go up to anybody.

"Luckily the department called Officer Mabardy," she continued. "He was able to basically corral him and bring him in. He had one of those intuitive skills that just shows how good he was. Another night out in the cold, and the dog would have frozen to death."

Before joining the force in Natick, where Mabardy grew up, Mabary joined the Nantucket Police Department in 2004 as a summer special officer. He began is full-time position in 2007 after his graduation from the Massachusetts Police Academy.

During his service in Nantucket, Mabardy he received several accolades, including the Life Saving Award. He also served as a field training officer as well as a member of the S.W.A.T team.