Remembering A Natick Officer Killed In The Line Of Duty

NATICK, MA—President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in 1962, and the week surrounding it as National Police Week.

It was established by a joint resolution of Congress, paying recognition to those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

In honor of National Police Week, Patch is remembering and paying tribute to the fallen officers of our Massachusetts towns and cities.

One member of the Natick Police Department lost his life in the line of duty.

Patrolman Charles W. Mathews succumbed to his injuries on July 19, 1921, two days after he was hit by a car while directing traffic at the intersection of Palmer Ave. and Pond Street around 9 p.m. Mathews had been with Natick police for 10 years, and left behind a wife, four daughters and a son. Mathews' grandson Wallace Mathews was also killed in the line of duty on April 23, 1953, as a member of the Massachusetts State Police.

Information and photos used with permission, Officer Down Memorial Page.