Natick, Nantucket Police Mourn Sudden Death Of Officer At Age 39

NATICK, MA - Natick police are mourning the death of their colleague Michael Mabardy, who died suddenly on Tuesday at the age of 39.

"It is with deep regret and sadness that we have to announce the sudden passing of active duty Natick Police Officer Michael Mabardy, said in a statement on social media. "Officer Mabardy was an 11 year veteran of our department and previously worked for the Nantucket, MA police department."

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.

"Mike will be greatly missed by his friends and colleagues here as we send our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones at this tremendously sad and difficult time," the police department statement said. "Please keep them in your thoughts."

As part of his role, Mabary investigated incidents with Axel, his K9 partner. In a 2016 investigation in Framingham, Mabary was returning home from his shift when he heard a call go out about a domestic incident. He and Axel were able to track down the suspect in the woods and ordered him to come out or Axel would be deployed.

“We try to keep that working mindset all the time,” Mabardy said in a 2014 news report.

Prior to his service in Natick, Mabardy 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.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of former Nantucket Police Officer and current Natick Police Officer Michael Mabardy," the Nantucket Police Department said in a statement on Facebook. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, friends and our brother and sisters of the Natick Police Department. Our thoughts are also with the many current and former officers who worked alongside Mike during his time here at the Nantucket Police Department."

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.

Public service and hockey were two of Mabardy's passions. He was a Nantucket High School assistant hockey coach until 2011, when he decided to join his hometown police department in Natick.

"Mike made an impact while part of our Nantucket community by not only serving as a police officer but also as a hockey coach for the Nantucket High School," according to the Nantucket Police Department post. "Mike was a great police officer and a great addition to the community. He was also a loving father and amazing friend. Mike will be truly missed."

Mabardy was also a lover of dogs, according to Sherborn resident Louise Coleman.

"He was a great dog lover and did a wonderful job saving a Natick lost dog named Moose," she said on Friday. "Officer Mabardy died way too young. He was a really helpful person."