BPD Remembers: The men and women of the Boston Police Department remember the service and sacrifice of Patrolman Edward Day who died in the line of duty on Thursday, October 17, 1918. Patrolman Edward Day died as a result of complications of Spanish Influenza while in the performance of his duties. He was assigned to assist officers with removing bodies from homes who had died from the influenza virus and transporting them to the morgue. His son died the same day as a result of complications of influenza at the family home after contracting influenza from his father.
The first case of Spanish Influenza was reported in Boston on August 28, 1918, resulting in more than 4,000 deaths by the end of 1918. Boston Police Officers performed many tasks to help stop the spread of the flu while working an average of 73-98 hours weekly.
Patrolman Day served with the Boston Police Department for nine years and was assigned to District 2. He was survived by his wife and two children.
Patrolman Day and his son were buried together at Calvary Cemetery in Boston, Massachusetts.