BPD Remembers: The men and women of the Boston Police Department remember the service and sacrifice of Officer Jonathan Houghton, who died in the line of duty 200 years ago today. On the night of December 12, 1825, Officer Houghton, a member of the Boston Watch, was seriously injured by a suspect armed with an ax while on patrol in the area of Broad Street in Downtown Boston. On December 19th, Officer Houghton succumbed to his injuries.
Officer Houghton was 61 years old at the time of his death and left behind a grieving wife as well as fifteen children. Watch Officer Houghton is buried at the Copps Hill Burial Ground in Boston and his name is located on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C., on Panel 22, East line 26. His name is also forever engraved on the Hero Wall at Boston Police Headquarters and the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial at the State House in Boston.
In Boston, a Hero Sign has been placed in his honor at Broad Street and State Street in Downtown Boston. The sign is to forever honor the memory of a man who gave his life in service to his city. If you ever find yourself in the area and you happen to see his Hero Sign, kindly take a moment to honor and acknowledge the service and sacrifice of a brave man who died protecting and serving his city.