BPD Remembers: Officer Cornelius Regan passed away on Thursday, January 13, 1898, after developing an illness as a result of rescuing a drowning man from the Charles River while on duty early on Christmas morning.
Officer Regan was on patrol on the Boston side of the old Charlestown Bridge on North Washington Street at around 2:15 AM when he heard a cry for help. Rushing to the bridge, he observed a man struggling in the water twenty feet below. After plunging into the water, Officer Regan made his way to the victim and brought him to safety despite getting soaked in the ice-cold water. The rescued man would go on to make a full recovery. Sadly, Officer Regan would not.
Officer Regan had served the City of Boston for more than 17 years and was 36-years-old at the time of his passing. He was survived by his wife and five children.
Officer Regan was buried at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden, MA. His name is located on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C., Panel 55, East Line 27. 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.
A Hero Sign has been placed on the North Washington Street Bridge in Downtown Boston (District A-1). 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.