BPD Remembers: Today, the men and women of the Boston Police Department remember Patrolman John T. Lynch who was killed in the line of duty 118 years ago today.
Patrolman Lynch was shot and killed as he and another officer were searching for three men who had just robbed a store at 364 Washington Street, running off with several sweaters. After Patrolman Lynch and the other officer split up, he found one of the suspects and was shot by the suspect as he grabbed him. The other officer who heard the shot ran back to find Patrolman Lynch holding on to the suspect. Patrolman Lynch died minutes later.
The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life June 9, 1908. He was paroled, however, 34 years later on December 24, 1942.
Patrolman Lynch is Buried at Forest Hills Cemetery, Jamaica Plain, MA His name is located on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C., Location Panel 24 West Line 15. 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 in his honor on at Summer Street and Kingston Street (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.
Additionally, several media accounts which appeared in local newspapers in 1908 detailing Patrolman Lynch’s line-of-duty death are listed below:
