BPD Remembers: On this day 33 years ago, February 19, 1993, Officer Thomas F. Rose was shot and killed in the line of duty during an attempted escape by a prisoner who had been allowed to exit his holding cell to make a phone call in the booking area of District A-1 (Downtown). Once outside his cell, however, the prisoner lunged for Officer Rose’s weapon. As the two wrestled for control of the firearm, the suspect was able to discharge several rounds, two of which struck Officer Rose, ultimately, costing him his life.
Officer Rose was 42-years-old at the time of his death and had been with the department for 13 years, and United States Air Force Veteran. He was survived by three children and a granddaughter. In June of 1998, Rose’s son, Thomas, would follow in his father’s footsteps joining the rank and file of the Boston Police Department.
On the day of his funeral, an estimated 5,000 law enforcement officers from around the region travelled to St. Ann’s Church in Dorchester to pay their final respects to a fallen hero. Officer Rose was later laid to rest at the Cedar Grove Cemetery in Dorchester.
Officer Rose’s name is located on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C. on Panel 26, West Line 19. 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 outside of the District A-1 (Downtown) located at 40 Sudbury Street in 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.
