The Boston Police Department Remembers the Service and Sacrifice of Patrolman Michael J. Crowley, Killed in the Line of Duty 65 Years Ago Today
Today, the men and women of the Boston Police Department honor the memory of Patrolman Michael J. Crowley, who died in the line of duty on May 12, 1961, while faithfully serving the City of Boston.
Patrolman Crowley was killed after his department motorcycle struck a pothole while he was pursuing a speeding vehicle on River Street in Mattapan. Thrown from the motorcycle, he was rendered emergency first aid at the scene by a physician who happened to be present. He was transported to Carney Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Reports from the time indicate it was also a rainy day. He was 37 years old.
Born in Boston on June 23, 1924, Patrolman Crowley served three years in the United States Navy, including a deployment in the South Pacific during World War II. He joined the Boston Police Department and served for 12 years. He was the nephew of Captain James V. Crowley, one of the most prominent detectives in Boston at the time. His wife later recalled in a newspaper interview that the motorcycle he rode that day was his pride and joy.
Patrolman Crowley was survived by his wife and their five children, four sons and a daughter, who ranged in age from 5 to 13 at the time of his passing. His daughter Catherine followed in his footsteps and joined the Boston Police Department, proudly carrying his badge, number 1889, throughout her career in his honor.
Patrolman Crowley was laid to rest at New Calvary Cemetery in Mattapan, Massachusetts. His name is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Panel 48, West Line 2. He is also honored 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 is posted on River Street in Mattapan in his permanent honor. If you find yourself in the area, please take a moment to remember a man who gave his life in service to this city, and to recognize the family he left behind.