BPD Remembers: The men and women of the Boston Police Department remember the service and sacrifice of Patrolman Andrew B. Cuneo who was killed in the line of duty 105 years ago today on August 13, 1921. Patrolman Cuneo was shot and killed while confronting an armed gunman on Hanover Street in the North End. The suspect had just stolen a .38 caliber revolver from a local store and when Patrolman Cuneo approached, the suspect opened fire.
Patrolman Cuneo was the first Italian-born Boston Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty. Patrolman Cuneo was 44-years-old at the time of his death and had served the Boston Police Department for 15 years. He was survived by his wife and nine children.
Patrolman Cuneo was laid to rest at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Roslindale. His name is located at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C. on Panel 7 East, Line 6. 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 on Hanover Street in District A-1 (Downtown). 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.
