CHELMSFORD, MA — The Chelmsford Police Department will commemorate National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day with a memorial ceremony honoring the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
National Police Week 2026 will be observed from Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 16, with Peace Officers Memorial Day recognized on Friday, May 15. This annual observance pays tribute to the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers who have died or become disabled while serving their communities.
Peace Officers Memorial Day was established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy, who signed a proclamation designating May 15 as a day of remembrance for officers who lost their lives in the performance of their duties. The proclamation also established the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week, providing an opportunity for communities across the nation to recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers.
As part of this observance, Chelmsford Police will hold a Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Forefather’s Cemetery. During the ceremony, a wreath will be placed at the gravesite of Constable Donald Adams, who was killed in the line of duty in 1927 while attempting to apprehend an armed suspect. Constable Adams was 27 years old at the time of his death, and his sacrifice continues to be remembered by the Chelmsford community nearly a century later.
Following the ceremony at Forefather’s Cemetery, additional wreaths will be placed at Pine Ridge Cemetery and Fairview Cemetery in honor of three other Chelmsford officers who passed away from medical emergencies while on duty:
• Police Chief Ralph Hulslander, who died of a heart attack in his cruiser on March 24, 1967
• Patrolman Winslow P. George, who died on May 25, 1960
• Patrol Officer John Campbell, who died on February 8, 1978
During this year’s observance, the Chelmsford Police Department also extends its deepest sympathies to the Massachusetts State Police following the recent tragic loss of Trooper Kevin Trainor on May 6. Our thoughts remain with his family, friends, and fellow troopers during this difficult time.
Police Chief Colin Spence and the members of the Chelmsford Police Department respectfully invite members of the public to attend this meaningful ceremony as the department remembers and honors those who served with distinction and gave their lives in service to others.
For more information about National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day, please visit the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund.