In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed into law the designation of May 15 each year as National Peace Officer Memorial Day and the calendar week in which that day falls as “National Police Week.”
The week pays tribute to the local, state, and federal peace officers who have died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty. We also take this time to remember Chelmsford’s own Donald Adams who was killed in the line of duty in 1927. Constable Adams was 27 years old when he went on a trolley to arrest a suspect and was shot and killed. Constable Donald Adam’s Bravery in going after an armed suspect will not be forgotten.
Recently, while researching the history of the Chelmsford Police Department, we learned of three other Officers who died after suffering heart attacks in the line of duty. Winslow P. George, 05/25/1960. Ralph Hauslander, 03/24/1966. John P. Campbell, 02/08/1977.
In observance of National Police Week, the Chelmsford Police Department will hold a Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony at the Forefather’s Cemetery on Wednesday May 15,2024 at 11AM. During the ceremony, a wreath will be laid at the grave site of Constable Adams to honor those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We will also place wreaths at the graves of Winslow P. George, Ralph Hauslander, and John P. Campbell.
-Colin C. Spence, Chief of Police
