CHELMSFORD, MA — The Chelmsford Police Department will observe National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day with a memorial ceremony honoring officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
National Police Week 2025 takes place from Sunday, May 11 through Saturday, May 17, with Peace Officers Memorial Day observed on Thursday, May 15. This solemn time honors the courage and sacrifice of local, state, and federal officers who have died or become disabled in the line of duty.
Peace Officers Memorial Day was established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy, who signed a proclamation designating May 15 of each year as a day to honor law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the performance of their duties. The same proclamation designated the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week, a time of national recognition and remembrance for the men and women of law enforcement who serve with bravery and dedication.
As part of this observance, Chelmsford Police will hold a Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Forefather’s Cemetery. A wreath will be laid at the gravesite of Constable Donald Adams, who was killed in the line of duty in 1927 while attempting to arrest an armed suspect. Constable Adams was just 27 years old. His bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Following the Forefather’s Cemetery ceremony, additional wreaths will be placed at Pine Ridge Cemetery and Fairview Cemetery in memory of three other Chelmsford officers who passed away from medical events 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
Police Chief Colin Spence and the members of the Chelmsford Police Department respectfully invite members of the public to attend this important event as we remember and honor those who served with distinction and gave their lives in service to our community. For more information, please visit the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund website at https://nleomf.org/