Patrolman Jeremiah Joseph O'Connor, Lawrence Police Department, Massachusetts

Patrolman Jeremiah Joseph O'Connor

Lawrence Police Department, Massachusetts

End of Watch Tuesday, November 14, 1950

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Jeremiah Joseph O'Connor

Patrolman Jeremiah O'Connor suffered a fatal heart attack following a foot pursuit of a drunk man in the area of Franklin Street and Common Street.

The drunk mand had broken the door of a laundromat after having an argument with the proprietor. Patrolman O'Connor found the man in a nearby bar on Franklin Street and arrested him. As he walked him to a call box on Common Street the man broke free and fled on foot. Patrolman O'Connor chased him down and took him into custody again.

He walked him back to the call box but began to suffer chest pains. He then walked into another laundromat to rest but suddenly collapsed. A passerby used the call box to alert the desk sergeant that Patrolman O'Connor collapsed. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The man he had arrested was charged with being drunk in public.

Patrolman O'Connor had served with the Lawrence Police Department for 32 years. He was survived by his wife and two 10 children.

Bio

Age 61
Tour 32 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Heart attack
Weapon Person
Offender Not available

DIP, foot pursuit

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Most Recent Reflection

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Patrolman O’Connor,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Lawrence. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

November 15, 2025