Lieutenant William James Irwin

William James Irwin

Lieutenant William Irwin died as a result of complications of influenza while in the performance of his assigned duties during the Influenza Pandemic.

He was testifying to a grand jury in the superior court at the Suffolk County Courthouse (present-day John Adams Courthouse) when he became ill. The medical examiner who was near him demanded that he go home, and he was assisted to his house. His condition became worse, and he was then removed to the City Hospital, where he died due to complications of Influenza.

The first case of influenza was reported in Boston on August 28, 1918, resulting in more than 4,000 deaths by the end of the year. Two major events in Boston in early September 1918 contributed to the spread of the deadly second wave of Influenza in the city. The "Win-the-War-for-Freedom" patriotic parade on September 3 drew around 5,000 military participants and civilians. Within 72 hours after the parade, every Boston Hospital was filled with influenza patients. The 1918 World Series pitted the Chicago Cubs against the Boston Red Sox, drawing over 62,000 fans during the three final home games at Fenway Park on September 9, 10, and 11. Boston police officers were assigned crowd control and provided security at these events, while also performing their regular job duties. They worked an average of 73-98 hours a week, making them more susceptible to contracting Influenza and then spreading it throughout the police department.

Lieutenant Irwin served with the Boston Police Department for 18 years and was assigned to District 5 on East Dedham Street. He was survived by his five siblings and his fiancée.

Lieutenant Irwin is buried at Aspen Grove Cemetery located in Ware, Massachusetts.

Effects of the 1918-1920 Influenza Pandemic on Law Enforcement

Also known as "Spanish Flu" or "LaGrippe," the Influenza Pandemic of 1918 to early 1920, infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet’s population—and killed approximately 675,000 Americans. The effect of the influenza epidemic in the United States was so dire that the average life span in the U.S. fell by twelve years. The four waves of the flu began in March 1918 and ended in April 1920. Many officers contracted this virus due to the requirements of their job.

The names of every officer who died in the line of duty from the Influenza Pandemic will likely never be known. Still, ODMP researchers continue to uncover new cases as part of our mission never to forget the fallen.

Please click here to view ODMP's Influenza memorial, listing all known fallen officers from the pandemic.