Police Memorial Sunday, a day to reflect on officers lost in the line of duty, falls on the second Sunday of every June. And this Sunday, the Newton Police Department marked the day with a ceremony honoring Newton fallen police officers.
“To our police officers, take care of each other,” Newton Police Superintendent and Acting Police Chief George McMains said. “Have each other’s backs. Be strong, be safe and be vigilant.”
Newton has had five officers killed in the line of duty in its 150 years as a city:
- Officer William Furdon, appointed June 23, 1906, and killed Aug. 12, 1906
- Officer Henry Bell, appointed April 25, 1936, and killed Aug. 22, 1937
- Officer Lawrence Murphy, appointed Oct. 4, 1930, and killed Sept. 13, 1937
- Officer Fredrick Bell, appointed July 18, 1946, and killed Sept., 5, 1954
- Sgt. James Carter, appointed Aug. 27, 1967, and killed Dec. 12, 1978
And last fall, Newton Police Captain William Spalding died unexpectedly.
“His dedication, his leadership, and yes, his massive presence and big smile, are missed not just within the walls of headquarters here, but throughout our city,” Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said of Spalding.
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