The Boston Police Department Remembers the Service and Sacrifice of Officer Donald A. Brown who was Killed in the Line of Duty 50 Years Ago Today

BPD Remembers: Today the men and women of the Boston Police Department remember Officer Donald A. Brown who was killed in the line of duty 50 years ago today.

On Friday, May 24, 1974, Officer Donald Brown was shot and killed during a robbery at the American Legion Shopping Center at 630 American Legion Highway. Officer Brown was escorting a local store manager to a bank in the shopping center when they were confronted by four suspects. Officer Brown was shot as he attempted to draw his service revolver.

His death came one month prior to his planned retirement at the age of 64 after 29 years of service.

Officer Brown was laid to rest at the Saint Joseph Cemetery in West Roxbury. His name is located on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C., Panel 10, East Line 3. His name is also forever engraved on the Hero Wall at Boston Police Headquarters and the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial at the State House in Boston.

In Boston, a Hero Sign is posted near the American Legion Shopping Center in Roslindale to forever honor the memory of a man who gave his life in service to his city. If you ever find yourself in the area and you happen to see his Hero Sign, kindly take a moment to honor and acknowledge the service and sacrifice of a brave man who died protecting and serving his city.