The Boston Police Department Remembers the Service and Sacrifice of Officer Ezekiel W. Hodsdon Who was Killed in the Line of Duty 167 Years Ago Today

BPD Remembers: The men and women of the Boston Police Department remember Officer Ezekiel Wentworth Hodsdon who was killed in the line of duty 167 years ago today. On Sunday, October 18, 1857, Officer Hodsdon was shot and killed by a suspect as he attempted to arrest a second suspect in the area of Havre Street and Maverick Street in East Boston. Both suspects were later identified and arrested.

Officer Hodsdon was the first Boston Police Officer killed in the line of duty. He was 25 years old at the time of his death and had served with the Boston Police Department for one year. Officer Hodson was survived by his wife and their son, who was just 10 days old at the time of his death.

Officer Hodsdon is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett, MA. His name is located on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C. 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 has been placed in his honor in the area of Maverick Street and Havre Street in East Boston. The sign is 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.