The Boston Police Department Remembers the Service and Sacrifice of Officer William L. Abbott Who was Killed in the Line of Duty 93 Years Ago

BPD Remembers: On November 28, 1931, Officer Abbott, a motorcycle officer assigned to Traffic Duty in the Back Bay, was killed in the line of duty when his police motorcycle struck a pole while pursuing a stolen motor vehicle in the area of Brookline Ave and the Riverway. As Officer Abbot drove alongside the suspect vehicle, the driver swerved into him causing Abbott to lose control of his motorcycle and crash.

Officer Abbott, a 10-year veteran of the department, was 39-years-old at the time of his death. Making his passing ever more tragic is the fact that he left behind a grieving wife and five children.

Officer Abbott was laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery in West Roxbury. His name can be found on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C., at Panel 42, West Line 14. 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 in honor and memory of Officer William L. Abbott at the corner of Brookline Ave and the Riverway. Should you find yourself in that area, please keep an eye out for Abbott's Hero Sign and, if time allows, take a second to say a prayer and acknowledge the service and sacrifice of a brave soul who died protecting and serving our city while also recognizing the hurt, heartache and hardship endured by the family and friends he left behind.