On June 12, 2005, the Massachusetts State Police hosted its annual Memorial Service at General Headquarters in Framingham. Current and former members of the Massachusetts State Police joined State Police Chaplains Reverend Joseph J. Baggetta and Rabbi William G. Hamilton in honoring deceased former members of the Massachusetts State Police, the Metropolitan Police, the Registry Police, and the Capitol Police. Following the Memorial Service, the 28 th Annual Massachusetts State Police Chase stepped off from the site of the Former Massachusetts State Troopers Memorial in front of Headquarters.

During the Memorial Service, Father Baggetta addressed active and retired State Police personnel and their families. His message was of memories; he stressed the importance of living a life that is filled with joyful memories, and of leaving loved ones with the ability to reflect on those memories once we have passed on.

At the end of the service, congregants proceeded outside to the front of Headquarters for the wreath laying ceremony at the Former Massachusetts State Troopers Memorial which is dedicated to those officers who "have completed their last patrol and have gone before us." The State Police Color Guard presented the colors, the State Police Pipes and Drums Corps played Amazing Grace, and the State Police Airwing flew by as Colonel Thomas G. Robbins, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, and Richard Barry, President of the Former Massachusetts State Trooper Association, placed wreaths at the Memorial. While awaiting the start of the Police Chase, M.S.P. personnel, members of the law enforcement community, and their families surrounded the Memorial as the Colonel and Mr. Barry honored past members of the Massachusetts State Police with the placing of the wreaths.

Taking advantage of this day of joyful memories, Colonel Robbins dedicated the wing at headquarters which houses the gym, weight room and pool, to Lieutenant William J. Coulter. Colonel Robbins expressed the Department's appreciation to Lt. Coulter for his never-ending dedication to the health and fitness of the members of the State Police.

At the conclusion of the Memorial Service, Trooper Paul Powell kicked off the State Police Chase festivities. Despite the oppressive heat and humidity, over a thousand athletes - young and old - took part in a memorable day. In the first 'Track & Field' competition, speedsters under 4-years of age took to the track for the 100-yard Diaper Dash. Next up were the 5- to 8-year olds in the ½-mile Junior Fun Run, followed by the 9-and-up athletes in the mile-long Senior Fun Run. The main event - a 5-mile run through the streets of Framingham - got underway after the Fun Runs. The Massachusetts State Police Striders took first place in the Police Team Division of the Police Chase. The day also included face painting, hay rides and other family festivities. The Massachusetts State Police Memorial Airing Charitable Trust raffled off five brand new Harley Davidson Motorcycles at the end of the event.

Colonel Robbins would like to thank the organizers of both the Memorial Service and the State Police Chase for a successful and memorable day. Colonel Robbins also would like to commend all the participants who took part in all the events despite the hot weather. The large turn-out on such an oppressive day demonstrates the participants' commitment and dedication to the Massachusetts State Police and its extended family.