During the early morning hours of January 28, 2009, Captain Richard J. Cashin was killed in the line of duty in a cruiser accident while responding to a report of an erratic driver on Route 1 in Saugus. Captain Cashin dedicated 33 years of his life to public safety, proudly serving in the United States Air Force and both the Metropolitan and the Massachusetts State Police. He is survived by his wife Caroline and their four children Katie, Julie, Thomas and Matthew.
Captain Cashin's impeccable character and integrity made him a highly respected leader. He was a loving husband, father and friend who was extremely active in his community of Boxford as well as Sacred Hearts Church in Bradford.
He is missed tremendously by all who knew him and will live on in our cherished memories.
Due to the efforts of Senator Steven Baddour, the Ward Hill Connector over Route 495 (Exit 48) in Haverhill was recently dedicated in Captain Cashin's honor to recognize his contributions to public safety, and to honor his sacrifice while in the line of duty.
On Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. the dedication ceremony was held at DiBurro's Restaurant in Haverhill. The ceremony was attended by members of the Cashin family, Senator Baddour, Senator Tarr, the Command Staff and other members of the Department.
From Left to Right - Senator Tarr, Senator Baddour, Colonel McGovern, Mrs. Cashin, and Father Conole
The following is the actual text of the act sponsored by Senator Baddour:
SENATE, NO. 2328
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
AN ACT DESIGNATING A CERTAIN OVERPASS IN THE CITY OF HAVERHILL AS THE CAPTAIN RICHARD J. CASHIN OVERPASS.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
The Ward Hill Connector overpass above Route 495, Exit #48 in Haverhill shall be designated and known as the Captain Richard J. Cashin memorial overpass. The department of highways shall erect and maintain suitable markers bearing this designation in compliance with the standards of the department.
Lt. Colonel S. Matthews, Colonel McGovern, the MSP Color Guard, and the Cashin family