- Massachusetts State Police
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Timothy McGuirk, Communications
Concord — Today, in a ceremony attended by Governor Maura Healey and Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy, the Massachusetts State Police dedicated a new memorial at the Concord Barracks in honor of Trooper Thomas Devlin. Trooper Devlin died tragically in 2020 as a result of injuries he sustained two years earlier when a passing motorist struck him during a motor vehicle stop on Route 3 in Billerica. He sustained severe injuries that forever changed the course of his life, family, loved ones, and colleagues on the State Police.
“Today’s ceremony provides an important opportunity to fulfill our collective promise to never forget the memory of Trooper Thomas Devlin, who devoted his life to serving others,” said Governor Maura Healey. “On behalf of the people of Massachusetts, I would like to thank his wife, Nancy, the entire Devlin Family, and the many people who made this beautiful memorial a reality.”
“Our Administration remains committed to honoring the fallen heroes among us – both in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy and in an intentional, sustained way to ensure we never forget their service,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The circumstances of Trooper Devlin’s death should remind us of our role as citizens to drive carefully, especially when we see emergency lights.”
Located at the Barracks where Trooper Devlin most recently served, the permanent memorial pays tribute to his 35 years of service on the Massachusetts State Police. Using a combination of grey and jet black granite from Barry, Vermont, the 1.5 ton memorial was designed in consultation with the Devlin Family and includes the late Trooper’s likeness. Fully funded by the State Police Association of Massachusetts and the Association’s SPAM Benevolent Fund at a cost of $10,000, professionals from New England Monuments of Waltham engraved and installed the memorial.
“Memorials to fallen heroes like Trooper Devlin remind us of the courage and bravery displayed every day by first responders across Massachusetts,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “Despite the inherent dangers of policing, Trooper Devlin and several members of his family have answered the call again and again to do this work. May their example inspire other to dedicate their careers to public service.”
A member of the 66th Recruit Training Troop which graduated from the State Police Academy in 1985. Trooper Devlin served at the Concord, Andover, Danvers, and Grafton Barracks.
On July 26, 2018, a passing motorist struck Trooper Devlin during a motor vehicle stop on Route 3 in Billerica. Trooper Devlin sustained severe injuries that required multiple surgeries over several years. Despite his courageous effort to recover, Trooper Devlin passed away on September 3, 2020. He was survived by his wife, Nancy, and four children, Matthew, Rachel, Paul, and Hannah.
The driver who struck Trooper Devlin was convicted in 2022 of negligent operation of a motor vehicle.
“On behalf of every member of the Massachusetts State Police, I would like to renew our condolences to the Devlin Family and thank them for allowing us to honor their beloved husband, dad, brother, and uncle,” Colonel Geoffrey Noble said. “Creating this permanent, dedicated space ensures that Troopers in the Concord Barracks understand the enormous shoulders on which they stand and aspire to Trooper Devlin’s measure of hard work and devotion to our mission. We will remember and honor Trooper Devlin forever.”
“This is a small but powerful gesture to ensure that Trooper Tommy Devlin will never be forgotten,” said State Police Association of Massachusetts President Brian Williams. “While memorials to honor those whose lives were taken by distracted drivers, every member of the Association would prefer they not be necessary at all. A step in that direction would be for our elected officials to join us in a public awareness campaign and by passing pending legislation to increase penalties for motorists who do not comply with the Move Over Law.”
Recognizing the impact of deaths stemming from roadside collisions, the State Police remain committed to educating the public about their responsibilities under the Commonwealth’s Move Over and Hands Free Laws. Reducing dangerous crashes with emergency vehicles also aligns with the Department’s strategic focus on the safety, health, and wellness of Troopers.
Despite the ongoing statewide efforts to raise awareness of road safety, first responders and highway officials continue to confront the dangerous reality of significant personal injury, loss of life, and property damage. In 2024, the State Police alone had 42 incidents where an operator crashed into a stationary cruiser (either at an emergency, work zone, or while conducting an enforcement activity).
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