On behalf of the Mayor Daniel Rivera, the Lawrence City Council, Police Chief James X. Fitzpatrick, the members of the Lawrence Police Department, and the family of Patrolman Eugene F. Scanlon, Sr., I welcome you. Thank you for taking some time away from your family gatherings on this holiday weekend to gather with the Scanlon family to commemorate, to honor, to remember, to dedicate, and to heal.
This is a story a lifetime in the making. A 42 year-old Lawrence policeman who 43 years after his death is acknowledged and remembered for his sacrifice. It was a different time in our country. It was a time when the establishment was disrespected, and men in uniform, whether returning from Vietnam or patrolling the streets of Lawrence symbolized that establishment.
Patrolman Eugene F. Scanlon, Sr. operated within this context. And so it was on the night of January 28, 1972. He was off duty that night, but was needed to fill a detail for another officer. He declined, but an overriding sense of duty motivated a change of heart. He accepted, and found himself providing security at the Central Catholic High School Dance.
The dance itself was emotionally charged. The all-boy school, with students coming from the greater Merrimack Valley, opened its doors to the local girls, a fact which angered the local boys. He stepped outside, observed suspicious activity, and was attacked by a gang of youths. The attack resulted in multiple injuries including blows to the head.
Officer Scanlon was hospitalized and released. He did not recover and was readmitted to the hospital, where he passed to eternity on February 12, 1972. His pregnant wife and three children held his wake on Valentine’s Day.
His family was supported by his brothers on the Lawrence Police Force and his community, but there was not, in those rebellious, anti-establishment days, the sort of recognition of duty and acknowledgement of sacrifice that we know today, to be so necessary to the healing of the survivors of the slain officer.
Months after his death, his widow gave birth to his final child, the one who would one day wear his father’s badge. For 43 more years his family endured his absence on Father’s Days, and at all family gatherings and celebrations. They watched without anger, as well-deserved ceremonies acknowledged others’ sacrifices.
Throughout the years, they knew that they, too, shared a loss in the line of duty, but had not yet received the same acknowledgement of thanks that are customary today. And so, today we gather to acknowledge their loss, to commemorate this square, and to provide them their long-awaited healing. Our presence here is a gift to the Scanlons, just as Gene Scanlon’s sacrifice was a gift to us. Again, welcome, and thank you!
PATROLMAN PETER J. MANNING, JR., answered his final call June 7, 1953
PATROLMAN EUGENE F. SCANLON, SR., answered his final call February 12, 1972
PATROLMAN THOMAS DUGGAN, SR., answered his final call March 16, 1990
Today we dedicate this square not only to Eugene Scanlon. Sr., but as a perpetual acknowledgement of our community’s gratitude and respect for each and every police officer who places his life in jeopardy to protect our own. We recognize that our peace often comes at their expense, and commit ourselves to exhibit our gratitude for their daily risks.
May Eugene Scanlon’s sacrifice inspire us to improve our community through small sacrifices of our own, and may we pray that our outward gestures of gratitude give healing peace to the Scanlon family and to those who most bear his loss. Thank you for your attendance, and enjoy your day with family and friends.
