On Tuesday, May 15th, 2018, Peace Officer Memorial Day, the Methuen Police Department held a formal ceremony honoring all of the deceased Police Officers from the Methuen Police Department, and all Police Officers who have fallen in the line of duty throughout the Law Enforcement Community.
The ceremony opened up with the respected Methuen Police Department Honor Guard and their presentation of the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance. Father Christopher J. Casey from Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish lead all with bowed heads in a prayer.
Chief Solomon conducted the Awards Presentation which included the Chief of Police Award given to P.A.A.R.I, for their ongoing efforts training recovery coaches to work with police departments around the commonwealth, especially those assigned to the Methuen Police Deparmtent; the Life Saving Awards given to Officer Matthew Mueskes and Officer Javier Reyes-Bustos who saved a Methuen resident’s life utilizing CPR and an AED to regain a pulse in an unresponsive man.
Miss Bella Perotta, a Marsh School Student, blessed us with an absolutely stunning rendition of our National Anthem which lead to the commencement of a Memorial Service and Candle Light Vigil. Retired Officer Donald Privitera read the Roll of Honor which included each name of all of the departed members of the Methuen Police Department. The reading of the Roll of Honor was followed up with a powerful 21 gun salute by the Methuen Police Honor Guard and Taps played by Matthew Blanco and Timothy Croteau of the Methuen High School Band.
Closing remarks by Chief Solomon set the stage for Miss Bella Perotta who sang a song that she wrote, “I Salute You,” a song that she wrote out of respect and honor for our men and women in blue. Thank You Bella.
Chief Solomon and the men and women of the Methuen Police Department thank all who came out to remember and honor our departed officers and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.