FRAMINGHAM, Massachusetts -- The Massachusetts State Police on Thursday announced that a trooper died of injuries he suffered during a traffic stop two years ago.
Trooper Thomas Devlin was on patrol out of the State Police-Concord Barracks the afternoon of July 26, 2018 when he conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 3 in Billerica, according to a news release.
While outside of his cruiser, the trooper was struck by another motorist and suffered severe injuries. The driver of the vehicle that struck him was charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle, marked lanes violation and failure to move over for an emergency vehicle.
Devlin underwent many surgeries died on Sept. 3 at the age of 58 after succumbing to his injuries.
"Trooper Thomas Devlin upheld the highest ideals of the Massachusetts State Police: integrity, dedication to duty, and service to others," Massachusetts State Police Colonel Christopher S. Mason said in a statement. "He loved and respected the job, and the job loved and respected him. Above all, he was utterly devoted to his family, and epitomized what it meant to be a loving husband and father. Trooper Devlin was known in the Department for his hard work, his rock solid character, and his commitment to be being a reliable friend, co-worker and public servant — a Trooper who could be counted on by his colleagues and the public. It was in service to the public, in the act of keeping our roads safe, that he gave his last, and the ultimate, sacrifice. We are lesser today for his loss and we will miss his smile."
Devlin was a member of the 66th Recruit Training Troop, graduating from the State Police Academy on December 6, 1985.
He is survived by his wife Nancy, his sons Matthew and Paul, and his daughters Rachel and Hannah.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
