Holly MatkinSpringfield, MA – Chicopee Police Department (CPD) Senior Patrolman Detective Michael “Mike” Dion died in the line of duty on Nov. 10 after suffering a heart attack while working on a road closure traffic assignment two days earlier.
The 60-year-old detective was moving several large barricades when he suddenly collapsed, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
He was rushed to Baystate Medical Center, where doctors determined he’d suffered a heart attack, the CPD said in a press release on Nov. 11.
Det. Dion remained on life support until his death on Nov. 10.
“Detective Michael Dion continues his life of Service as an Organ Donor,” his obituary read. “Mike’s family was notified that his organs have been placed and have saved the lives of three people. His gift of organ donation will continue to help others.”
Det. Dion was in his 39th year of service to the CPD when he passed away, the department said in the press release.
He had been wearing Badge 1, which is given to the agency’s most senior patrolman, since December of 2020.
After graduating from high school in 1979, Det. Dion earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Holyoke Community Collect, according to his obituary.
He participated in the CPD’s Police Explorer and Police Cadet programs before being appointed as a full-time CPD officer on Oct. 24, 1983, the department said in the press release.
Det. Dion initially served in the CPD Uniform Division until he was assigned to the Investigations Bureau in 1998.
“He loved being a Chicopee Police Officer and was proud to protect and serve the citizens of Chicopee,” the department said. “Mike will be greatly missed by the men and women of the Chicopee Police Department.”
Det. Dion’s fellow officers selected him as the recipient of both the 2021 Officer of the Year Award and the 2021 Chief’s Commendation Award.
Det. Dion leaves behind his girlfriend, Jacquelyn, and his daughter, Makenzie, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by his parents, two sisters, three uncles, one niece and one nephew.
Det. Dion will be laid to rest on Nov. 20.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of Chicopee Police Department Detective Michael J. Dion. May God grant him eternal peace. #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/nrYTPJDwfD
— NYPD Chaplains Unit (@NYPDchaplains) November 15, 2021
Thoughts and Prayers are with the Chicopee Police Department,family and friends of Detective Michael J. Dion.
Detective Dion suddenly passed away after suffering a heart attack while on duty. pic.twitter.com/kGojrJQMqF
— Ludlow PD, MA (@LudlowPolice_MA) November 12, 2021
🔹 Blessed Are The Peacemakers 🔹
Detective Michael J. Dion
Chicopee Police Department, Massachusetts
EOW: Wednesday, November 10, 2021#EnoughIsEnough #OfficerDown #EOW #ThinBlueLine pic.twitter.com/mAPPkPHKw3
— National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (@GLFOP) November 15, 2021
Rest In Peace: Detective Michael J. Dion. Chicopee Police Department, Massachusetts. End of Watch Wednesday, November 10, 2021. @Chicopee_MA @PoliceOne @ODMP #BlueLivesMatter #officerdown pic.twitter.com/ICRbQ3jEpo
— R Cook (@retiredNCSHP) November 12, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Chicopee Police Department Senior Patrolman Detective Michael “Mike” Dion, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
