Holly MatkinMalden, MA – Malden Police Department (MPD) Officer Shawn Dillon died unexpectedly on July 8, according to his department.
The 33-year-old officer passed away at his home while off-duty, the MPD said in a press release on July 10.
His exact cause of death was not released.
“It is with great sadness that the MPD announces the death of a member of our family,” the department said. “Malden Police Officer Shawn J. Dillon…passed away unexpectedly.”
Officer Dillon graduated from Plymouth State University in 2011 with a degree in criminal justice, according to his obituary.
He joined the MPD in April of 2019 and was assigned to the agency’s patrol division at the time of his death.
Officer Dillon served his community “with pride,” the MPD said.
Dozens of people offered their condolences on Officer Dillon’s obituary page as news of his unexpected death spread.
“I will always cherish my memories of working with Shawn while we were both Cadets, where he taught me almost everything I know and then onto when we both became officers,” one message read. “Rest in eternal peace my friend and my sincerest condolences to his family and friends.”
“I will truly miss Shawn’s smile and our conversations in the morning,” another person wrote. “He was a great guy to work with. He was extremely caring and compassionate. Just an all in all great guy. RIP Shawn.”
Officer Dillon’s family said becoming a police officer was his “childhood dream,” and that he was proud of his work “right up to his last day,” according to his obituary.
Officer Dillon leaves behind his parents, his sister, and his girlfriend.
He is also survived by his grandparents, nephews, uncles, and aunts.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of our beloved officer,” the MPD said.
Officer Dillon was laid to rest on July 13.
It is with great sadness that the MPD announces the death of a member our family. Officer Shawn J. Dillon assigned to our patrol division passed away unexpectedly, Friday July 8th at his home, at the age of thirty three. Rest easy brother , we have the watch from here. 🙏💙 pic.twitter.com/ogBQBwWLJO
— Malden Police (@MaldenPolice) July 10, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Malden Police Department (MPD) Officer Shawn Dillon, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
