Holly MatkinMelrose, MA – Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Trooper Robert “Bob” Whittier died on Jan. 28 after a valiant battle against cancer.
The 71-year-old trooper passed away with his family by his side, according to his obituary.
He was the longest-serving active trooper in Massachusetts at the time of his death, the Fall River Reporter reported.
Trooper Whittier was presented with the MSP’s Badge #1 earlier in January to commemorate his achievement as the agency’s senior-most trooper, the agency said in a Facebook post on Jan. 29.
“With great sadness we announce the passing yesterday of Trooper Robert Whittier, the longest serving active duty Trooper with 47 years on the Department,” the MSP said.
Trooper Whittier had been assigned to the motorcycle unit since 1992.
“Across all the decades, at events and incidents large and small, Trooper Whittier provided dedicated and exceptional service to our state and its people,” the MSP said. “Rest easy Trooper. We have the watch from here.”
Trooper Whittier “excelled at route and contingency planning, and his expertise was sought after during arrivals of Dignitaries, Heads of State, and large events in the city,” according to his obituary. “He was entirely devoted to the badge, and his fellow [officers].”
He leaves behind his brother, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
“Bob’s love of his family and friends, love of his life’s work and fellow citizens, will be remembered fondly by all of those who knew and loved him,” his obituary read.
Trooper Whittier was laid to rest Feb. 2.
“Hail and farewell, faithful brother, and may God’s peace be upon you,” the MSP said in a Facebook post later that day. “Rest easy, Badge 1. We have the watch from here.”
Today Trooper Robert H. Whittier of the 59th RTT was presented with Badge #1 during a small ceremony at General Headquarters. After 47 years of service Trooper Whittier is our longest serving member. Congratulations sir, well deserved. pic.twitter.com/iGgRPTEGnc
— State Police Association of Massachusetts (@MassTrooper) January 6, 2022
With great sadness we announce the passing yesterday of Trooper Robert Whittier, Badge #1, the longest serving active duty Trooper with 47 years on the Department. Trooper Whittier was assigned to the motorcycle unit since 1992. Rest easy Trooper. We have the watch from here. pic.twitter.com/ifdDLSfNdL
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) January 29, 2022
Today we laid to rest Trooper Robert Whittier (pictured), wearer of Badge 1 as the longest-serving active duty Trooper. He served this state and its people nobly for 47 years until his passing last week. God’s peace to you, Trooper. Rest easy now. We have the watch from here. pic.twitter.com/577quN2I9m
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) February 2, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Massachusetts State Police Trooper Robert “Bob” Whittier, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
