Holly MatkinBillerica, MA – Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Trooper Thomas Devlin died in the line of duty on Thursday due to injuries he suffered after being hit by a vehicle more than two years ago.
The 56-year-old trooper was out on a traffic stop on Route 3 on July 26, 2018, when the driver of another vehicle drifted into the breakdown lane and slammed into him, The Republican reported.
Trooper Devlin ended up pinned between the two vehicles, and suffered severe back, leg, and head injuries due to the collision, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
The driver of the vehicle that hit him was charged with failure to move over for an emergency vehicle, marked lanes violation, and negligent operation of a motor vehicle, WBZ reported.
Trooper Devlin underwent multiple surgeries in the wake of the crash, but succumbed to his injuries on Sept. 3.
“Trooper Thomas Devlin upheld the highest ideals of the Massachusetts State Police: integrity, dedication to duty, and service to others,” MSP Colonel Christopher Mason told The Republican. “He loved and respected the job, and the job loved and respected him.”
Trooper Devlin served the MSP for 35 years, and spent the bulk of his career assigned to the Concord Barracks, WBZ reported.
“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,” Col. Mason said.
“It was in service to the public, in the act of keeping our roads safe, that he gave his last, and the ultimate, sacrifice,” the colonel added. “We are lesser today for his loss and we will miss his smile.”
Trooper Devlin leaves behind his wife, Nancy, as well as his sons, Paul and Matthew, and his daughters, Hannah and Rachel, WBZ reported.
“Above all, he was utterly devoted to his family, and epitomized what it meant to be a loving husband and father,” Col. Mason said.
Rest in Peace – Trooper Thomas Devlin #0891
Today Trooper Thomas Devlin succumbed to injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle that entered the breakdown lane during a motor vehicle stop on July 26, 2018.
Start of Watch: 7/8/1985
End of Watch: 9/3/2020 pic.twitter.com/LbihFblZeh— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) September 3, 2020
Our thoughts are with the family & colleagues of Mass State Trooper Thomas Devlin who yesterday succumbed to injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle that entered the breakdown lane during a motor vehicle stop on July 26, 2018 pic.twitter.com/JFlCcWVbtd
— Boxborough Police (@BoxboroughPD) September 4, 2020
*Killed In The Line Of Duty* Rest In Peace Massachusetts State Trooper Thomas Devlin, 35 year LE veteran- succumbed to injuries sustained when struck by a vehicle two years prior. End Of Watch: September 03, 2020
full details here: https://t.co/RXZvaYXUcA pic.twitter.com/aEa3wo0Qgb— True Blue Warriors (@TruBluWarriors) September 3, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Massachusetts State Police Trooper Thomas Devlin, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
