Holly MatkinMarlborough, MA – Natick Police Department (NPD) Officer Michael Mabardy died unexpectedly on April 19 after suffering a medical emergency while playing hockey.
The 39-year-old off-duty officer was participating in a game at the New England Sports Center when the medical episode struck, the MetroWest Daily News reported.
Officer Mabardy’s exact cause of death was not released.
“It is with deep regret and sadness that we have to announce the sudden passing of active duty Natick Police Officer Michael Mabardy,” the NPD said in a Facebook post on Wednesday. “Mike will be greatly missed by his friends and colleagues here as we send our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones at this tremendously sad and difficult time. Please keep them in your thoughts.”
Officer Mabardy began his law enforcement career in May of 2004 when he joined the Nantucket Police Department as a seasonal officer, the Nantucket Police Department said in a Facebook post.
He became a full-time police officer in June of 2007.
“While working for our department, he received several accommodations, including the Life Saving Award,” the Nantucket Police Department noted.
Officer Mabardy also served on the agency’s SWAT team.
He went back to his hometown in November of 2011 and joined the NPD, where he served until his death.
“Mike made an impact while part of our Nantucket community by not only serving as a police officer but also as a hockey coach for the Nantucket High School,” the Nantucket Police Department said. “Mike was a great police officer and a great addition to the community, he was also a loving father and amazing friend. Mike will be truly missed.”
Longtime friend and former NPD Officer Ryan Killeen said Officer Mabardy “devoted his entire life” to the Natick community, the MetroWest Daily News reported.
“He poured his whole heart and soul into every shift, and he would have done that until he retired if this didn’t happen,” Killeen said. “He was just a good Natick kid.”
Natick Police Chief James Hicks said Officer Mabardy also spent a period of time working as a K9 officer for the department, the MetroWest Daily News reported.
“He was very supportive of his fellow officers,” Chief Hicks said. “He always wanted to make sure all of his fellow officers were recognized for what they did.”
Younger officers on the force viewed Officer Mabardy as a mentor who led by example, according to the chief.
He said there was a “real sense of shock and sadness” when he broke the news of Officer Mabardy’s death to his fellow officers, the MetroWest Daily News reported.
“It was just so unexpected,” Chief Hicks told the paper. “People are really sad.”
Officer Mabardy leaves behind his four daughters, the MetroWest Daily News reported.
Our thoughts are with the Natick Police Department today after the sudden passing of active duty Officer Michael Mabardy. Officer Mabardy was an 11 year veteran of the Natick Police Department and previously worked for the Nantucket Police Department. #RIP #Hero #100ClubMass pic.twitter.com/lHRbChKV13
— The Hundred Club of Mass. (@100clubmass) April 20, 2022
Officers from @bostonpolice and @MBTATransitPD line up on Albany St and salute as the procession escorting @NATICKPOLICE Officer Michael Mabardy arrives at the Medical Examiner's Office.
My thoughts go out to Officer Mabardy's family, friends, and colleagues. pic.twitter.com/jDVHZzpIJo
— Kevin Wiles, Jr (@kwilesjrphoto) April 21, 2022
The men and women of the Natick Fire Department offer our sincere condolences to the Natick Police Department after learning of the sudden passing of Officer Michael Mabardy. Officer Michael Mabardy was an 11 year veteran of the Natick Police Department and will be greatly missed pic.twitter.com/UVtsvUbaCh
— Natick Fire Dept. (@NatickFire) April 20, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Natick Police Department Officer Michael Mabardy, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
