Page 18 - Summer 2017 Final

Remembering Tom

Department, Friends Continue Efforts to Honor Trooper Clardy
and Support His Family

March 16, 2016 was a day much like many by witnesses as driving erratically, crashed into
other days in the State Police career of Trooper cruiser 265E. Tom was severely injured as a
Tom Clardy. He was working an aggressive driver result of the crash. Despite the valiant efforts
patrol, focused on reducing crashes to provide for of Troopers from E and C Troops, passersby,
a safer roadway for the commuting public and for Auburn EMS, and the doctors and nurses at the
those who work on the Massachusetts Turnpike University of Massachusetts Medical Center,
on a daily basis. This patrol was an additional Trooper Thomas L. Clardy, #3090, sadly, died
assignment for Tom, beyond his regular evening as a result of the injuries suffered in the crash.
patrol shift out of the State Police Barracks in
On March 22, 2016 in the town of
Hudson, family, friends, classmates, coworkers
and hundreds of members of law enforcement
attended Tom’s funeral. It was a fitting tribute
for a man who had served his country as a
United States Marine and the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts as a State Trooper.

It is hard to believe, now, that more
than a year has passed since Tom’s death. The
investigation into the crash resulted in criminal
charges being filed against the subject who
struck and killed Tom. While the resolution
of that case is pending the remembrances
of Tom and his family continue to this day.

On March 16 of this year an informal gathering
was held roadside at the scene of the crash. Troop
E conducted a moment of silence over the Troop
radio system on the one year anniversary. Tom’s
co-workers gathered at the barracks afterward to
share and recall some of their favorite memories
Charlton. Tom frequently worked extra shifts to of Tom. That evening a memorial Mass was held
provide the best life possible for his wife and family. at St. Michael’s Church in Hudson, officiated
by Father Bill Hamilton, a State Police chaplain.
At approximately noon time, Tom had
encountered a motorist who was speeding The Clardy family has now experienced an
westbound in Charlton. Tom had been sitting entire year of milestones without their father and
at one of his favorite enforcement locations, husband. This is a stark reminder of the sacrifice
the 81-mile marker crossover. He proceeded that he made, and that they will no longer have
to stop the motorist in the vicinity of the 80- him during those family moments. A permanent
mile marker. Tom had spoken to the motorist monument is being created and will be placed
about the infraction and had returned to his in front of the Charlton Barracks. A formal
cruiser, 265E, presumably to issue a citation. ceremony will be planned upon the completion
and unveiling of this monument. A bill has been
At about 12:09 p.m., a motorist, described filed in the State Legislature seeking to name a

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