Page 10 - April 2016

The Euolgy for Trooper Tom Clardy

To all members of the Clardy Family, Colonel McKeon, Deputy Superintendent Hughes, Major Hanson, Captain
Reney, Lieutenant Smith, the 77th RTT, all Massachusetts State and Municipal Police personnel, first responders,
law enforcement agencies from across the country, loved ones and friends…
This is an extremely difficult time for the Clardy Family. The outpouring of support from the Massachusetts State
Police, Troop E personnel, State Police Association of Massachusetts, law enforcement from across the country,
friends, neighbors and loved ones from the Clardy Family has been outstanding and unforgettable.
The efforts of all State Police personnel and first responders on scene immediately following our tragic loss was
exceptional and indescribable. Their response to assist a friend and coworker, and do everything in their power
to help Tom, knowing at the time it was futile, is unfathomable. They remained focused, professional and calm.
They worked as one and took on roles that no one ever wants to be a part assigned. They did it without the blink
of an eye. For those outside our world, the sad truth is… this is what we do. I thank Trooper Andrew Cornell for
his support in the trauma room over what seemed like an eternity as we stood next to our classmate and friend as
he lay in a peaceful state of rest.
I thank all of you for the support you have shown the Clardy Family over the past six days. For all of those who
have supported the front line effort over the past six days as well as today. We cannot not forget that as we are
gathered here today, there are countless men and women in our profession who have sacrificed their ability to be
here to allow others to attend. For all of those who worked a shift, covered a traffic post, stood on a bridge and
rendered a salute, we thank you. Your thoughtfulness has not gone unnoticed.
The efforts of the Massachusetts State Police Employee Assistance Unit, have been outstanding and members have
taken every step with Reisa and the children. Their support to those on scene and the Clardy Family has been
second to none. Their professionalism, sense of understanding and kind words will never be forgotten. They have
made their own personal sacrifices for Reisa and the children and did not vacillate for a second when it came to
rendering help in these tough times. They are a group of remarkable individuals that understand that the main
ingredient for stardom is the rest of the team.
Tom was an exceptional individual and will be remembered as a great son, brother, dad and loving husband. He
was an individual who served his county with pride, a neighbor who cared, a person who helped without hesitation
and a coworker that was there for you. His integrity went without question and his work ethic after twelve years on
the job was strong. He treated people with respect, had a phenomenal sense of discretion and never failed to act or
offer assistance to those around him.
For those of you who have ever manned the phone at the Charlton Barracks, you know how trying it can be. I
was always amazed how even after dozens and dozens of phone calls and countless questions, Tom would answer
the phone the same way irrespective if it was the first call of the day or the last call of the night. He was always
pleasant, reassuring, professional, courteous, friendly and had a mild mannered tone that would calm the most
panicked caller. He would get help on the way, solve a problem, give directions and provide updates on traffic and
road conditions. He played mediator between the husband who knew, without a doubt in his testosterone filled
mind he was going the right way, and the wife who called questioning his navigational skills. He consoled people
he did not know and he did it all with a smile. I always watched, listened and shook my head in amazement when

French·and·Electric·Blue·April·2016·page·10