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Support sought for permanent funding of Massachusetts State House police memorial
Summary
Law enforcement groups and family members urged the Joint Committee on Revenue to create a recurring line item to maintain the Massachusetts State House police memorial, requesting roughly $35,000 annually and permanent statutory support so families can continue to visit and honor officers killed in the line of duty.
Representatives of law enforcement unions, Gold Star families and former officers told the Joint Committee on Revenue that the Commonwealth should establish a permanent funding source to maintain the Massachusetts State House police memorial.
The memorial, located on the State House grounds, lists officers who died in the line of duty. Speakers asked the committee to report S.1934 favorably so the state can create an annual appropriation—testimony referenced past support of about $35,000 per year—to keep the monument “beautiful” and accessible for families.
“For people like us, it's personal,” said Representative Steven Exaros, who identified himself as representing the Fifth Barnstable District and a former police officer. “I pass the memorial every day. I always either tip my hat or put my hand over my heart, and I look at the names.”
Larry Calderon, president of the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association and chairman of the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Policy Group, asked the committee for “a minimal investment” and said the associations he represents would like to see the $35,000 line item become permanent. “We're asking you to report out 19‑34 favorably and continue to help these families and help us honor them,” Calderon said.
Jamie Keneally, an active duty Boston police officer and legislative director for the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association, said the memorial provides families “a place to come by, to visit, to pay respects and reconnect with loved ones lost.” Steven Panagiotakis, a lobbyist with the New England Police Benevolent Association and former legislator, also testified about the personal importance of the memorial to families of fallen officers.
Committee members thanked witnesses and acknowledged the personal nature of testimony. There were no formal votes on S.1934 recorded in the hearing transcript; witnesses primarily asked the committee to report the bill favorably so the funding stream can be made recurring.
The testimony combined personal accounts and organizational requests, emphasizing the memorial’s role for families and the organizations’ desire for a statutory, recurring appropriation that would ensure long‑term upkeep.
Aides said written testimony was submitted and that witnesses would follow up with materials; the committee did not take final action during the hearing.
