Fall River City honors officers during National Police Week

Fall River City held a brief ceremony during National Police Week to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, including Detective Richard McGahn, whose death was listed as Aug. 11, 2000.

The event, which the host said was a tradition to remember officers who died serving the city, included a prayer from Father Rob and the raising of colors by family members of Detective McGahn. Speakers recited the names of local officers who died in the line of duty and asked the community to remember their sacrifice.

The host thanked Vic Farris for organizing the event and said the ceremony honors Detective Richard McGahn, who was killed in the line of duty. Father Rob led a prayer that named several officers and their dates of death and asked for protection for current law enforcement. "Let us never forget their sacrifice. May they rest in peace eternal," Father Rob said. He later prayed, "Grant them your understanding, strength, and courage in their daily work."

Officers named during the prayer, as listed in the ceremony, were Detective Richard McGahn (Aug. 11, 2000), Officer Thomas Giunta (listed with a 1994 date), Officer John Ruggierio (listed with a 1973 date), Officer Ahmed Dufresne (listed with a 1925 date), Officer Jeremiah McDonald (listed with a 1918 date), Officer Lewis Gormley (listed with an 1898 date) and Constable Gideon Manchester (listed with an 1852 date). The host also noted that the ceremony took place during National Police Week and that "yesterday [was] National Peace Officers Memorial Day."

Nick McGahn and Tim McGahn, identified at the event as family members of Detective McGahn, raised the colors during the ceremony. The program concluded with brief closing remarks thanking attendees for their support.

The event was a commemorative observance; there were no motions, votes, or policy decisions taken during the ceremony.