WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 574

Enduring friendship between the citizens of SC and the people of Israel

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Larry Grooms

Directs DCR to erect and maintain four memorial markers near where four officers were killed, listing each officer’s name and the circumstances of death.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 574

Summary — S.574 (Senate Docket No. 1864): Memorial markers in Milton and Canton

Purpose

This bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to erect and maintain four memorial markers honoring four law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty. The markers are intended to be placed near the locations where each death occurred and to record the officer’s name and the circumstances of death.

Key provisions

  • DCR shall erect and maintain four suitable markers similar in form to street signs.
  • Markers shall be placed on sidewalk land islands at or near the locations where each officer was killed.
  • Each marker must include the officer’s name and a short statement of the circumstances of death, as specified:
  1. Patrolman Robert Dana — to be placed at 158 Blue Hills Parkway, northbound, Town of Milton. Inscription: “On March 25, 1984, while conducting a traffic stop in the Town of Milton on Blue Hills Parkway, Patrolman Dana was shot and fatally wounded.”
  2. Patrolman Robert Edmonds — to be placed on Blue Hills Parkway, northbound, at Parkway Crescent, Town of Milton. Inscription: “On December 23, 1936, while on pursuit of a stolen vehicle on Blue Hills Parkway in the Town of Milton, Patrolman Edmonds collided with a tree and subsequently succumbed to his injuries.”
  3. Patrolman Robert Stewart — to be placed on Hillside Street at Chickatawbut Road, Town of Milton. Inscription: “On February 8, 1913, while on mounted patrol, Patrolman Stewart was thrown from his horse on Hillside Street in the Town of Milton. Patrolman Stewart subsequently succumbed to his injuries.”
  4. Patrolman William Mateer — to be placed near Fisherman’s Beach at Ponkapoag Pond, Town of Canton. Inscription: “On January 10, 1909, while attempting to rescue a fisherman who had fallen through the ice on Ponkapoag Pond in the Town of Canton, both Patrolman Mateer and the fisherman drowned.”

Who is affected

  • Department of Conservation and Recreation: responsible for installation and maintenance.
  • Towns of Milton and Canton: sites of markers; local coordination likely required (placement on sidewalk islands).
  • Public and families/community members: provides public memorialization and historical acknowledgement.

Procedural status and timeline

  • Filed (Senate Docket No. 1864) — 01/16/2025.
  • Introduced in the Senate / Read twice and referred — 02/13/2025.
  • Referred to committees: Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Environment and Natural Resources.
  • Public hearing scheduled: 04/08/2025 (A-1).
  • Reported favorably by committee and referred to Senate Ways & Means — 07/03/2025.
  • The bill text lists William J. Driscoll, Jr. as the petitioner/presenter.

Fiscal considerations

The bill requires DCR to erect and maintain markers but includes no appropriation or specific funding source. Costs are expected to be modest (design, fabrication, installation, routine maintenance), but actual budgeting/authorization would depend on DCR and any subsequent legislative appropriations.

Notes

  • The bill text and sponsorship/petition information show it is a Massachusetts General Court measure presented by State Senator William J. Driscoll, Jr. A separate list of federal or out-of-state sponsors provided with the bill materials appears inconsistent with a state bill and may be erroneous.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.