By Theresa Knapp 

MENDON - On Memorial Day, the Mendon Police Department rededicated a monument in memory of former Police Chief Mathew M. Mantoni, who was 39 years old when he was killed in the line of duty 75 years ago. 

According to www.odmp.org (Officer Down Memorial Page), on Jan. 11, 1950, “Chief Mathew Mantoni was shot and killed after responding to a disturbance at a local bar at 0030 hours. As he entered the bar, one of the patrons opened fire and struck him. Chief Mantoni returned fire and wounded the suspect. A female bystander was also shot and killed in the exchange of gunfire. The suspect was convicted of both murders, served his 35-year sentence, and was released.”

According to an article in the Milford Daily News at the time, the Mantoni funeral was the “largest ever conducted in Mendon.” It was attended by “over 200 policemen” and “thousands of mourners.” Mendon’s population in 1950 was approximately 1,600 people. 

Mendon police officers stand at attention at the rededication ceremony for a monument in memory of former Mendon Police Chief Mathew Mantoni who was killed in the line of duty 75 years ago. Photo credit: Theresa Knapp

The “Mantoni Memorial” monument was previously located at the old police station, and was recently restored and installed in front of the new police station at 22 Main Street, a building named after Chief Mantoni.  

The ceremony on May 26 was attended by friends, family, neighbors, and community members. Retired Sergeant Matthew Mantoni (grandson of Chief Mantoni) played the bagpipes; he previously served with the Mendon Police Department and most recently retired from the Blackstone Police Department. Also present was Elizabeth Mantoni, daughter-in-law of Chief Mantoni; she has long served the Mendon Police Department as assistant to the Chief and police dispatcher, continuing the family’s legacy of service.

In his opening remarks, current Police Chief David H. Kurczy said that Chief Mantoni “probably was the first community police officer in this town” and said “his memory is something that will last here forever.” 

Andrea Hogarth of Mendon is Chief Mantoni’s granddaughter, and she was impressed with the monument, adding “I’m pleased that it’s here.” 

Several members of the Mantoni extended family attended the rededication ceremony on May 26. Source: Mendon Police Department

 Kurt Oosterman, Andrea’s brother, of Rhode Island said the ceremony was ‘touching,’ especially the speeches. 

Their brother Joe Oosterman, also of Rhode Island, said the ceremony was ‘fantastic’ and he loves the monument. “I was born in 1956 so I never knew my grandfather but I heard a lot about him; we always spoke of him at our family get-togethers. I love the monument, it’s a great likeness of him.”