WALTHAM -- A highly praised patrolman died in his cruiser at Mt. Feake Cemetery on Saturday, the victim of a self-inflicted gunshot wound from his city-issued revolver.
Officer Brian Truesdale, 32, a Waltham High School graduate, was found in his cruiser by colleagues Saturday, Police Chief Edward Drew said.
He joined the Police Department on Sept. 20, 1998.
"Brian was a good cop and a good citizen. He was a credit to this city, a credit to the Waltham Police Department and a credit to his family," Drew said. "He did his job and he did it right."
Drew said Truesdale received more praise during his eight-year career than any other member of his department.
He called his accolades, "impressive."
In July 1999, Truesdale was instrumental in the search and arrest of a man wanted in connection with a Newton murder. In April 2000, Truesdale subdued and arrested an ax-wielding man who had been breaking into cars at Home Depot.
"The actions displayed courage in personal danger," Drew said.
Flags flew at half-staff and black bunting blew in the light wind from atop police headquarters on Lexington Street yesterday. Black bands cover each officer’s badge.
"Our hearts are broken. Our well wishes are with his family," Drew said. "We don’t have any answers."
Truesdale is survived by his wife, Amanda, his parents, Arthur and Sharon Truesdale, and his sister, Stacy.
"We are suffering a tragedy here. We are going to miss him," Drew said. "His family and the department are mourning a great loss."
Truesdale revived a woman in March 2000 after he forced his way into her home because she hadn’t been heard from for three weeks. Drew said the woman was unconscious and not breathing, but Truesdale performed CPR and saved her life.
Drew said he never received a complaint about Truesdale, only letters praising the young officer.
"He was a valuable member of our Police Department," he said. "We are healing and looking for eventual closure."
Drew said grief counselors have been made available to his employees.
"(Truesdale) always wanted to be a police officer," he said.
Funeral arrangements were incomplete at press time.
Posted by: Chree
I was in the Academy with Brian. I thoughts go out to his family. What a tragedy. He will be missed, I am sure.
Posted by: Pacman
We laid Brian to rest today in a very painful ceremony. My thanks go out to all of our brothers and sisters who either handled our calls, or helped us send Brian to God with a tremendous showing. God bless him and his wife and family. I'll miss you brother.
Posted by: frank
I had the pleasure of meeting Brian one night several years ago when I dropped my car keys into a storm drain in Waltham. He was a great guy and I am saddened to hear this - I wish I had heard about it sooner so I could have attended the services.
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