Fallen Duxbury officer honored by police from across the state
LIsa Bul
Police officers from all over the state attend the wake of Melvin Dyer.
LIsa Bul
The Boston Police Pipes & Drums Gaelic Column play as the procession goes into the funeral home for police officer Melvin Dyer.
LIsa Bul
A police procession makes its way down Ocean Avenue in Marshfield Monday to honor fallen Duxbury Police Officer Melvin Dyer, 67, of Marshfield at his wake at MacDonald's Funeral Home. Dyer was struck by a motorist while doing a detail at the Marshfield Fair Aug. 16.
By Kaitlin Keane
The Patriot Ledger
Posted Sep 02, 2008 @ 02:43 AM
Last update Sep 02, 2008 @ 06:37 AM
MARSHFIELD -
Marching in a somber procession along Ocean Street, police officers from across the state paid tribute to Melvin E. Dyer, a fellow officer killed in the line of duty.
More than 100 officers marched and rode motorcycles Monday beneath a large American flag that hung near MacDonald Funeral Home, where Dyer was being waked.
Dyer, 67, a Marshfield resident and part-time Duxbury police officer, died nine days after being hit by a car on Aug. 16 while directing traffic at the Marshfield Fair.
Duxbury Police Chief Mark DeLuca said the ceremony was a fitting tribute to a man who in his one short year on the force made a distinctive mark.
"We really got to know him," said DeLuca. "And he was really a gentleman."
Dyer, who spent 20 years in the Marine Corps, earned a Purple Heart in Vietnam and worked as an instructor at Officer Candidates School, was - praised by his peers for his professionalism and willingness to help.
"Both Marshfield and Duxbury have lost a valuable asset," said Francis McTernan, president of the Duxbury Police Union. "Mel was one of those people who gave back to the community, and he did it over and over."
Dyer taught gun safety at the Marshfield Rod and Gun Club and was almost always available to help fellow officers, McTernan said. Until recently, he was also a part-time deputy sheriff in Plymouth County. Previously, he had a career in insurance.
A Marine at heart, Dyer was proud of his service and paid attention to detail, McTernan said.
"He took the uniform seriously," he said. "If your boots weren't shined or you had a piece of string hanging from your patch, you would hear about it."
"Guys like that make us all look good," McTernan said.
The procession included officers from several South Shore towns, the Plymouth County sheriff's department, Boston, Brockton, Brookline, East Bridgewater, Lowell, Malden, Marlboro and Wareham.
Dyer leaves his wife, Bonnie, and two children, Melissa and Michael.
The funeral service was to be held today at St. Christine's Church in Marshfield, with another police-led procession planned from the funeral home to the church.
Dyer had been at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston since the accident. He died Aug. 25.
Marshfield police have charged the driver, Kristen M. Wusteney, 25, of Marshfield, with negligent driving, speeding and failing to stop for a police officer.
Police said last week they are also seeking a charge of motor vehicle homicide.
Video:
http://www.patriotledger.com/news/c...ficer-honored-by-police-from-across-the-state
