PHOTOS: Haverhill Police Honor Late Hardy, Fallen Officers on Memorial Day

The memories of fallen Haverhill police officers were on the hearts and minds of Chief Alan R. DeNaro and local leaders and families Monday morning as they gathered for a remembrance ceremony to pay tribute to city first responders.

Held on the Memorial Day holiday, the ceremony was emceed by Officer James Keenan, president of the Haverhill Police Relief Association, the group that maintains the landmark outside the Bailey Boulevard station. Remarks were offered by Mayor James J. Fiorentini and Haverhill Police Department Chaplain Father John Delaney, before current and retired officers read names of officers lost over the years.

One particular name of note read Monday was that of retired Haverhill Officer Osmond R. “Ozzie” Hardy, who died April 10. His was the final name read before the traditional “taps” was played.

In his remarks, DeNaro praised the legacy of Haverhill’s fallen officers for inspiring his current staff to work harder and smarter in an effort to keep the city safe.

“Their hard work, commitment, dedication and concern for our community speaks volumes about the legacy about those we follow,” DeNaro said. “There’s not enough we can say about those who spent a career defending the liberties and freedoms of everybody in Haverhill to keep us safe. They have our undying gratitude.”

In addition to Hardy, the department also paid tribute to the memory of fallen Provo, Utah, Master Officer Joseph Shinners, whose brother Detective Michael Shinners serves on Haverhill’s force.

The police department’s remembrance was one of several Memorial Day activities planned around the city Monday. Haverhill’s annual parade concluded at Linwood Cemetery with remarks from Fiorentini, VFW Post 29 members and Veterans Services Director Amanda Buckley, among others.