Westwood Select Board has newly dedicated the intersection of Canton and Downey Streets to the memory of William E. Sheehan, authorizing a hero’s memorial plaque to be displayed at the location in honor of the Westwood Police officer who was fatally wounded in the line of duty 50 years ago.
“Bill was a friend of mine. I was on duty that night. It’s one of those things that’s etched that you never forget,” said Select Board Chair Joe Previtera.
Westwood Police Chief Jeffrey Silva described the events of that night. On February 11, 1975, Officer Sheehan and his partner, Robert O’Donnell, were approaching a stopped vehicle on the side of the road, with the intent to investigate it.
But the stopped car presented danger and a highly charged situation. The driver had already just committed one murder. He had shot his business partner, who was his passenger in the car.
When Officer Sheehan and Officer O'Donnell approached the vehicle, the driver fired at them. Officer Sheehan was shot, suffering injury that was almost immediately fatal, said Chief Silva. Officer O’Donnell was injured, but was able to return fire, wounding the assailant.
The assailant, who according to past media reports was a former New Hampshire state trooper, survived and was imprisoned for two life-terms for the two murders. After an escape from prison, he was recaptured.
Officer O’Donnell continued his career in Westwood Police Department, noted Chief Silva. Officer Sheehan did not survive, but his grandson and namesake, William Sheehan, is currently an officer with Westwood Police.
This year, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of that fatal event, Westwood Police Association has worked with the Town of Westwood and its Department of Public Works to design a memorial plaque to the slain officer. At Select Board's meeting of February 3rd, Chief Silva requested Select Board’s approval for the plaque to be mounted the intersection of Canton and Downey Streets, which he described the area of the fatal incident.
Select Board member Marianne Cummings stated, “I hope that the sign is a very visible reminder of the sacrifices made by them [Officers Sheehan, O’Donnell, and their families] and also a visible reminder of the sacrifices that are made every day by our public safety team, all of our police officers and firefighters who put themselves in harm’s way to protect us every day.”
Chief Silva noted that while he often hears comments that “nothing ever happens in Westwood,” the duties of public protection come with inherent daily risks. “Westwood is a very safe community…but it doesn’t mean the inherent danger in that job isn’t ever present– it is,” he said.
Updated 2/13/2025 at 7:46 a.m.
A true hero, though I'm not sure about the naming of the intersection after him. We already have a school named after him. Is there no one else who dedicated their life to this Town that the intersection could be named in memory of?
Thanks for the comment. Perhaps other candidates for a named intersection might be considered by the Select Board if presented with a petition or similar process as what was used here. Westwood does currently have a number of plaques with the names of fallen military heroes that are placed around street signs and at intersections.
Also, although it is a different honor, the John J. Cronin Public Service Award recognizes those who have led, served, and made a significant impact to the community. The nomination period for this award is currently open through March 7, 2025. Residents can submit an application form or email the Select Board with their nominations. More information about this process is posted at https://www.townhall.westwood.ma.us/Home/Components/News/News/464/15
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