The Boston Police Department Remembers the Service and Sacrifice of Patrolman William Ahern Who Died in the Line of Duty 106 years Ago Today

BPD Remembers: The men and women of the Boston Police Department remember the service and sacrifice of Officer William Ahern who passed away 106 years ago today.

Patrolman William Ahern died as a result of complications of Spanish Influenza while contracting the flu a week earlier while in the performance of his duties. His patrol duties included checking on the well-being of citizens on his beat who were sick with influenza.

The first case of Spanish Influenza was reported in Boston on August 28, 1918, resulting in more than 4,000 deaths by the end of 1918. Boston Police Officers performed many tasks to help stop the spread of the flu while working an average of 73-98 hours weekly.

Patrolman Ahern was assigned to District 9.

Effects of Spanish Flu on Law Enforcement:

From 1918 to early 1919, the Spanish Flu pandemic infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide-about one-third of the planet's population-and killed approximately 675,000 Americans. Many officers contracted this virus due to the requirements of their job.

The names of every officer who died in the line of duty from the Spanish Flu will likely never be known.