The Boston Police Department Remembers the Service and Sacrifice of Patrolman Peter Neary 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 Peter Neary who passed away 106 years ago today.

Patrolman Peter Neary died as a result of complications after contracting Spanish Influenza while in the performance of his duties a week earlier. His duties were to respond to medical assistance calls and help the coroner.

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 Neary was assigned to District 5. He was survived by his wife and two children.

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.