Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts
End of Watch Friday, August 31, 1951
Add to My HeroesAlje M. Savela
Patrolman Alje Savela was shot and killed while making a traffic stop on Route 122 in Barre at 8:20 pm.
A farmer heard several gunshots and found Patrolman Savela's body with seven 9 mm gunshot wounds.
One of the suspects in the case later shot and killed Assistant Superintendent James Godwin of the Florida Department of Corrections during an escape attempt on April 4th, 1955. The inmate died in prison.
Patrolman Savela was a United States Navy WWII veteran and had served with the Massachusetts State Police for four years, assigned to A Troop. He was survived by his expectant wife, mother, and brother.
The range at the Massachusetts State Police Academy is named in his honor.
He is buried at North Cemetery in Lunenburg, Massachusetts.
Bio
- Age 35
- Tour 4 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; 9 mm
- Offender Never identified
Related LODD Deaths
Assistant Superintendent James G. Godwin
Florida Department of Corrections, FL
EOW: April 4, 1955
Most Recent Reflection
View all 24 ReflectionsTpr. Already Savela....R.I.P. . I was only six yrs old when your life was taken, but I live in the town of Barre approx.
1 1/2 clicks from where you gave your all!! I often think of you because of that. God Bless You and your Loved Ones who are Survivors!
Tpr.1st Class Gilbert M Bernard.
M.S.P. 1974 - 2015 58th RTT
October 2, 2024
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