Cambridge Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch Tuesday, October 1, 1918
Add to My HeroesMichael Joseph Bannon
Reserve Police Officer Bannon contracted influenza while performing his assigned job duties during the Spanish Influenza pandemic of 1918.
Reserve Police Officer Bannon served with the Cambridge Police Department for almost three years. He was survived by his wife.
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, but ODMP researchers continue to uncover new cases as part of our mission to never forget the fallen.
Bio
- Age 27
- Tour 2 years, 10 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Duty related illness
Most Recent Reflection
View all 3 ReflectionsOfficer Bannon, it has been 106 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement continues to serve and protect and make life secure for our part of the country. I honor your 3 years of law enforcement service to the citizens of Cambridge.
Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH
October 1, 2024