Braintree Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch Friday, March 1, 1991
Reflections for Lieutenant Gregory A. Principe
Lieutenant Principe, it's now been 32 years, Greg, you've never and will never be forgotten.
God Bless and may your continued rest be ever peaceful.
Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department
March 1, 2023
Rest in peace Lt. Principe.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 10, 2022
Lieutenant Principe, Greg, it's now been 31 years since that senseless day. You've never been forgotten nor will you be. I want to believe that each March 1st, the kid (no longer a kid) responsible for your death has to read this and be reminded of what his reckless despicable behavior caused, if he's still alive. Did he reform his life or ruin it further? I'll probably never know.
God Bless you, Brother and may your eternal rest be nothing but peaceful. You are truly missed.
Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department
March 1, 2022
Thank you for your service. That was a horribly sad day for the town of Braintree, which will never be forgotten.
Director/Owner
East Coast Investigative Services inc.
March 3, 2021
Lt. Principe,
On today, the 30th anniversary of of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Braintree. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
March 1, 2021
24 years ago last Sunday, you and Ernie De Cross lost your lives trying to stop some punk kid who took a car without permission. I have no idea where that kid is now, but I pray he woke up to the realities of his actions and worked towards not screwing up any further in life. You were a great cop, a terrific guy and always made those of us in the Auxiliary Police feel respected. You are missed.
Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
March 6, 2015
It's now been 24 years as of just 5 days ago. You were a terrific guy and a great roll model for us in the Auxiliary Police and you earned every bit of respect we all had and God knows, you made your Dad VERY proud.
Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
March 6, 2015
Thanks for your 20 years of services, Gregory.
David
March 1, 2012
Greg,
Can't believe that it has been twenty years already, can remember watching the tv and hearing the news about you and Ernie. At the time I was an Auxiliary/Special Police Officer and remember talking to you all the time and the advice you gave to me about the job Your funeral and Ernie's funeral were the first LOD funerals I ever attended and was in awe of the turn out, I have attended so many over the years but I remember yours like it was yesterday. I have come along way since then and want to thank you for the help along the way. The policing world was a better place with you in it. Thank you and God Bless my friend.
Kevin J. Harrington
Whitman Police
March 1, 2011
Oh Dad, i wish whole heartedly i knew you better, wish you could've met your grandchildren. I honor you for your mark in this world. I am truly proud. So much time, So much missed. I've always felt you there when i needed you most. So many tears so many reasons. I LOVE YOU DAD. See you when i see you. XOXO Lori
Greg Principe's daughter
daughter
February 1, 2011
I used to visit this site daily. I think I had gotten a little burnt out but today I made one of my now, not that often visits. I always check "Today in History." Wow, I didn't realize today was you and Ernie's anniversary until I scrolled down and say your names.
It's now been 19 years. Almost hard to believe.
Keep Resting in Peace.
Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
March 1, 2010
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 18th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
To his loved ones: I share your anquish in losing a beloved family member which I believe is life's greatest sorrow. Time never diminishes love. You are in my heart's embrace today. May God grant you solace.
I am sure you are proud that your son followed in your footsteps.
Rest In Peace.
Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
March 1, 2009
LT PRINCIPE, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
June 18, 2008
Greg...Those of us that were blessed to know you will always remember your personal & professional courage and integrity. Rest in Peace!
March 22, 2008
You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your dedication and service
VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
February 22, 2008
"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission
Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
February 18, 2008
Sixteen years have passed but you have not been forgotten. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and the generations that have come to pass which I know you are watching over.
Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
March 1, 2007
Lt. Principe, we lost you at much too young an age. You were a decent man and a good cop. I know you were always there when someone needed a little advice or a pointer or two. You and Ernie have been memorialized with the naming of a bridge, but for those of us who knew you, you'll live on forever.
Rest in Peace, Greg.
Ptl. Jim Leahy Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
July 12, 2005
Lt. Principe,
I am from Randolph, a town next to Braintree. I remember when this happened-the driver of the vehicle being pursued was a juvenile and if I remember correctly-he got hardly any time and a was released by the time he was 18. I would just like to say thank you for your service to the citizens of Braintree.
R.I.P.
Anonymous
March 6, 2005
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