Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You are never forgotten by the officers both active and retired of the Boston Police Department on your anniversary of your passing.

Retired Boston P.O. Robert E. Anthony Historian

February 18, 2024

Detective Griffiths, it has been 36 years since you were taken from us. What a legacy you have left from law enforcement in you place, at least 5 police officers and a dispatcher, how proud I'm sure you are!

New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your military and 5 years of law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

February 18, 2024

This was now many years ago. I was dispatching for Boston EMS and sent Paramedic 1 to Sherman. He sat and shot the -@#! with me earlier that night at Boston Police Headquarters AKA "159" The crew of P1 busted my *** because I sent a volunteer ambulance (Boston Ambulance Squad if I remember well) to a seizure in Southie and didn't send a union ambulance.

I saved my last clear ambulance to serve our own.

Play taps for me: Detective Sherman Griffiths 2/18/1988

I will never forget:

Paul Sharpe Boston EMS Badge 540

EMT/EMCO Boston EMS
Boston EMS

November 10, 2023

Detective Griffiths is not forgotten on his anniversary today. By members of the Boston Police Department both active and retired.

Retired Boston P.O. Robert E. Anthony Historian

February 18, 2023

Never forgotten by the Officers of the Boston Police Department

Retired PO Robert Anthony Historian
Boston Police Department

February 18, 2022

That this man died because he was doing his duty breaks my heart. There is no greater love than that which is expressed by our armed forces, police and ems professionals. They go into harm's way and sometimes don't come out.

I honestly don't understand where the bravery comes from but I am so grateful that these men and women have it, with the overarching desire to protect the rest of us.

All of us need to give honor to each of our military and police members. They go where we won't and they protect us in far more ways than we can ever know.

Your service matters. I am so sad when your service ends with the loss of your life.

God be good to you.

Thank you so much.

I will pray for you and your family.

Beth

I am not a police officer. I am not a member of the armed forces. I am a nurse.

I come from a long line of firefighters, police officers, attorneys, doctors and lawyers. A motley crew to be sure. I am grateful for all these amazing men and women do to

Elizabeth W Tordella

November 3, 2019

Rest in peace Detective Griffiths.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 8, 2019

My partner and I were in line at a McDonalds on Gallivan when we heard Carlos Luna on the Dist. 11 channel crying for help. By the time we got to 102-104 Bellevue St., there was an army of cops there. Crazy night. I had only 3 yrs on the Job. I remember seeing you getting worked on on the 2nd floor. Sad night. Didn’t really know you, but had seen you and other guys from your DCU Sq at my station (Dist. 11) when you’d come in with prisoners.

RIP, bro.

Jeff ChaneySgt. Det. -retiredBoston PD

May 12, 2019

Tonight in our home we have a candle lit in your honor. We live in South Boston and we are very thankful of the hard working men and women of C-6 and the rest of the Boston Police Department. No matter how much time passes you never be forgotten hero. When I attend my regular mass at the St. Brigid Parish I will remember and reflect on your bravery and heroism. God Bless this American Hero and God Bless America!

Former Protective Security Officer (PSO) for Region 1 U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Service Police, Pete Harrington BostonMA

February 19, 2016

You would be proud of all your brothers, and their heroic service on the Boston Police.

We will always honor you and especially your father who fought with such valor on Guadalcanal "the island of death".

Dr. Richard F. Griffiths
Cousin

February 19, 2016

I was born in 1990. So unfortunately I never had the privilege of meeting my Uncle Sherman. Ever since I can remember though I was always told stories about just how funny and kind hearted he was even at 6' 2". Hearing all the stories and then seeing my father and 4 of my uncles become police officers in Sherman's memory really impacted me. Seeing my family do the job through the good and of course the worst I knew that I had no choice but to follow in their footsteps. I think about my Uncle Sherman, whom I never met, everyday. Asking myself if I would make him proud continuing the mission he set out to accomplish which was to help people and make a difference everyday. The same mission that my father and 4 uncles have taken on. Knowing the answer I worked hard and set my goal. I accomplished my goal just months ago. I graduated the academy on February 6, 2015. During my graduation I was awarded a ribbon that I wear everyday on my uniform with your badge number Sherman 567. My father pinned me with one and I was lucky enough to pin him with the same ribbon. Even though I'm not in Boston I hope that I make you and our family proud everyday when I put on that uniform. I think about you everyday and wish that we got to meet.

Love always and forever,
Your nephew Ofc. Thomas Griffiths Jr.

Patrolman Thomas Griffiths Jr.
Harwich Police Department

June 24, 2015

Remembered today and always!

Detective James Coyne
Boston Police

February 18, 2015

In February of 1988, my partner and I were chasing a stolen car used in a series of handgun armed robberies in both Boston and Brookline. After a lengthy chase through Roxbury and Jamaica Plain, another car approached from the opposite direction and blocked the street so that we could box in the suspect for the arrest. The driver of the other unmarked car was Sherman Griffiths who was returning from a drug arrest and happened to be in the area. Sherman gave me a pat on the back and congratulated us on the chase. We spent a few minutes chatting and joking in the street before we went our separate ways. It was our first and last meeting but I remember it like it was yesterday. Two nights later, I was stunned to find out that he had been shot. Rest in peace Sherman.

Detective (former)
Brookline Police Department

January 28, 2015

I lived a couple of houses up the street from that house, I came home from work that night and saw all the police and searchlights. I knew something terrible had happened. I often use this story to explain why people don't need guns even in a dangerous neighborhood. I lived there for 44 years of my life and never carried a weapon of any type.

Ralph McKenna
I just lived in the area back then

June 16, 2014

I'll always remember Sherm, we served in the 26th MP Co. together. He was always a great guy to be around, kept us all laughing with his stories and quick wit. I think of him often, my father was also a Boston Police Officer, so there is a special place in my heart for the BPD. My heart goes out to his family, .... Sherm will be remembered by his friends forever !

PFC Ronald Giannusa
26th Military Police Company

May 25, 2012

Sherman you are not forgotten by the men and women of the Boston Police Dept. Next year will mark 25 years a hero sign will be unveiled that very same day. Rest in peace your work on earth is over you now walk a beat in heaven.

P.O. Robert Anthony
Boston Police Dept chronologist

March 25, 2012

Sherm,
24 years... NEVER FORGOTTEN!!
I now wear your Badge Detective 567
You are with me every day.
Love
Jimmy

Detective James Coyne
Boston Police Dept

February 17, 2012

Sherma, you died under unfortunate circumstances!! Your'e legacy lives on in the tour of duties that your brothers (Brian, Billy, Tommy, Jimmy, Kevin, Dennis) carry on in your name!!! Forever remembered....always missed!!!

Hk771
Fellow Officer

February 10, 2012

Sherman,

I remember the day we lost you like it was yesterday. A vivid day I will never forget....

I was 10 years old at the time. I'd seen you just days before. I remember stopping by your house in Milton with my dad, standing in your driveway on a cold winter day. Snow on the ground. You and my dad talking. You being a goofball, throwing snowballs at the window of your car, as your young girls sat inside and giggled. That's my last and largest memory of you: being a goofball, a dad. Smiling and sharing love with your friends and family. That memory is symbolic of who I remember you being. Someone who was fun, full of love, laughter and smiles. A red headed Santa…..a kind, good man.


That February night, we had just come home from the Disney Ice Capades. I remember my mother taking that awful phone call, her handing the phone to my dad- and the air leaving the room. That moment, that night, the days following and the memory of it today....it's all like some out of body experience. I remember seeing that picture of you- the one right on this memorial page- all over the news the next day and days to come. It was all so surreal, and hard for me as a young boy to fathom. Easily the most traumatizing event of my childhood, one of the most horrible times in my life. I remember taking the memorial book from your funeral to school for show and tell, showing your picture, talking about you and what had happened. I felt sad, confused, angry...angry that it happened and angry that none of the other kids understood or knew how I felt.


But I do not write here not to morbidly reflect. I write to pay tribute to you for the great guy I remember you as. I remember that big red beard and that crazy smile. I remember many great times at your house- parties and cookouts galore! It was always a blast to be with you and your family. You all were wonderful people, and great hosts. There was a lot of love and good energy in that house, I remember. I will not say names here out of respect for privacy, but I hope the three ladies who comprised your family are all doing well today- your wife and wonderful girls. They are all in my thoughts and prayers, and they have been over the years- as have you.
My father loved you so much. You guys were the best of friends. One night, shortly after you died, I could not sleep. I came downstairs, where I found my father on the couch, alone in the dark. He covered it up, and it was dark, but I could see he was sad and had been crying....and I did not have say a word or ask anything to know it was over you. To this day, that is the only time I have ever seen tears upon my father's face. I remember reading my dad's recollection of you in a newspaper. He spoke of your big heart , of how you were “larger than life”, and he said you had "a hearty guffaw”. That phrase stayed with me because it was so descriptive. It was also out of character for my dad- he was never one to wax poetic or use big words like "guffaw"! Haha.

He loved you greatly, Sherman. You were and probably remain his best friend- I don't know that he has ever had a friend like you since. My dad doesn't talk too much about many his feelings in general, but many family members have told me how much he loved, respected and revered you. My nana used to talk about you, as well as the friendship between my dad and you: “That man could do no wrong in your father’s eyes”, was one phrase she would say.
Sherman, I am glad to have known you. You will always be remembered by me and my family, and you will always have a place in my heart. I will never forget you, your family, or the day we lost you. I know I can speak for my dad and say the same for him, so I am. Thank you for the good times, for the hospitality, for the goofiness- for all the memories.

And thank you for your service as a Boston Police Officer. God bless all those who serve and protect the public, including your brothers. God bless you and all those who have served, protected and lost their lives in the line of duty.

Rest in peace Sherman....

With love and respect,

-Patrick Mawn.

son of Kevin Mawn.

Patrick Mawn
Friend- on behalf of the Mawn family

October 2, 2011

Rarely do these memorial pages make me chuckle but that picture....lol. Obviously a man with a good sense of humour.

You are not forgotten today Detective. Thank you for your service.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

February 18, 2011

Hi Sherman:
I found this site about a month ago and the first thing I Bobby Staunton calling me at 10:55pm that night to tell me that you had been shot and it was going to be the lead story that night on the news. How Carol and I sat there and watched it and we prayed for you and Dee and the girls that night. Sleep, that was impossible. I walked the floor all night, I wanted to do something, but I knew there was nothing I could do except pray and trust in GOD that whatever happened that it was going to be GOD'S will !The next day after you died, I was uncontrollable. I was in work, and they finally let me go home and the only thing I wanted to do was be with the guys that we grew up with, to me that was the only thing that could ease my pain. Most of the guys went over your house to be with Dee and your family. It was the only place that most of us could find any peace. What the Hell we all grew up in that house when Teddy and Jimmy family owned it, maybe that is what gave us some peace, all the good times we hafor d in the cellar watching the Bruins, we shared a lot of laughs and a lot of tears the next couple of days. The Funeral was a huge tribute to you and the Boston Police, you deserved all the honors and tributes, Sherm you died doing what you loved to do, and that was to be a Boston Cop. I have one request for you now that you are an angel, my daughter is getting married in Sept. and low and behold she is marrying a Boston Police office of which I am very proud. My one request is that you watch over John and keep him safe and free from harm, from one friend to another I know you will do that for me ! Well Sherm I have to go, you be good and say hi to Bud and Dot for me! May the Peace of Christ take care of you and may you rest in Peace. GOD Bless you and God Bless the Boston Police !

Anonymous

January 29, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 22nd 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.

Rest In Peace. I am sure you are proud that so many family members continued your legacy of protecting and serving.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 18, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 22nd 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.

Rest In Peace. I am sure you are proud that so many family members continued your legacy of protecting and serving.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 18, 2010

1988 seems like a long time ago, but it really wasn't. Though you've been gone from this existance for a few years now, you're still remembered and the pain continues for all those who knew and loved you best.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

February 18, 2010

Sherman was my uncle. I will NEVER forget him! I honestly can not say enough how much of a great guy he was! He was the best! He would do anything for anyone! He was always right there to help! Yes I was only 8 yrs old when he died but he is never forgotten. I will never forget when we camping. I always had an aunt Marlene Orlandi that was a Boston Police Sergaent who died of natural causes and they both made me want to be a police officer. I have now been a dispatcher for Milton Police for 7 years. I think I am going to stick with dispatching. I truely love what I do! I always have the radio on scan listening to Boston Police thinking of Uncle Sherman and making sure my father and four uncles (Shermans brothers) are safe! Uncle Sherman is truely my HERO! He was fighting the streets of Weymouth (where I currently live) and Boston of crime and hate so that the rest of us could have a better life growing up. He lost his life doing what he loved! I will never forget the day my father came over to tell us he had died and when I saw it on the news. I have been to the Washington Memorial once and can not waite to go back to see his name there again! Sherman will never be forgotten! He is always loved and missed!
R.I.P. UNCLE SHERMAN!!!

Dispatcher Kimberly Griffiths
Milton Pd/niece

January 27, 2009