Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was arrested by Bobby Mortell For a suspected DUI back in 1986. I was 26 years old and heading back to Oakham after being out with a friend in Worcester. Bobby and his partner we’re headed in the opposite direction on Route 122 in Paxton and noticed that I had drifted over the line. They turned around and pulled me over close to the Paxton police Department. They gave me the sobriety check and decided to take me in to the Holden station for booking. Bobby had his partner, whose name I do not know, drive my truck to the police station in Paxton to save me from being charged for a tow. He then proceeded, after handcuffing me and putting me in the cruiser, to drop his partner off at home on the way to Holden. Bobby then took me to the police station in Holden where I was booked. Back then The bill for me was $20 which I had in my wallet. I was able to post bail immediately. Bobby then asked if I would like to call someone for a ride. I let him know that I was recently separated and being fairly new to the area did not know anyone. I do not remember what Bobby said to me but the next thing I knew he had me in the front seat of his cruiser and was driving me home all the way to Oakham Which is about 20 minutes away. We talked along the way and he knew my neighbors where he had helped during haying season as a young kid. He dropped me off at the end of my driveway and shook my hand and said…” we all make mistakes once in a while“. I did not even fight it in court and plead guilty. I was so saddened when I heard what happened to Bobby after that. I have wanted for 30 years to write to his wife/widow to let her know what a compassionate and fair man that Bobby was. I hope to find the courage to locate her address so that I might write her a note about Bobby. In writing this I hope that the whole community knows Who is this man Bobby Mortell was.

Chuck Delaney
Friend

February 8, 2024

Chief Mortell, it has been 30 years since you were taken from us. 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 12 years of law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

February 1, 2024

Chief Mortell,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Paxton. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

February 1, 2024

28 years…..think of you often and still today have the picture of you with daisy hung in my detective bureau! Always remembered and looked up to all the time Chief!
Det. Patrick O’Donoghue LPD

Detective Patrick O’Donoghue
Littleton police

February 1, 2022

27 years to the day. Central Mass was wicked to the core when you were murdered. I remember how gutted my uncle was. He was an Auburn police officer and a friend.
May the coward who took your life never see a day of peace or freedom.
Rest in peace

A Local
Central Massachusetts

February 1, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 9, 2020

Rest in peace Chief of Police Mortell.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 26, 2019

I was looking at a map or Western Mass and saw the location of Paxton, Mass on it and seeing the word (Paxton) jogged my memory of a kind Police officer who pulled me over at the bottom of a hill in this small town. Coming from a City ( Quincy) outside of Boston I thought this was unusual but showed the PO the respect that the uniform and the job afforded. I respectfully greeted the PO and noted the # 1 of his badge and thought " Wow, The Chief does road stops?" I explained that I was not from the area and was visiting a friend and had not realized that the speed limit decreased at the bottom of the hill. He went back to his cruiser and I assume ran my info. He returned shorty and gave me my lic/reg back and wished me a good day and hoped I enjoyed my visit in the Town of Paxton.
I went home that day and hung the written warning on my bedroom wall as a reminder to be aware of my speed wherever I was driving.
I remember the day I turned the local news and saw the story of a brave Police Chief in Western Mass being killed while investigating a crime - this jogged my memory upon hearing the town this happened in. I went to my room and looked on the wall at the written notice given to me by a very pleasant Police Officer a few months before. When I realized that well written name on the warning matched the name I heard on the News my head slowly lowered and thought " This can't be". How does this happen to such a " nice guy". But as we all know these things do happen.
Many years have passed and I wish the family of this kind man hold his memory strong in their hearts and minds because I know I will never forget the kind Police officer from the small Town of Paxton, Massachusetts that taught me a lesson and cut a kid from Quincy, Mass a break. I wish you eternal Peace Chief and know you are now in the Palms of Gods hands...

Richard Ragusa
resident of Quincy Mass

September 20, 2019

Chief Mortell,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of of Paxton. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

February 1, 2019

23 years ago today, Chief of Police Robert Mortell made the supreme sacrifice. I was in labor with my only child that day, all the while watching the horrifying news coverage. I prayed this baby would NOT become a police officer. God wasn't listening to me on that day. It seems he had other plans. COP lost his life that day and a new LEO was born. Thank you for your service and may you rest in peace.

Jackie Miller
Mother and Mother-In-Law of ME LEO's

February 1, 2017

My buddy. The Cop's Cop. Most decent loving, giving family man. treasured by his many friends. I miss you Bobby and think of Pam and the kids regularly still.

Ptl. Det. Ret.
Fellow Police Officer, Massachusetts

July 26, 2016

You are never forgotten. I live in Boston, Massachusetts now but I had the pleasure of living in the wonderful community of Paxton, Massachusetts. It was an honor to attend Anna Maria College with your relative Adam Richards. This is a tremendous loss for our nation and always will be. I was a student at Anna Maria College from 2004-2008 Undergrad and I finished in 2010 with my MS and I can not say enough about the Paxton Police Department. I will keep them in my prayers this evening that they perform God's work on Earth in great safety when I say my prayers before bedtime. God Bless America and God Bless this American hero.

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

February 6, 2016

I remember this well and I remember these guys who did this. All three were frequent flyers of the jail. Such a sad time for the family and town.

Sergeant Richard Brooks
Wcso

February 2, 2016

Dear Bobby,
I've know you since I was 13. You were always sweet and kind. You grew into a hero. A protector. Our town depended on your wisdom and strength. When you were taken from us, we wept and gathered the wagons around your family, as you would have wanted. It has been so long since you have been gone and we always think of you and the sacrifice you made. We will never forget. My son, Bobby, is a police officer now. I know that you had a profound effect on him. Rest in peace sweet friend.

Mary McCauley Lemire, RN
Friend, Neighbor

February 1, 2016

I was working for Upton when chief Mortell was killed, we came that cold day and paid our respects with so many others in front of the church. I am proud to be working for his Department now and can tell you that he is not forgotten.

Ptl D Tripp
Paxton

January 6, 2016

Chief,I think of you often. The ways in which you carried out
your duties set the standard for all police Officers to follow. Your commitment to justice and community will never be forgotten.

Ret. Chief Alcide L'Ecuyer
West Boylston Mass. Police

June 26, 2015

Bobby, your picture is on my dresser to this day. I'm a better man for having known and worked with you. RIP dear friend....you are missed!

Dave Gross
Holden PD - retired

February 1, 2014

I was honored to send off my 'No Parole' letter today for you, my brother in blue. Thank you for your sacrifice and may you forever, rest in peace. You are a true AMERICAN HERO !!!

My prayers continue to be with your family, friends and co-workers.

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sgt. Mitch Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

January 21, 2014

Chief Mortell,
I can’t believe you have been gone for 19 years. At the time of the shooting, I was a young police officer in the Town of Leicester and I remember you as a progressive and productive officer. You weren’t the average chief doing office work, you were known to hunt the bad guys and I would hear you on the radio day and night. I want you to know I have not forgotten and I never will. You and your family are often in my thoughts. Rest in Peace brother

Detective Eric K. Dyson, Sr.
Auburn Police Department

February 1, 2013

Bobby, you were always so funny; very strong, caring and so very intelligent. You started a beautiful family and your life was taken too soon. I remember the days of the 70's when we all hung out on the Paxton common. We had a great time at Moore State Park, and at the bon-fires throwing rocks up into the air to catch a bat. I have very fond memories of you and Pam too; the first time you and Pam went away together with me and Eddie Wylie - it was true love for sure. I miss you very much and will always remember you.

Laurel Sjogren

February 1, 2013

Chief Mortell....I still remember like it was yesterday. I can't believe it has been 18 years. I remember playing at your house as a kid and how you always showed up just before we did something we probably shouldn't be doing.

I want you to know what a huge impact you have had on my life. It is because of you that I became a federal officer. I think of you often in my day to day life.

Thank you for everything you did for all of us in Paxton, MA, your guidance and your sacrifice.

You are missed!

Erika Huard Taylor
Department of Homeland Security

February 1, 2012

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

Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today. Thanks to Elliot and Erin for sharing a son and daughter's devotion to a beloved father.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 1, 2012

Chief, I used to ride with you in your cruiser....I could barely see over the dashboard, being with you in your cruiser was so great, you were my HERO growing up and now I am a Police Officer and strive to be as good as you were. Thanks for being my hero when I was young. God speed Chief!!!!

Patrolman Patrick L. O'Donoghue
Littleton Police, Ma.

February 1, 2012

Elliot he would of been more than proud of you!! and all of us I see more and more of him in you as you get older...the circumstances of life never pan out o be "fair" for anyone but our dad was the bravest man we will ever know and over the last 18 years we have all proved to be some of the bravest people alive as well.....even though he only touched our lives for such a short time...we had the privilege of being the living legacy of a true hero...What I have taken from the whole thing is that if he could do what he did with out selfishness or fear I can face anything in life with the same regard

Amy Mortell
Eldest Daughter

February 1, 2012

Can't believe it's been 18 years. Not a day goes by where I don't think about you. Even though I only shared 7 and half short years with you, it feels like you've been with me my whole life. I hope you would be proud of the man I have become. If I can become half the man you were, I'll know I did something right.

Elliot Mortell
Son

February 1, 2012