United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Government
End of Watch Tuesday, June 19, 1990
Reflections for Special Agent Paul F. Cavanagh
To the Cavanagh Family-
I worked at FBI Boston 1989-1999 and still remember Paul being the favorite employee of everyone in that office. Thank you for sharing him with us. He def taught me that you can impact people even this many years later.
Much love,
Jeannie Roche
Jeannie Roche
FBI Boston (former Analyst)
July 23, 2022
It’s always been so humbling being named after such a hero. A man who throughout his life was able to touch and inspire so many, that even 31 years after is still modeled as an agent who put it all on the line. Growing up never having the chance to meet the man I was named after was difficult to understand at a young age. I’m sure there were countless lessons that you could have taught me about the world. You did however leave me an amazing son who I know, lives in your memory everyday of his life and is making you proud, who does everything to provide for us. I’m forever thankful to have a model like your son to look up to and hopefully emulate. Please continue looking after us as we continue our professional careers, my brother Sean who is getting ready to be a cop, and Jake who is continuing to work in the city. We love you and can’t wait to meet you grandpa.
Paul Cavanagh
Grandson
June 24, 2021
It’s always been so humbling being named after such a hero. A man who throughout his life was able to touch and inspire so many, that even 31 years after is still modeled as an agent who put it all on the line. Growing up never having the chance to meet the man I was named after was difficult to understand at a young age. I’m sure there were countless lessons that you could have taught me about the world. You did however leave me an amazing son who I know, lives in your memory everyday of his life and is making you proud, who does everything to provide for us. I’m forever thankful to have a model like your son to look up to and hopefully emulate. Please continue looking after us as we continue our professional careers, my brother Sean who is getting ready to be a cop, and Jake who is continuing to work in the city. We love you and can’t wait to meet you grandpa.
Paul Jude Cavanagh
Grandson
June 19, 2021
Agent Cavanagh,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
June 19, 2020
Coming up on your anniversary. Your grandsons are doing well as I'm sure you know. I hope you enjoy seeing Sean Ryan play football in college. Such a better athlete than I ever was. Jake is doing great at work, so smart and polished. Paul did way better at Kings Point than me and is an engineering master.
Can't believe I am almost 10 years older than when you passed. You always seemed so much older and wiser..and I feel like I'm still trying to figure it all out. Just made 25 years in the Bureau, still trying to figure out what to do when I grow up. Don't be a stranger, you are missed. Rest easy. Love you.
Sean Cavanagh
Special Agent - Son
May 17, 2020
Paul Cavanagh’69 was a classmate and football teammate at Boston College.
We both grew up on the North Shore.
Paul was from Lynn and I grew up in Swampscott.We became very good friends @ BC.
Paul played defensive end for the Eagles and I played tight end. We competed in practice every day and became very close friends.
We give a award to a BC football player in Paul’s memory.We had our 50th BC Reunion in June.We all miss Paul.
He was a great Eagle
Barry Gallup
Boston College friend
December 8, 2019
Rest in peace Special Agent Cavanagh.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 31, 2019
I am a retired methods and systems analyst from the United States space agency USA Space Alliance Cape Canaveral Florida. I am also a former methods and systems analyst for former Pan American World Airways Miami Florida. I am also a former United States Marine combat sergeant the Korean War. I am 86 years old but still active in the mind.
Donald Baumann
Retired
September 19, 2018
We think of you all the time even though it has been almost 28 years! Our lives have never been the same since June 19, 1990, but we still smile and laugh when we share our memories and stories of you. We love you and miss you but we know how fortunate we were to have you in our lives.
Mary Ann
Sister
May 23, 2018
Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless
Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas
June 19, 2015
I was a childhood friend of Paul and his brother Mike. I remember clearly playing football in their back yard and watching Saturday morning cartoons at their house (Paul's parents had the first television in the neighborhood). Although he was the youngest of the group that played football, he was energetic and athletic (although he didn't like it when we forced him to center the ball). I also remember Paul being a member of "the gang" that played tag on bicycles up and down Rowell Avenue in East Lynn.
Rest in peace, Paul
Bill Deveney
childhood friend
June 11, 2013
Paul and I served together in the Buffalo & Minneapolis FBI Offices. We also raised hell together - probably more often than we should have. He was great guy. He and I lost touch after I left the Bureau & he went to the NYC Office but to this day I still tell stories about his exploits. You could write several books on Paul & still have stories left over. He died way too young.
Jim Caulfield X FBI Spec Agent
A Retired Friend
November 21, 2012
Agent Cavanagh,
On today, the 22nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol
June 19, 2012
I think of you often...especially when your grandsons do something I know would make you laugh or remind me of you with a face they make or an easy smile. You would be very proud of them, all very different, but good boys. Jake and Paul 16 and Sean 12. Keep an eye on them for Liz and I when you can....you are missed
Sean Cavanagh
Son
April 25, 2012
Paul,I remember when were young men fresh out of college,you BC and me UMass, you East Lynn and me West Lynn and as I went off to OCS in Quantico, USMC you said you
also wanted to be a Marine. I told you I would join you in the FBI IN 3 OR 4 years. Well times certainly changed but when we had coffee in government center in 1990 nothing had really changed. Two Lynn guys. See you some day.
1st LT. usmc
friend
February 13, 2012
They say time heals all wounds. Anyone who ever knew you, knows that this is not true. Your death left a tremendous void in all our hearts, but we were all so lucky to have you in our lives. We will always miss you, but we will laugh or smile when we think of you, because that is what you did, you made people laugh, and you people smile.
Jon
Nephew
July 15, 2011
Your heroism and service is honored today, the nineteenth 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.
I hold your family in my heart embrace today and pray for their solace.
Phyllis Loya
Anonymous
June 19, 2009
"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission
Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 20, 2008
Rest in Peace, servant of God. ~Romans 13:4
Darin L. Paul, Special Agent/Pilot
FBI Agents Association
January 12, 2004
Agent Cavanaugh, I met a friend of yours today 12/30/02, Mike McMannis. He said he enjoyed the baseball games you and he played. God Bless.
Cpl. James J. Crawford
Lower Providence Twp Police Motor Unit , Montg. Co. PA.
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