‘You were our hero’: Community says goodbye to Mass. police officer killed on duty
Thirteen-year-old Matthew LaPorta will never see his father again.
But at a funeral ceremony attended by the Massachusetts governor and hundreds of law enforcement agents, he received something that had always been close to his father's heart.
His badge.
LaPorta, his mother Shannon, his family and hundreds of law enforcement members all said goodbye to Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen LaPorta in Franklin on Thursday.
Stephen LaPorta, 43, was killed after being hit by a passing tractor-trailer on an icy Route 146 on Jan. 7.
A sea of officers wearing blue, black, green and brown uniforms from Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont were lined up across the street parallel to St. Mary's Parish on Thursday.
As the church doors opened, with Matthew LaPorta stepping outside, the officers all stood at attention and saluted.
When moments later, Matthew LaPorta was given his father's badge, he glanced down at the velvet box before returning his gaze straight ahead.
The bell from the church rang several times and a 21-gun salute was fired by Mass. State Police, followed by the playing of Amazing Grace on bagpipes and taps on the trumpet.
As LaPorta's casket was brought to the street to be placed inside the hearse, Shannon LaPorta was given the American flag laid across it. Though her eyes were hidden by her sunglasses, her face was filled with emotion as the officer gave her the flag.
The faces of the family, law enforcement and Mass. Gov. Maura Healey all welled up with sadness as a voice on an intercom said out loud: "Officer Stephen LaPorta, this is your end of watch, you will live forever in our hearts."
Clouds part as the funeral begins
The cloudy skies over Franklin on Thursday morning vanished as the sun glistened on the walls of St. Mary's Parish. Across the street, an American flag raised half staff gently blew in the wind. Underneath the large flag were many more smaller ones raised by members of the Patriot Guard Riders, a nationwide organization that honors veterans and law enforcement.
"It sucks," said Mark Strait, the head rider of the group, as he waited to enter the church. "I can't even imagine how the family is feeling."
By 10 a.m., the hearse containing LaPorta's casket arrived in front of the church. In the distance, bagpipes could be heard blaring a mournful tune. Minutes later, a limo with LaPorta's wife and child, and other family members pulled up to the church. The group quickly climbed up the stairs and entered the building.
On the left side of the church sat members of the public and public officials, including Gov. Healey. On the right, officers from different departments filed in, filling up all the seats in the building as "Ave Maria" echoed throughout the church.
Many people, including LaPorta's son and Healey wore blue buttons with the words, "In loving memory of OFC. Stephen LaPorta, Uxbridge PD," written on them. LaPorta's smiling face was in the middle of the button.
Before the service, Healey went over to the 13-year-old LaPorta and gave him a hug. LaPorta gave the governor a reassuring smile as he then stood silently in front of the large crowd before being seated.
On the altar was a display of black flowers in the shape of a shield. Inside the shield were yellow flowers, in the shape of the number 31 — LaPorta's number.
'He always lit up the room'
During the service inside the church, several of LaPorta's friends and fellow officers spoke before the gathered crowd.
One was Mendon police Sgt. Matthew Hoar, who spoke about the beginnings of LaPorta's career in law enforcement in 2004, when he worked as a Mendon dispatcher.
He continued work as dispatcher in both Mendon and Uxbridge until becoming a full-time officer for the Uxbridge Police Department 2024.
"He was a genuine person" Hoar said. "He was there for so many good times — Sox games... motorcycle rides.... We had some some great times."
Hoar along with Mendon firefighter Garrett J. Wante and LaPorta's friend, Nicole Hauk, spoke proudly of LaPorta, emphasizing his honesty and how much he loved his family and his job.
The three also spoke about how much fun he was.
Wante said he and LaPorta would often play video games together, bringing consoles to each other's houses and playing Call of Duty for video game nights. LaPorta was also known as "DJ Steve" for his ability to create the perfect playlist, according to Wante.
"You are our hero," Wante said, choking up.
Rev. Tomasz Borkowski also spoke about LaPorta during the ceremony.
"Being a police officer was his dream," the reverend said. "He was deeply involved and he loved his family."
Hauk recalled how much LaPorta loved spicy wing challenges and called him by the nickname she gave him, "Boston Steve." Looking at the casket, Hauk promised to take care of Shannon and Matthew LaPorta in her friend's absence.
"He always lit up the room with a smile," said Hauk, trying not to break into tears.
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