PHOTOS: Lowell Police Dedicate Hero Sign to Fallen Officer John Joseph Winn, Who Gave His Life in the Line of Duty in 1971

LOWELL — The Lowell Police Department was joined by family members on Friday to dedicate a memorial Hero Sign to Officer John Joseph Winn, who gave his life in the line of duty in 1971.

Officer John Joseph Winn was born in Lowell on Oct. 12, 1912, the son of John J. and Mary G. Winn. He became a Reserve Officer with the Lowell Police Department in July of 1941, and was promoted to regular Patrolman in March of 1944. 

Officer Winn and his wife Caroline were the parents of four children. Officer Winn also had a sister and three brothers, including a brother on the Lowell Police Department. 

On Thursday, Dec. 5, 1968, Officer Winn was assaulted with a tire iron by two assailants as he walked his beat on Lewis Street. The two assailants stole Officer Winn’s revolver and robbed Kelly’s Liquor Store in Dover Square with the firearm a short time later. They were captured after the robbery by Inspectors Joseph Shaw, John Maher, and John P. Clarke. Officer Winn died as a result of the injuries he received on Monday, May 3, 1971. 

“Officer Winn made the ultimate sacrifice for this city and for this Police Department, and because of that, we must never forget his service,” Superintendent Greg Hudon said. “I’d like to thank the members of the Winn family who are here, not only for your attendance today, but also for bearing the weight of Officer Winn’s sacrifice for all these years.”

Two of Officer Winn’s four children, his sons Dan and Joseph, as well as other family members, attended a ceremony to dedicate a memorial Hero Sign to Officer Winn on Friday at Ecumenical Plaza off Lewis Street.

Officer Winn’s sons thanked officers and city officials for remembering their father. 

“He was a wonderful man, and a wonderful cop,” said Officer Winn’s nephew and godson Kevin Winn. “His brother Fred was also a policeman, and his brother, my father William, was a fireman in Lowell. Some of the best times I can remember growing up were when the three of them got together. They were hilarious.”

“He was doing his duty,” Kevin Winn said of his uncle. “I bless you all for coming today and for doing your duty every day as police officers do everywhere in this country.” 

The Lowell Police Department would like to give special credit to the Lowell Sign Shop for creating the memorial Hero Sign that was dedicated in Officer Winn’s honor. 

City Manager Thomas A. Golden Jr., Mayor Daniel P. Rourke, and City Councilor Paul Ratha Yem also attended to pay their respects. 

Capt. David Peaslee, who helped organize the ceremony, said Hero Signs such as the one installed for Officer Winn will be installed at two other locations in the city as well, with each sign being dedicated on the anniversary of the officer’s death. Last month, a sign at Perry and Alton streets was dedicated to Officer George F.A. Pearsall.

The other Lowell Police Officers who have given their life in the line of duty are Officer Christos G. Rouses and Officer Patrick F. Leavitt.

“These signs will serve as more than just markers — they will stand as enduring symbols of the dedication and commitment our officers display every day, even in the face of danger. They are tributes to the officers who gave everything to ensure our safety, even at the cost of their own lives,” said Capt. Peaslee. “Each year, on the anniversary of their passing, we will gather at these sites to pause and remember our fallen heroes. We encourage all residents of Lowell, particularly those in the neighborhoods where these signs will be placed, to take a moment of reflection when passing by.”