Memorial Ceremony for Fallen Malden Officer Set for Sept. 16

Nearly five decades have passed since Malden Police Officer Edward C. Callahan was killed in the lined of duty following a shooting at a local grocery store.

At approximately 7:10 p.m. Sept. 14, 1963, Callahan and his partner, Officer George Hood, responded to the then-A&P Super Market located at 347 Pleasant St. for a report of an armed robbery in progress. Both officers were shot by one of the armed suspects, and two days later Callahan succumbed to his injuries.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Callahan’s sacrifice, there will be a memorial ceremony at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16 at the delta across from 347 Pleasant St. where the former A&P Super Market was located. Malden Police Chief Kevin Molis said a memorial will be placed in the delta.

"Due to Officer Callahan’s strong ties to the Edgeworth section of the city, the corner of Highland Avenue and Charles Street was originally named in honor of his memory," reads a press statement. "His ultimate sacrifice has also been memorialized at the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial located on the grounds of the State House at Ashburton Park and his name is included among the more than 19,000 fallen officers at The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C."

Callahan’s widow, Mimi Callahan, will be in attendance along with his grandson Joshua Redmond, who is currently a recruit at the Boylston Police Academy, according to the statement. Upon his successful graduation, Redmond will fulfill his dream of becoming a fourth generation member of the Callahan family to wear a Malden Police badge, the statement adds.

Retired members of the Malden Police Department who served with Callahan are expected to be in attendance, and current officers are invited to attend.