Watertown Police Hero Who Took Down Marathon Bomber Retires After 30 Years
Watertown Police Sergeant John MacLellan, who has been internationally recognized for his heroic acts during the pursuit of the Boston Marathon bombers, has retired after 30 years on the force….
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 11: U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (R) awards Watertown, Massachusetts, Police Officer John MacLellan with the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor during a ceremony with Attorney General Eric Holder (L) in the South Court Auditorium at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building February 11, 2015 in Washington, DC. According to the White House, MacLellan was one of several officers and fire fighters who battled with the Boston Marathon bombing suspects, resulting in the death of Tamerlan Tsarnaev and the eventual capture of his brother, Dzhokhar. The medal is the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer who exhibits ‘exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness, presence of mind and unusual swiftness of action, regardless of his or her personal safety, in an attempt to save or protect human life.’ (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)Watertown Police Sergeant John MacLellan, who has been internationally recognized for his heroic acts during the pursuit of the Boston Marathon bombers, has retired after 30 years on the force.
Many came to honor MacLellan yesterday, lining the streets of Watertown, as he finished his last shift.
This hero was one of the officers who, just days after the bombings, was in a standoff with the Tsarnaev brothers back in April of 2013, in Watertown. Who could forget watching the heroics unfold on television? Shots were fired at MacLellan's windshield and a bullet even struck his headrest. He persevered and managed to take down Tamerlan Tsarnaev.
According to Police Chief Michael Lawn, as relayed in a Boston 25 report, the battle was long and challenging. He said, “In those back streets of Watertown, those officers were in a long, seven and a half minute gun battle, and those three officers that were there that night are still working tonight, still working here today all of them on the night shift too."
As for MacLellan, he tries not to think about it too much, as hard as it is to forget. What's next for the hero recognized around the world for his bravery? He's not done helping his Watertown community. He plans on working more with his church, St. Patricks, during retirement.
How do we begin to say thank you, to the man who has dedicated his life to serve and protect his community? We appreciate all you have done, Sergeant MacLellan. Enjoy your retirement!
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