A Massachusetts State Police trooper killed in the line of duty was laid to rest Tuesday after his funeral in Hudson.
Trooper Thomas Clardy’s funeral was held at St. Michael’s Church, where his family was joined by hundreds of police officers from around the country. Gov. Charlie Baker also attended the funeral to pay his respects.
Clardy was killed on March 16 when a car struck his cruiser as he was processing a traffic stop on the Mass. Pike in Charlton. Police said 30-year-old David Njuguna, of Webster, was driving the car that struck Clardy. Njuguna is facing charges in connection with the crash.
Clardy served as a Marine for 10 years before joining the State Police in 2005. Friends said he loved his job and spending time with his wife and children. Clardy’s son Tyler did a reading during the service and retired Sgt. Al Toney, who worked with Clardy, read notes the children wrote to their father during the eulogy. A statement was also read from Clardy’s wife, thanking first responders for trying their best to save her husband.
"When I walked inside, the family was just so appreciative we were able to … pay our respects," said Louisiana State Police Sgt. Kevin Curlee.
Clardy’s fellow troopers carried his flag-draped casket out of the church after the service and he was brought to St. Michael’s Cemetery to be buried. At the cemetery, the State Police Air Wing Unit did a helicopter flyover and a final unanswered radio call was made to Clardy.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Trooper Clardy may be made to:
The Clardy Children’s Fund
c/o Avidia Bank
42 Main St.
Hudson, MA 01749
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