Funeral services announced for Billerica police officer killed while working detail

Wicked Local

BILLERICA — Funeral services for Billerica police Sgt. Ian Taylor, who was killed last Friday afternoon while working a construction site detail, have been announced.

Calling hours for the public will be held from 3-7 p.m. Thursday at Cataudella Funeral Home, at 126 Pleasant Valley St. in Methuen. A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick’s Church, 118 South Broadway, Lawrence.

A burial service will be held in Elmwood Cemetery in Methuen after the church service.

Meanwhile, Gov. Maura Healey on Tuesday issued a flag lowering order in honor of Taylor. The U.S. flag and Massachusetts state flag will each be flown at half-staff at all state buildings on Friday.

'His life had meaning':Billerica police officer fatally struck by excavator while working detail

“I’m heartbroken over the tragic death of Billerica police Sgt. Ian Taylor," Healey said in a prepared statement. "I’ve been in touch with (Billerica) Chief Roy Frost to offer my condolences and our administration’s full support during this terrible time. It’s clear that Sgt. Taylor was a remarkable person who dedicated his life to serving the community, especially when it came to supporting those who were suffering from substance use disorder. My heart goes out to his loved ones — his parents, wife and children — and the entire Billerica Police Department.”

Taylor, 49, was helping a large tractor-trailer move through construction site at about 2 p.m. on Boston Road (Route 3A) when he was struck by an excavator.

During a press conference Friday night outside Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington, Frost said Taylor was "an unbelievable police officer."

"Every single one of the officers that work with Ian love him," the chief said. "He loved, loved helping the people in this community.

Taylor was a police officer for 21 years, the last 13 in Billerica. He started his career in 2003 with the Lawrence Police Department, then worked in Wilmington before coming to Billerica.