On the evening of August 19, 2010, the Brock- ton Rox held a Public Safety Night and paid tribute to Sgt. Doug Weddleton at Campanelli Stadium in Brockton. Sgt. Weddleton’s name and ID number were placed on the centerfield wall, alongside two other Brockton heroes, Rocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler. Doug’s son Matt, threw out the first pitch.
Rick Brown, Colonel McGovern and Senator Jim Timilty were among the speakers. There were public service announcements throughout the game concerning the ‘Move Over’ law. H-3 personnel in their cruis- ers, along with several tow trucks (two tow operators from the area were killed while on the highway with- in the past couple of years), participated in a parade around the field and then were parked on the warning track during the ceremonies.
Thanks go out to the Brockton Rox, the City of Brock- ton, including Mayor Linda Balzotti, Senators Jim Tim- ilty and Tom Kennedy, Rep. Christine Canavan and others that helped make the night possible. Along with Colonel McGovern, Lt. Col. Steve Matthews, Lt. Col. Alben, and Majors Grenham and Thomas attended. The MSP Pipes and Drums performed, the Color Guard and Motorcycle Unit also were present.
The safety of our troopers and the traveling public is — and always will be — the first priority of the Mas- sachusetts State Police. Sgt Weddleton died in the line of duty serving the people of the Commonwealth. The simple act of placing his name on the centerfield wall will not only serve as a reminder of his dedication and service, but as a reminder of our need to continually work to ensure that no one is put in harm’s way while travelling the Commonwealth’s roads.