Police department announces unexpected passing of active-duty Massachusetts police officer

A Massachusetts police officer died unexpectedly recently according to the department that he served for.

54-year-old Active-Duty Officer Stephen Beland passed away on Friday. He was a 30-year veteran of the Lowell Police Department and was awarded a number of citations and commendations throughout his career.

He served for many years as a K-9 officer, as a member of the department’s original Gang Unit, and most recently was assigned to Car 5 in Lowell’s Highlands neighborhood.

According to an obituary, Beland enjoyed learning and teaching karate, routine things like mowing his lawn and working around his home, but most of all being a family man who was dedicated to his wife, daughter and mother.

A cause of death was not released.

Visitation will take place at the M. R. Laurin & Son Funeral Home, 295 Pawtucket St., Lowell on Sunday, May 21, from 2 to 6pm. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday morning at 10 o’clock at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 95 Lakeview Ave., Tyngsborough. (Extended family and friends are asked to please meet at church) Interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Chelmsford. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in his name to a charity or benefit that is meaningful to you.