Photo: Courtesy of Middlesex Country District Attorney's Office
BILLERICA, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A member of the Billerica Police Department died after being struck at a road construction site Friday, authorities said.
Sergeant Ian Taylor, 49, was working a detail on Boston Road when he was struck by an excavator shortly before 2 p.m., Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said in a statement.
Taylor was taken to Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, where he later died, Ryan said.
Read More: Four Arrested In Suspected Burglary Ring That Targeted South Asian Homes
Boston Road was closed to traffic in both directions following the incident.
"Every single one of the officers that work with Ian love him, love him like a brother," Billerica Police Chief Roy Frost told reporters Friday evening. "Everyone is devastated. We’re gonna miss Ian, but I want you folks to know Sergeant Taylor made an impact while he was here."
Frost said Taylor worked on the Substance Awareness and Prevention Committee, helping people overcome drug addiction.
"Sergeant Taylor has done a lot for this community, for the community of Billerica and the region," Frost said. "He is an unbelievable police officer."
Taylor leaves behind a wife and two children. He served in law enforcement for 21 years, working for the Lawrence Police Department from 2003 to 2010, the Wilmington Police Department from 2010 to 2011, and Billerica police from 2011 until his death.
"The Lawrence Police Department mourns the loss of Billerica Sergeant Ian Taylor, who carried on his family's tradition of serving and protecting the residents of Lawrence from 2003 to 2010," Lawrence police said in a statement. "Sergeant Taylor comes from a family of service within the Lawrence Police Department; his father, Wayne Taylor is a retired Lawrence Police Officer, and his younger brother, Detective Zach Taylor, currently serves on the Department. The entire Lawrence Police Department extends our condolences to the Taylor family and [Billerica police.]
Wilmington police also released a statement, saying, "Those of us that worked alongside him remember him for his warm smile, a great sense of humor, and a love for the job. Our hearts are broken. We wish to extend our deepest condolences to Sergeant Taylor's family, his friends, and to our brother and sister officers in the community of Billerica. We mourn with of you all."
The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Billerica police, and Massachusetts State Police detectives are investigating the incident. OSHA will also conduct an investigation.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App | TikTok