LAWRENCE — A funeral for Detective Thomas Cuddy, a 22-year veteran of the Lawrence Police Department, was held Thursday at St. Patrick Church.
A large crowd attended the service and Cuddy’s casket was carried out the doors of the church by some uniformed police officers.
Cuddy, 55, died suddenly at his Lawrence home Tuesday, June 17.
Born in Lawrence, Cuddy attended St. Patrick School and remained active at the 118 S. Broadway church throughout his life.
Cuddy served as the Lawrence Police Department’s public information officer and special assistant to the police chief.
Police Chief Maurice Aguiler issued a statement Tuesday saying Cuddy had been placed on administrative leave after money was discovered missing from a police relief fund.
Cuddy had served as treasurer of the fund, which Lawrence police officers voluntarily donate to through their paychecks. The officers are then paid $10,000 upon retirement.
Aguiler said a “forensic financial audit” of the fund is now being pursued and “will be conducted thoroughly and impartially by an independent party.” He urged all to avoid speculation until the audit is completed.