LAWRENCE – Detective Thomas Cuddy, who died suddenly a week ago, had been placed on administrative leave after money was discovered missing from a police relief fund before his death, Chief Maurice Aguiler confirmed Tuesday.
Cuddy, a 21-year veteran of the Lawrence Police Department, served as the treasurer of the Lawrence Police Relief Fund. Lawrence police officers who voluntarily and privately donate to the fund through their paychecks are paid $10,000 upon retirement.
In excess of $100,000 was discovered missing from the fund, prompting an investigation, police said.
“It is with a heavy heart that I address the situation involving one of our officers and the Lawrence Police Relief Fund. The Relief is a voluntary, post-tax, private, non-profit fund that is both contributed to and managed by participating police officers,” Aguiler said in a statement released late Tuesday afternoon.
“The Lawrence Police Department is pursuing a forensic financial audit of the Relief Fund. This audit will be conducted thoroughly and impartially by an independent party, ensuring that all aspects are examined with the utmost care,” he said.
A wake and funeral for Cuddy are being held Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, at St. Patrick’s Church at 118 S. Broadway.
Aguiler said officers are free to attend the services should they wish. However, honoring his family’s request, Cuddy’s services will be treated privately. It will not be a large-scale police event with honors.
In his statement, Aguiler urged “everyone to reserve speculation until the audit is completed and all facts are brought to light. Speculation surrounding these circumstances serves no purpose and only adds to the pain of those who are grieving.”
He continued, “At this time, it is important to respect the memory of Detective Cuddy and the feelings of his family, and I ask that our community come together to support the family during this time and allow them the dignity and privacy they deserve. The Lawrence Police Department is committed to integrity, transparency and accountability, and will keep the community fully informed as to the outcome of this incident.”
He concluded, “Thank you for your understanding and support.”
On Friday, Cuddy’s fellow officers escorted his body from the Medical Examiner’s Office in Boston back to the Breen Funeral Home in Lawrence.
His body had been taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office where an autopsy was performed.
Details of his cause of death were not being made available Tuesday.
Cuddy was the department’s public information officer and special assistant to the police chief since 2008.
In those roles, Cuddy worked with the local and Boston press, fielding calls, texts and emails every day of the week. He also worked as a liaison between the Police Department and community and neighborhood groups.
An Irish American from a large family, Cuddy led the planning and organization of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day parades. He was also a fixture at annual Irish Month dinner dances and luncheons.
In the days since his death, Cuddy has received fond and warm remembrances from friends and relatives, as well as fellow officers, city councilors and other elected officials.
This is a developing story. A full report will appear online at eagletribune.com and in Wednesday’s print edition of The Eagle-Tribune.
Follow staff reporter Jill Harmacinski on Twitter/X @EagleTribJill and on Threads at jillyharma.