LAWRENCE — The body of Detective Thomas Cuddy was escorted back to the city by fellow police officers late Friday afternoon.
Cuddy, 55, a 21-year Lawrence police veteran, died unexpectedly Tuesday at his home.
His body was taken for an autopsy to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Boston.
The escort Friday afternoon went down Lowell Street, passing both the Lawrence police and fire departments. First responders escort a fallen officer’s hearse out of honor and respect.
Cuddy’s services are eyed for next week but plans are still pending.
Police Chief Maurice Aguiler said the department was working with Cuddy’s family on funeral arrangements.
Details on the cause of death were unavailable Friday.
Mayor Brian DePena described Cuddy as one of the city’s “finest public servants.”
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 and his wife, Sheila, had two children. He was one of six children of the late James and Betty Cuddy.
Edna Leach, a DJ and photographer and friend of Cuddy’s family, is working on a remembrance video. She asked anyone with pictures or video of Cuddy to email her at edna.leach71@gmail.com.
Follow staff reporter Jill Harmacinski on Twitter/X @EagleTribJill and on Threads at jillyharma.