On June 18, 1985, Officer Harold Vitale, a 14-year veteran of the Massachusetts Police Department, was killed while on active duty by a motorist who resisted arrest.  The driver closed the car window on Officer Vitale’s arm and sped away, dragging the 42-year-old police officer to his death. 

In memory of their brother's benevolent spirit, partners Richard Vitale and Leslie Vitale, along with family members, helped establish the Officer Harold L. Vitale Memorial Fund in 1992. The fund’s mission is to assist surviving family members of fallen law enforcement officers. The organization raises funds through annual events that foster goodwill and help perpetuate support for the men and woman who risk their lives to protect the public.

The Officer Harold L. Vitale Memorial Park

The Officer Harold L. Vitale Memorial Park, located on Ballard Street in Saugus, Massachusetts, was dedicated in 1992. The park is home to “Artorius,” a 13-foot bronze statue created by world-renowned artist John Raimondi, dedicated to the honor of Officer Harold Vitale. “Artorius” stands as a public reminder of the valor exhibited by law enforcement officers and the sacrifices they make each day to protect the people in their communities. The sculpture represents the fabled King Arthur of the Renaissance legend, renowned for his benevolence and as a protector of the people.

The Officer Harold L. Vitale Memorial Fund Scholarship Program

Since the Officer Harold L. Vitale Memorial Fund began its scholarship program in 1994, it has awarded over 50 high school seniors with academic scholarships. Students are selected from Saugus High School, the Northeast Regional Vocational Technical School, Revere High School and St. Mary’s High School. In addition to academic performance and financial need, students must demonstrate strong family values, commitment to community and respect for law enforcement. Scholarship awards are presented annually in June at a reception held at the Officer Harold L. Vitale Memorial Park in Saugus, MA. The reception is open to the public and serves the dual purpose of recognizing scholarship recipients and showing appreciation to the Saugus community for their on-going support of the fund.

The Officer Harold L. Vitale Founder’s Day Road Race

The Saugus Chamber of Commerce and the Officer Harold L. Vitale Memorial Fund have partnered since 1991 to host the annual Officer Harold Vitale Founder’s Day Road Race. The race is held in September and features a walk for non-runners and a “pee-wee” run for children.  Proceeds from the race benefit various programs supported by the Saugus Chamber of Commerce and the Officer Harold L. Vitale Memorial Fund.

The Officer Harold L. Vitale Memorial Golf Tournament

The Officer Harold L. Vitale Memorial Golf Tournament is the fund’s most successful annual fundraiser. Held at Ipswich Country Club since 1995, this challenging 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. combined with fabulous accommodations and unique perks make this tournament a stand-out event. 

Proceeds from this event help to assist families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty. In addition to direct donations, the fund is a proud supporter of the following organizations that provide resources to help surviving family members rebuild their lives: Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) National; COPS, Massachusetts Chapter; and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF).

The fund is also the longest and strongest supporter of COPS National’s Outward Bound Program.  This program is designed to boost self-esteem and teach coping skills to kids who have lost a parent or guardian in the line of duty.  Since 1995, the fund has contributed a total of $131,500 to the Outward Bound Program.