On Sunday morning, Chief Todd Hazard faced a formation of police officers, who were lined up in front of a monument at Town Hall. “I never knew John Machuca,” he told them, “But I see his picture every day when I come to work, and his smile is infectious.”
It was the 30th anniversary of Officer Machuca’s death. He had responded to a chase that began in Woodbury, and had perished when his squad car was struck by a driver fleeing from police.
The monument to his memory is a few paces from the police station. An umbrella-shaped tree shades a boulder with the inscription, “In honor of all law enforcement officers who have served the community. Dedicated to the memory of Officer John Machuca, who gave his life in the line of duty on Feb. 10, 1989.”
Chief Hazard was a young officer when he heard about the crash. It reminded him of the risks facing policemen every time they put on the uniform, but it didn’t weaken his resolve.
After the chief’s remarks, Supervisor Richard Randazzo described his first meeting with John Machuca. It occurred when Gary Hunt, the chief at the time, brought the new officer upstairs to meet the supervisor. “I knew we were getting someone good,” Mr. Randazzo recalled.
He was impressed with the “infectious smile” that Chief Hazard mentioned at the start of the ceremony — the smile that is now evident in the photograph inside the police station.
A former Marine and a member of the Army National Guard, Officer Machuca joined the department in November 1988, just three months before the fatal crash.
“He wasn’t with us very long, but he made an impression in that short time. Thirty years later, he’s still remembered.”
Town Supervisor Richard Randazzo
Deacon John Pelella offered prayers at the start and close of the observance. A three-person honor guard fired a salute, and Bill Hennessey (who served in the National Guard with John Machuca) played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.
About two dozen officers, from different agencies, attended the service.
