On November 17, the Lowell Police Department dedicated a memorial Hero Sign honoring Officer Christos G. Rouses, who was killed in the line of duty on November 17, 1978. A 22-year veteran of the department, Officer Rouses was the last Lowell police officer to give his life while serving the community.
Born and raised in Lowell and a graduate of Lowell High School, Officer Rouses was known for his warmth, humor, and deep commitment to community policing long before it was a formal concept. Earlier on the day he died, he had been speaking to students at Lowell High School about knowing your neighborhood, treating people with respect, and building trust.
That afternoon, while assisting at a nearby fire, a silent alarm sounded at Limby’s Pharmacy. Officer Rouses responded immediately, pursued the fleeing suspect, and was shot during the struggle. He died a short time later at St. Joseph’s Hospital. His death sent a profound ripple of grief through the city.
At the recent dedication, former State Senator Steven Panagiotakos, Officer Rouses’s nephew, reflected on how deeply the loss affected both the family and the community. He spoke of the “pall that fell over Lowell” and the enormous show of respect from residents who lined the streets during the funeral. His remarks remind us that the impact of losing a first responder extends far beyond a single moment; it reshapes entire families and communities for generations.
The Hundred Club of Massachusetts was honored to support the Rouses family in the immediate aftermath of Officer Rouses’s death, providing comfort and financial support during an unimaginably difficult time. Their family’s story remains a powerful reminder of why our mission has endured for nearly seven decades.
Today, a bronze statue of Officer Rouses and a child stands outside Lowell Police Headquarters, and the new Hero Sign ensures that his service and sacrifice — and that of his family — will never be forgotten.