Town’s first K–9 officer
Published in the March 24, 2016 edition
NORTH READING — The officers of the North Reading Police Department paused this week to offer their sincere condolences to the family and friends of retired North Reading Police Sergeant Frederick O’Connor, who recently passed away at his home in Florida at the age of 83.
Frederick O’Connor was affectionately known as “DD” to his family, friends and former co–workers. DD joined the North Reading Police Department in 1974 after serving as a patrolman and K-9 officer for the City of Cambridge Police Department, where he joined the force in 1961.
As a member of the North Reading Police Department, DD soon became an impactful member of the organization and the community, eventually becoming the department’s first K–9 officer. DD was renowned state wide as one of the finest K-9 officers in the region. As a K-9 officer, DD and his K-9 partner “Sabin” competed in several K-9 competitions for which he received numerous awards for his and his partner’s skills and dedication to the police K-9 handler profession.
In 1981, DD was promoted to the rank of Sergeant where he served as a patrol shift supervisor until his eventual retirement from the department in 1992, ending a successful 30–plus year career in law enforcement.
During his time as an NRPD officer, DD was recognized by his peers as being a “Cop’s Cop.” DD will be fondly remembered as an officer who was always looked up to and respected throughout the community, a mentor to many and a friend to all, he will be missed.
Memorial services for Frederick “DD” O’Connor are being held out of state, in Florida by his family. Sgt. O’Connor’s name will soon proudly be added to the recently finished and installed North Reading Police Officer’s memorial wall display which is located in the lobby of NRPD headquarters.
