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To: The Somerville Police Department
Chief David Fallon
Deputy Chief Paul R. Trant
Officer Sean Sylvester

On February 29, my wife of 52 years lost her battle. For the past 15 years she fought and beat numerous illnesses. On that day she had nothing left to fight with.

She was home with her children and me, comfortable and at peace. She just seemed to slip away surrounded by her family. No more pain, no more trips to MGH. That day we all lost someone so giving, so caring, so welcoming and a person who worried about everybody and how she could help them.

On March 5 at 10:00 a.m., a Mass was held to praise and say goodbye to Gail (mother, wife and best friend). Father Tom Stegman from Western Jesuit School did a wonderful Mass explaining Gail’s life and what it meant to all the people she came in contact with throughout her life.

I was still on medical watch and rode in an ambulance. The ride to Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Peabody was lead by the hearse, followed by the limo and my ambulance. Then there were a long line of personal cars.

As we were leaving the church I noticed police cars, motorcycles and unmarked cars with lights flashing, leading the way for us.

Tears of joy, pain, and heartache rolled down my face. To see the respect that was given to my wife in her journey to her resting place.

The Somerville Police lead the way, clearing the path for us. There were not one or two cars; it seemed to be a squad protecting us on our journey to Puritan Lawn. On Rte. 93, on Rte. 128 and on Rte. 1, never letting any vehicles hinder our journey.

This was something that I and many others will never forget. What you did showed to everyone how important Gail’s life was. Somerville Police showed their class for all to see “Beyond The Call of Duty.”

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Gail’s husband,
Philip H. Chisholm