New Bedford Police Sgt. Mike Cassidy Dies After Battle With COVID-19

NEW BEDFORD — A longtime and highly-decorated member of the New Bedford Police Department has passed away after a courageous battle with COVID-19.

Sgt. Mike Cassidy was 52.

Cassidy was a U.S. Marine who served in Desert Storm before returning to New Bedford. He joined the New Bedford Police Department in 1994 and served in the uniform patrol, narcotics unit, criminal investigations unit and firearms unit.

Sgt. Cassidy was twice honored with New Bedford Life Saving Awards in 2006 and 2018, and had received numerous citations and accommodations for his military and police service, including recognition from the City of New Bedford, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the U.S. Senate, Congressional Recognition, and the American Red Cross Real Heroes Award.

“This is a tremendous loss to our department and to the City of New Bedford as we all know Sgt. Cassidy was a proud officer who served the people of this city with his whole heart,” Acting Police Chief Paul Oliveira said. “Sgt. Cassidy loved being a police officer and went above and beyond to impact the lives of others in a positive way.”

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date, the police department said.