Officer Harold L. Vitale Memorial Fund, Inc.

Aug. 3, 2026 Vitale Memorial Fund Hosting Golf Outing Recognizing 41st Anniversary of Officer Vitale's sacrafice and Trooper Kevin Trainor, MA State Police 

MA State Trooper Kevin Trainor


 GOLF OUTING TO HONOR MA STATE TROOPER KEVIN TRAINOR, EOW 5/6/2026

The Officer Vitale Memorial Fund once again will host thier annual golf outing recognizing the 41st anniversary of Officer Vitale's ultimate sacrafice along with State Trooper Kevin Trainor  

https://www.mspnews.org/post/line-of-duty-death-trooper-kevin-trainor-5179

The Massachusetts State Police announce the line-of-duty death of Trooper Kevin Trainor, 30, who was senselessly killed this morning by a wrong-way driver.  At the conclusion of his public safety detail shortly before 2 a.m., Trooper Trainor began his commute home. Minutes later, 911 received a call reporting a wrong-way driver traveling South on Route 1 North in Lynnfield. Several dedicated Troopers converged on the area and located the vehicle traveling the wrong way at 2:03 a.m. One minute later, at 2:04 a.m., the vehicle collided with Trooper Trainor’s cruiser.  While nothing will ever repair the pain we feel today, we make a solemn promise to never forget Trooper Trainor and his service to the Commonwealth. Kevin served as a Corrections Officer in Essex County before joining the State Police as a member of the 88th Recruit Training Troop. In his decorated career, he mentored new Troopers as a Field Training Officer or “Trooper Coach,” earned a place on the prestigious Troop Community Action Team, set the standard for professionalism, and patrolled our roads with a singular focus: keeping the people of this Commonwealth safe.  Beyond his professional accomplishments, Trooper Trainor’s classmates have shared stories of his genuine care and concern for others. As one person put it, “he was the guy you wanted as your backup." Colonel Noble said in his remarks this afternoon, “Make no mistake: Trooper Trainor saved lives this morning. His courage – his commitment to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth and put his life on the line – prevented an even greater tragedy. He will be remembered as a hero.”  We deeply appreciate the outpouring of support from our Governor, the Secretary of Public Safety, and friends in Massachusetts and across the country. We will remember and honor this extraordinary man, son, fiancée, and friend who gave his life for others.

12/7/25

NEW PORTRAITS HONORING THREE FALLEN SAUGUS POLICE OFFICERS

                                                                           

 Officer Harold Vitale                           Officer Fred Forni                           Officer Gus Belmonte

The Vitale Memorial Fund was honored to present three newly completed portraits commemorating three fallen officers of the Saugus Police Department. The artwork was unveiled during a brief ceremony held at Saugus Police Headquarters on Hamilton Street, where the portraits were formally presented to Chief Mike Ricciardelli and members of the department.  These powerful portraits were made possible through a grant from the Vitale Memorial Fund to nationally recognized artist Jonny Castro, a Philadelphia Police Officer who also serves as the department’s forensic artist, known for his extraordinary ability to capture the spirit, dignity, and sacrifice of fallen heroes through his artwork. His portraits have become treasured tributes in police departments, fire stations, and military organizations across the United States.  More about Officer Castro’s work and mission can be seen on his Instagram profile @jonnycastroart, (https://www.instagram.com/jonnycastroart/?hl=enwhere) he shares stories behind his portraits and the heroes they honor. His personal journey and inspiration were also featured in a widely viewed video created by the founders of Mission BBQ, a national restaurant franchise with a remarkable story of its own. Founded on September 11, 2011, Mission BBQ was established as a living tribute to all who serve—military members, first responders, and public safety professionals. Their video about Officer Castro highlights not only his artistic gift but his commitment to honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. (YouTube link) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyEy8SNOU2E)

The Vitale Memorial Fund is deeply grateful to support Officer Castro’s work and to help ensure that the memories of Saugus’ fallen officers remain alive, visible, and revered. Each portrait now stands as a lasting tribute—a visual reminder of courage, service, and the profound cost sometimes paid in the line of duty.  Our family and our Fund remain committed to supporting the Saugus Police Department and preserving the legacies of officers who gave everything in service to the community. We are honored to have played a role in bringing these meaningful works of art home to Saugus.  The protrait of a fourth Fallen Officer, Phillip Pitts was not able to be produced because there is no readily available photos of Officer Pitts who was shot and killed while stopping a burglary on Jan. 29, 1989.