On November 16, 2002, the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation lost one of its founding members with the death of its Executive Director, Paul L. Doherty.

Chief Doherty's police career spanned over 40 years beginning in 1946 when he started out as a patrol officer for the Woburn Police Department. In 1952,he became Captain of the Capitol Police and in 1961; he was appointed Chief of the Capitol Police where he remained until his retirement in 1983. Along the way, Chief Doherty earned his law degree at Suffolk Law School and served as both President and Executive Director of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association.

Chief Doherty was deeply committed to honoring the memories of Massachusetts's law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty. In 1995 the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation was formed with Chief Doherty as one of its members. In October 1996, the position of Executive Director was created and held by Chief Doherty until his death. Chief Doherty's pride in his profession, his commitment to creating a memorial for those who made the ultimate sacrifice and his concern for the surviving families earned him the respect of everyone who met him.

The ground breaking for the memorial took place on December 17, 2002. Though Chief Doherty was not there to witness the beginning of his long awaited dream, his memory will be one of the cornerstones on which the purpose of the memorial will lie. In his remarks at the 2002 Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial Service he said "when built, the memorial will serve as a permanent place where surviving family members, fellow police officers and the general public can go to reflect and remember our heroes".

Thank you Chief for your vision, your dedication and your guidance. We will miss you.