Officer John W. Ruggiero was fatally shot in the line of duty on July 23, 1973. He had been following a suspicious motor vehicle from Pleasant Street to Boutwell Street. Two suspects exited the motor vehicle and approached Officer Ruggiero’s cruiser. One man fired 5-6 shots at close range at 27-year-old Officer Ruggiero, who was killed. Both suspects were arrested and convicted.

 

Officer Ruggiero was appointed on May 8, 1971. He was survived by his wife and two children. Officer Ruggiero’s wife, Vivianne Ruggiero, is a dispatcher with the Fall River Police Department. Officer Ruggiero’s son, John, is a Detective in the Fall River Police Department’s Major Crimes Division.