Trooper Clardy Honored With Marlboro-Hudson Pre-Game Ceremony
MARLBORO (CBS) -- For more than 100 years, Hudson has taken on Marlboro on Thanksgiving Day--but this year, the game has special meaning.
A pre-game ceremony honored Massachusetts State Police Trooper Thomas Clardy, who was killed in the line of duty earlier this year when his cruiser was hit by an allegedly impaired driver on the Massachusetts Turnpike in Charlton.
The 44-year-old father of seven was a Hudson resident and Marine Corps veteran, and joined the Massachusetts State Police in 2005.
There was a moment of silence as the Marine Corps and State Police Honor Guards stood at the 50-yard line with members of Clardy's family.
Then, Clardy's widow, Reisa, and her children participated in the opening coin toss.
"It means a lot to have the support of the community, State Troopers, Marine Corps," Reisa Clardy told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens. "It's great for my kids to see that everybody's still thinking of us after this time, and honoring my husband in a special way."
Light snow began to fall as the National Anthem was played.
"I thought of my husband," she said. It was snowing, I thought maybe that was a sign he was maybe looking down, wishing obviously that he was here to see the support from everybody."
Clardy said that in the past few weeks, many have been reaching out, knowing that the holidays can be a tough time for her family. She said that, as they gather around the Thanksgiving table, they will share fond memories of her husband on one of his favorite holidays.
State Police Lt. and Marlboro football coach Jim Murphy addressed players from both teams earlier this week about the importance of remembering Trooper Clardy.
"We lead by example," Murphy said. "I want everyone to know this is what we do. We take care of our own."
The Hudson High football team also wore special decals on their helmet to honor Trooper Clardy.
"High school sports, we try to tell them, is about memories," said Marlboro athletic director Jeff Radzinsky. "This is a memory that will last forever for them."
For Trooper Louise DeJesus, Clardy's loss will not be soon forgotten. Fellow troopers are constantly reminded of their friend and colleague, particularly when people he had arrested come to State Police barracks to pay their respects.
"That says a lot about a person," DeJesus told WBZ. "It is still raw. Still something I'm struggling with."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports
