Patrolman Jeremiah Joseph McDonald

Jeremiah Joseph McDonald

Patrolman Jeremiah McDonald died as a result of complications of Spanish Influenza contracted while assigned to enforcing health laws in the city of Fall River.

After completing his shift, Patrolman McDonald arrived home complaining of not feeling well. He was confined to his home as his health deteriorated, and he died from the flu a week later.

The city of Fall River's first reported case of Influenza was on September 16th, 1918. By the end of the year over 11,707 cases were reported, with 719 deaths. Many members of the Fall River Police Department became ill while enforcing the city health laws. Patrolman McDonald and two other members of the Police Department died as a result of contracting Spanish Influenza.

Patrolman McDonald had served with the Fall River Police Department for 15 years. He was survived by his wife and four children.

Effects of the 1918-1920 Influenza Pandemic on Law Enforcement

Also known as "Spanish Flu" or "LaGrippe," the Influenza Pandemic of 1918 to early 1920, infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet’s population—and killed approximately 675,000 Americans. The effect of the influenza epidemic in the United States was so dire that the average life span in the U.S. fell by twelve years. The four waves of the flu began in March 1918 and ended in April 1920. Many officers contracted this virus due to the requirements of their job.

The names of every officer who died in the line of duty from the Influenza Pandemic will likely never be known. Still, ODMP researchers continue to uncover new cases as part of our mission never to forget the fallen.

Please click here to view ODMP's Influenza memorial, listing all known fallen officers from the pandemic.