BOSTON, MA — Massachusetts Civil Service Commissioner Joe Markey attended the signing ceremony for legislation creating a special Blue Star Family license plate honoring the spouses, parents and children of Massachusetts law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Markey advocated for the proposal and worked with law enforcement representatives and other supporters to help make the legislation a reality. He believed that the families of fallen officers deserved a permanent and visible symbol recognizing their sacrifice.
“This legislation is about honoring the families who continue to carry the loss of a loved one who gave their life protecting others,” Markey said. “I was proud to advocate for this measure and support the effort to bring it across the finish line.”
Markey serves on the Massachusetts Civil Service Commission, where he hears and decides appeals involving the hiring, promotion, discipline and termination of police officers, firefighters and other public employees. His work includes reviewing testimony and evidence, applying Massachusetts civil service laws and ensuring that employees and municipalities receive a fair and impartial hearing.
Markey has also authored one of the Commission’s relatively few decisions addressing whistleblower protections, examining the important safeguards available to public employees who report misconduct or violations of law.
“Through my work on the Civil Service Commission, I see firsthand the dedication of the men and women who serve our communities, as well as the importance of protecting fairness and integrity in public service,” Markey said. “When an officer makes the ultimate sacrifice, their family carries that loss forever. This plate is one meaningful way for Massachusetts to show that those families and their loved ones will never be forgotten.”
The Blue Star Family license plate will provide eligible families with a lasting symbol of remembrance and appreciation for the service of their loved ones.
Markey thanked the families, law enforcement organizations, legislators and advocates whose persistence helped make the new license plate possible.
