The Uxbridge community is mourning the loss of Police Officer Steve LaPorta, who was killed in the line of duty during the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 7.

According to officials, Officer LaPorta had stopped to assist at a motor vehicle accident on Route 146 northbound when a tractor-trailer struck both him and his police cruiser. Despite emergency efforts at the scene, Officer LaPorta succumbed to his injuries.

Police Chief Marc Montminy spoke briefly but emotionally at a press conference held Thursday, expressing the deep sense of loss felt throughout the department and the town.

“Officer LaPorta gave his life and service to this community — a sacrifice that we will never forget,” Montminy said. “In our eyes, he was a hero. This is a devastating loss to our department and our community.”

Officer LaPorta began his career in Uxbridge as a public safety dispatcher before moving into patrol work on a part-time basis. He was officially sworn in as a full-time police officer in June 2024 and had quickly earned the respect of his fellow officers and colleagues.

He is survived by his wife Shannon (Carney) and his 13-year-old son Matthew of Uxbridge. He also leaves his parents Andrew and Katina LaPorta of Franklin and his parents-in-law, Christopher and Donna Carney of Millbury.

Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, January 14 from 2-6 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 1 Church Square, Franklin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, January 15 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church. Relatives and friends are invited.

Flags across town were lowered to half-staff as residents, town officials, and law enforcement agencies from across the region expressed their condolences and support.