Crime & Safety

Why Is There Black Bunting On the Reading Police Station?

Residents want to know why there is black bunting on the police station and why the flag is at half mast.

Welcome to You Ask...Patch Answers where we answer readers questions. We recently received questions about the black bunting on the police station and the flags at half mast. Here's your answer.

The black bunting is on the police station and flag at half mast for retired Chief John "Jack" Beaudoin who passed away Monday.

Police say, the bunting and flag position are both ways to honor the retired chief. 

Find out what's happening in Readingwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to Boston.com, Beaudoin died at age 91. He was a married to the late June Beaudoin for 63 years. He was a father of five, grandfather of 14 and great grandfather of several. Not only was he a retired Reading Police Chief, he was also a US Army Veteran and recipient of a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. 

The funeral will be at the in Reading on Friday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at in Reading at 10:30 a.m., according to Boston.com. Family and friends are invited to the funeral home on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. 

Find out what's happening in Readingwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.