Press Release: 7/16/2026
Governor Healey Signs Blue Star Family License Plate Legislation Honoring Families of Fallen Police Officers
New law establishes commemorative license plates for family members of officers who made the ultimate sacrifice
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
7/15/2026
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Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary
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Call Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary at (617) 725-4025
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Email Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary at jacqui.manning@mass.gov
BOSTON — Today, in a ceremony with families of fallen Troopers and Officers,Governor Maura Healey signed S2903, An Act honoring Blue Star families, creating a new commemorative license plate for eligible family members of those killed in the line of duty. Thanks to bipartisan legislation filed by Senator Bruce Tarr and Representative Thomas Walsh, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) will issue the plates free of charge in recognition of the extraordinary sacrifice made by police personnel and their families.
“Every day, police officers put on the badge knowing the risks that come with serving their communities. Their families understand those risks, too. And when an officer is killed in the line of duty, that loss is carried not only by a department, but by parents, spouses, children, siblings, grandchildren, friends, and entire communities,” said Governor Healey. “These Blue Star Plates will be a visible tribute to their loved ones’ sacrifices. I hope everyone who sees them on the roads will pause and remember those who gave their lives in the service of others. I’m deeply grateful for the advocacy of the Blue Star families who shared their stories in support of this bill and to the legislators whose leadership made it possible.”
“We appreciate the work of our colleagues in the Legislature on both sides of the aisle who shared our vision to make this important tribute a reality,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Creating a new license plate is a small gesture from the people of Massachusetts that means so much to Blue Star Families.”
“Blue Star Plates provide a symbol of respect for law enforcement families who made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of Massachusetts communities,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Gina Kwon. “We appreciate the Legislature’s work to deliver this bill to the Governor’s Desk, and we pledge our full support to families applying for a plate through the forthcoming Registry of Motor Vehicles’ process. We will never forget the fallen heroes of this Commonwealth.”
"There is no larger sacrifice a public servant can make than giving their lives in the line of duty to protect the public. The Blue Star plate is one way we can honor the families of those heroes for their loss, and in my opinion, we can never do enough to honor our fallen and stand together, in remembrance, with their families and loved ones," said Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble.
“We are honored to have a role in making the Blue Star Family License Plate a reality. Creating this plate serves as a meaningful way to recognize these fallen heroes and their families. We are grateful to all of those who helped to make this possible and look forward to making these plates available so eligible family members can proudly display this symbol of service and support,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie.
“Every day, law enforcement officers across the Commonwealth put themselves between danger and the people they serve. These heroes left their families and never came home,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This law won’t erase these tragic and heartbreaking losses, but it will ensure their memory, and the memories of all our fallen officers, travel with the families who carry it every day. I’m grateful to my Senate colleagues for prioritizing this important bill and to Governor Healey for signing it into law.”
"This bill is about recognizing the sacrifice made by the families of fallen law enforcement officers,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “By making license plates available to the spouses, parents, and children of law enforcement who were killed in the line of duty, Massachusetts is ensuring that the legacy of those who gave their lives in service to our communities is never forgotten. I want to thank Governor Healey for signing this important legislation into law, as well as my colleagues in the House and our partners in the Senate for their hard work on this issue.”
"It’s especially fitting to bestow this highly visible blue license plate in honor and recognition for families of law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting their communities. With the Governor signing this bill into law, the special plate proudly displaying the “Blue Star Family’ emblem will now be available to spouses, children, and parents of fallen law enforcement officers all across the Commonwealth, at no additional charge from the Registry,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means (D-Westport). “This initiative is a meaningful token of appreciation that will forever honor these brave men and women who paid the price when answering the call to duty.”
"When family members lose a loved one who dies while protecting our public safety, they make an incalculable sacrifice that endures for every day they carry on without that person in their lives,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “That sacrifice should be recognized and honored with a license plate that allows all of us to be aware of it, and to capture every opportunity to express our respect, gratitude, and support.”
The bill requires the RMV to issue distinctive motor vehicle license plates and motorcycle license plate emblems that read “Blue Star Family” upon the request of the parent, child, sibling, grandchild or spouse of a law enforcement officer who was killed in the line of duty. The RMV will begin implementing the new license plate program and will announce application details once they become available.
Governor Healey previously submitted testimony in support of this legislation.
Statements from Impacted Families
Maral Bucci, mother of Massachusetts State Trooper Tamar Bucci
“As the parents of fallen Massachusetts State Trooper Tamar Bucci, my husband and I know that no law, honor, or tribute can ever replace the child we lost. But knowing that Massachusetts has chosen to recognize Blue Star families is a powerful reminder that the sacrifices made by our loved ones, and by the families who stand behind them, will never be forgotten. This legislation is more than a bill. It is a promise that the service, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice of those who wear the badge will continue to be honored for generations to come. We are grateful to the legislators, advocates, and everyone who worked to make this recognition reality. We hope this serves as a lasting tribute not only to Tamar, but to every family whose life has been forever changed by the loss of a loved one in the line of duty. Tamar lived with courage, compassion, and a commitment to serving others. We will continue to honor her legacy by ensuring that her sacrifice, and the sacrifices of all fallen heroes, are never forgotten.”
Barbara Trainor, mother of Massachusetts State Trooper Kevin Trainor
“Our family is grateful to everyone supporting the Blue Star plate and helping ensure Kevin’s service and sacrifice are never forgotten.”
Shannon LaPorta, wife of Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen A. LaPorta:
“As the wife of Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen A. LaPorta (E.O.W. 01-07-26), I want to express my heartfelt gratitude, on behalf of myself, my son Matthew, and our entire family, to State Representative Thomas P. Walsh, presenter of S.2903, “The Blue Star Family License Plate”; to everyone who supported this meaningful legislation; and especially to Governor Maura Healey for signing it into law. This symbol means more to our family than words can fully capture. As a Blue Star Spouse and mother, I am deeply grateful for the kindness, compassion, and support shown to us, and to all Blue Star families who will now be able to proudly display this symbol of sacrifice, service, and remembrance.”
Kristin Tracey, widow of Waltham Police Officer Paul Tracey:
“As the widow of fallen Waltham Police Officer Paul Tracey (EOW December 6, 2023), I am beyond grateful and deeply moved by the passing of the Blue Star License Plate bill. This legislation is more than just a license plate—it is a meaningful symbol of recognition, remembrance, and support for the families who continue to carry the loss of a loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community. Knowing that my family will now have this visible tribute is both comforting and inspiring. I sincerely thank everyone who worked tirelessly to make this bill a reality and for honoring the legacy of our fallen heroes and the families they left behind. A special appreciation and acknowledgment to Fraternal Order of Police Director Frank Frederickson and MCOP VP John Nelson for their continued efforts for years to get this bill supported and passed.”
Denise Morency Gannon, mother of Yarmouth Police Sergeant Sean Gannon:
“On behalf of Patrick, Dara and my children and their spouses, we're so grateful to know such compassion and support from everyone who participated in the process of producing the Blue Star License Bill and its passage into Law. We are not present today because even 8 years after the murder of our son, Sergeant Sean Gannon from Yarmouth Police Department, we are entering a second appeal by the defendant, Thomas Latanowich to appeal his case for the second time. Today, as you celebrate the passage of this Bill into Law, we are in the District Attorney's office with his team to listen to the next steps of the Appellate process. We're thinking and praying with you and for you.
On behalf of all families who have experienced a line of duty death and the years that justice for the victim, the Officers who died often takes a toll on their families' physical and mental health, this Gratitude Plate can be a reminder to the public of the daily expense that Police Officers willingly give on behalf of public safety. The streets of Heaven are too crowded with Blue angels. We pray that all officers who serve will remain safe and return home at the end of every shift. God bless everyone who helped to make this Blue Star License Plate a reality.”
The Tarentino Family, family of Auburn Police Officer Ronald Tarentino Jr.:
As a family, we are so gracious for everyone who has had a hand in making the Blue Star License Plates possible, from creating the initiative to where we are today. It was an all-around team effort from all involved and we are beyond proud to support the Blue Star License Plates. This is near and dear to our hearts, and we make every effort to honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice and support their families in the same way our own family has been supported - and what a tremendous honor it is, to display the pride we have for our heroes and remind those passing by that Law Enforcement Officers are humans. In honor of Officer Ronald Tarentino, Jr., our son, brother, father, husband, uncle and friend - and every officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the Line of Duty - you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
Les Vitale, brother of Saugus Police Officer Harold L. Vitale:
“When I receive my Blue Star Plate, I plan to take it in my arms and hold it to my chest, because it will make me feel like I’m getting to hug my brother one more time. Then I’ll probably drive around town with my Blue Star Plate and it will feel like my brother is my guide riding with pride that only a Blue Star family can really understand and appreciate.”
Jim O’Leary, son of Boston Police Patrolman James B. O’Leary:
The passage of the Blue Star License Plate bill is deeply personal to me and brings a lifetime of emotions to the surface. The grief and sorrow of losing a loved one in the line of duty never truly disappear. They remain just beneath the surface, even after nearly 63 years. I was only six years old when my father, A Boston Police Officer, was killed during an armed robbery. Like so many families of fallen officers, we have carried that loss every day. While time moves forward, the sacrifice made by our loved ones is never forgotten
This legislation ensures that Massachusetts’ fallen law enforcement officers will be honored every day on the roads of our Commonwealth. Too often, the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice fades from public awareness. The Blue Star License Plate will not only commemorate their courage, dedication, and service, but also serve as a lasting reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers willingly face to protect our communities.
Statements of Support
Scott Hovsepian, President, Massachusetts Coalition of Police:
"Thank you to everyone who has been involved in advocating for the Blue Star Family Plate bill, especially the most important people of all...the Blue Star Families. Their involvement has been nothing short of amazing. They deserve all of the honor and recognition of getting this bill passed. It has always been about them and will always be about them. We will never forget their sacrifice, and we will never forget those who have gone before us."
Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police:
“The Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police is very pleased at the passage of "An Act Honoring Blue Star Families." This important law provides a Blue Star License Plate for the families of fallen law enforcement officers, creating a lasting tribute to their loved ones' service, courage, heroism, and sacrifice.
More than a symbol, the Blue Star License Plate gives families a meaningful way to honor their fallen officer while serving as a constant reminder that their sacrifice will never be forgotten. It represents pride, remembrance, comfort, and the enduring legacy of a hero. It also recognizes the tremendous cost of protecting others and fosters greater respect for the law enforcement profession. I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact the loss of an officer has on a family, a police department, and an entire community. I have also had the privilege of working alongside many families of fallen officers as they advocated for this legislation. They shared with me what this plate would mean to them on a deep personal level. One family member, whose brother was killed in the line of duty more than 30 years ago, told me, "I can't wait to touch my plate. It will feel like I am touching my brother again." Those words capture the profound significance of this tribute.
The Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police extends its sincere gratitude to the Governor, the Legislature, the bill sponsors, and everyone who helped make this meaningful tribute a reality.”
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