The Cleveland Police Museum is honored to tell the stories of our Fallen Officers on the anniversaries of their End of Watch.
Patrolman Phillip Maher, a WWII veteran, was appointed on March 3, 1949 and assigned to the 6th District. On the morning of May 29, 1975, Patrolman Maher ran to assist at a motorcycle accident at 152nd and Lakeshore Blvd. After stopping traffic, he moved the victim out of harm’s way, retrieved the motorcycle, called for an ambulance and waited until help arrived. He then walked back to his corner in time to cross the children walking home for lunch. While crossing the children, Maher collapsed. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The school principals said, “Officer Maher was a very popular and respected policeman. He knew all of the children by name and they looked up to him as a friend.” Many of the youngsters later went into law enforcement. The intersection was renamed Maher Square and a stone monument erected in his honor reads: “This memorial is dedicated to Patrolman Philip Maher in grateful appreciation for his many years of service to our community.”
Officer Maher was survived by his wife of 24 years, Lydia and his children Patrick, Mary Therese, Margaret and Patricia. Following services at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Wickliffe, he was laid to rest in All Souls Cemetery.
