"Heroes Live Forever" - the story of Woburn (MA) Police Officer John B. "Jack" Maguire

For 34 years, Jack Maguire was beloved, protecting the streets and neighborhoods where he grew up. It made no sense that he was killed by a man who had been sentenced to three life terms in prison.

Police Officer John B. “Jack” Maguire

McLean, VA (January 6, 2026) - Police Officer John B. “Jack” Maguire served for 34 years with the Woburn (MA) Police Department. He spent more than three decades protecting the same streets and neighborhoods where he grew up. On December 26, 2010, Officer Maguire responded to a robbery in progress at a local department store. Three men had targeted the jewelry counter just as employees were preparing to close. As the suspects fled with a bag of stolen jewelry, Officer Maguire arrived on scene. He confronted one of the men and began a foot pursuit through the parking lot. During the chase, the suspect opened fire, striking Officer Maguire four times in the torso. Despite his mortal wounds, Jack courageously returned fire, killing the gunman and preventing further loss of life. The suspect he engaged was a violent career criminal who, despite having been sentenced to three life terms for attempted murder, multiple robberies, and escape, was out on parole. Jack left behind a loving family who adored him: his wife, Desiree, and their three adult children—Bryan, Tara and Sean. He loved reading and was a scholar at heart. He never stopped growing, never stopped learning, and never stopped giving.

Listen to the podcast to learn more: https://open.substack.com/pub/behindbadge/p/heroes-live-forever-the-story-of-495