Boston Mourns Detective Bruce W. Higgins Jr. After Courageous Battle With Melanoma
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS — The Boston Police Department (BPD) and the city’s broader law enforcement community are grieving the loss of Detective Bruce W. Higgins Jr., a beloved officer, mentor, husband, and father, who passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, following a private but courageous battle with melanoma.
Detective Higgins, 49, was a respected and deeply admired figure in Boston law enforcement circles. His passing has left a profound void among colleagues, friends, and family, all of whom remember him as a man of integrity, humor, and unwavering dedication to justice.
A Life of Service and Dedication
Bruce W. Higgins Jr. was a lifelong Bostonian, born and raised in the Dorchester neighborhood, where his sense of community and service was cultivated early on. The son of Bruce Sr. and Margaret Higgins, he grew up surrounded by family values of compassion, responsibility, and faith — values that would later guide his long career in public service.
After graduating from Boston Latin Academy, Bruce attended Northeastern University, earning a degree in criminal justice. His interest in law enforcement was more than professional — it was personal. Friends recall him saying he wanted “to be the person who made others feel safe.”
He joined the Boston Police Department in 1999, beginning his career as a patrol officer assigned to District C-11 (Dorchester). His colleagues quickly recognized his natural leadership, calm demeanor, and sharp investigative instincts. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, earning promotions to Detective and serving in specialized units focused on community crimes, youth safety, and homicide investigations.
A Detective Known for Compassion and Integrity
Detective Higgins was widely respected for his ability to balance professionalism with empathy. He believed that police work was not just about enforcing laws but about understanding people and their stories. Those who worked alongside him often remarked that he treated victims and suspects alike with fairness and humanity.
“Bruce had a gift for connecting with people,” said Commissioner Michael Cox. “He was the kind of officer who could walk into any situation and bring calm, understanding, and dignity. His legacy within this department will live on.”
Throughout his 26-year career, Detective Higgins received multiple commendations for outstanding police work, including a Boston Police Medal of Merit and several Commissioner’s Citations. Yet, despite his accolades, he remained humble, preferring to highlight the efforts of his team rather than his own accomplishments.
A Private Battle, A Courageous Spirit
Behind the badge and the public service, Bruce fought a private battle with melanoma, a form of skin cancer that he faced with characteristic strength and resilience. Those close to him say that he continued working for as long as possible, rarely allowing his illness to interfere with his duties or his positive attitude.
“Even when he was tired or in pain, Bruce showed up,” said Detective Maria Lopez, a longtime friend and colleague. “He would tell us, ‘Every day you get to serve is a good day.’ That’s who he was — steady, strong, and selfless.”
When his condition worsened earlier this year, Bruce took a step back from his duties but remained deeply involved with the department, mentoring younger officers and offering guidance drawn from years of experience.
Family and Community Remember
Beyond his service, Detective Higgins was known as a devoted husband, father, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Higgins, and their two children, Ryan (18) and Samantha (15). His family describes him as a man who never let the demands of his work overshadow his love for home.
At family gatherings, Bruce was known for his humor and warmth — the one who told the stories, made everyone laugh, and reminded those around him to appreciate life’s simple moments. “He had this incredible ability to make you feel seen and valued,” Jennifer shared. “Even after a long shift, he would come home, sit with the kids, and listen like nothing else mattered.”
His community has also expressed an outpouring of grief and admiration. The Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association issued a statement calling Bruce “a pillar of integrity and compassion who represented the very best of what it means to serve.”
Honoring Detective Higgins’ Legacy
The Boston Police Department has announced that a memorial service will be held at St. Gregory’s Church in Dorchester on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 10 a.m., followed by a full honors ceremony. Flags at Boston police facilities will remain at half-staff through the week in recognition of his service.
In lieu of flowers, the Higgins family has requested donations to the American Cancer Society or the Boston Police Athletic League, two causes close to Bruce’s heart.
As the city reflects on the life and legacy of Detective Bruce W. Higgins Jr., it is clear that his influence extends far beyond his years of service. He will be remembered not only as a dedicated officer but as a man whose courage, compassion, and humility continue to inspire all who knew him.
“Bruce’s light lives on in the community he served so faithfully,” said Commissioner Cox. “He made Boston a better, kinder, and safer place — and that’s a legacy few can claim.”
Detective Bruce W. Higgins Jr. will forever be remembered as a hero, a mentor, and a man whose heart for service defined a lifetime.