Foundation pays off mortgage of Mass. state trooper killed in line of duty

Twelve years after the family of Massachusetts State Police Sgt. Douglas Weddleton suffered an immeasurable loss the death of their loved one, a 28-year law enforcement veteran they are receiving some respite this holiday season.

As part of its fourth annual Season of Hope, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization that assists the families of first responders and others killed in the line of duty, has paid in full the mortgage on the Brockton home of Weddleton, who died in 2010 following a crash caused by negligent driving. He is remembered by his wife, Judith Weddleton, and four sons, three of whom followed in his footsteps by becoming State Police troopers as well.Read More: Skywatch: Apollo 17, NASAs last manned moon mission, launched 50 years ago

His passing has left a huge void in our family that no one will ever be able to fill. Doug has missed birthdays, holidays, weddings, and the births of his two granddaughters, who would certainly be the light of his life We miss him more than words can describe, Judith Weddleton said in a statement. This home holds so many precious memories for me and my sons, and this generous gift mean so much to us.

On June 18, 2010, Douglas Weddleton was working an overnight construction detail in Mansfield, blocking the exit ramp from Interstate 95 to Interstate 495 for a crew of workers, when he was struck and killed by a vehicle. He died on Fathers Day weekend, just weeks after his 52nd birthday.Read More: Pearl Harbor 81st anniversary: Western Massachusetts attack veteran says Be prepared lesson endures

Weddleton entered the State Police Academy 65th Recruit Training Troop in 1982 and became a trooper a year later. He went on to spend nearly 30 years protecting the residents of Massachusetts.

Tunnel to Towers celebrates the holiday season by lifting the financial burden of a mortgage from the families of first responders and service members killed in the line of duty as well as catastrophically injured veterans around the country. This year, the foundation is expected to deliver more than 200 mortgage-free homes.Read More: Remains of Joseph Lescaut, Cambridge soldier who died in WWII, identified

This holiday season, we honor those families who have sacrificed so much for all of us. To the families who are still grieving the recent loss of a loved one and to those who are enduring another year with an empty seat at the table, Tunnel to Towers is honored to celebrate your loved ones service and ensure that you and your family can stay in your home forever, Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller said.