AUBURN — It is with great sadness that Detective Sergeant Peter J. Mador of the Biddeford Police Department announces the passing of his father, retired NYPD detective second grade Peter Mador Sr. in Auburn, Sept. 28.

Peter Mador joined NYPD on Nov. 1, 1955. In 1964, Patrolman Mador received the New York City Police Departments highest award, the Sergeants Benevolent Association Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor was awarded based on a shoot out that took place on April 9, 1963.

On that morning, Patrolman Mador and his partner, Donald Collins, were on patrol in the Bronx 45 Precinct. They were given a broadcast of a robbery suspect vehicle. Upon spotting the vehicle, a short pursuit took place before they forced the vehicle to a stop. Five armed bandits emerged from the vehicle shooting at the officers. When it was all over, a total of 14 shots were exchanged. One bandit lay dead from a head shot from patrolman Mador. Another laid critically wounded with a chest shot from Patrolman Collins. The other three armed bandits surrendered. The bandits were heavily armed with an assortment of 1 sawed off shot gun, semi auto pistols and revolvers. Neither officer was injured.

In 1964, Peter Mador was promoted to detective second grade. During the late 1960s, he was assigned to “BOSSI” The Bureau of Special Services Investigations, which later became the Intelligence Division. Detective Mador headed many investigations into urban guerrilla warfare, now known as urban terrorism. Members of BOSSI were also responsible for other high profile investigations and protection details. His specialty was investigations into extremist activities.

He was also in charge of personal security for presidents, head of foreign governments and other high officials, mandated by the presence of the United Nations in NYC. Some of these included protection detail of the Apollo 11 Astronauts during the NYC ticker tape parade, protection detail for Whitman Knapp during the Knapp Commission hearings, as well as protection for dignitaries from Communist China on the first trip ever to the United States and NYC.

Detective second grade Mador retired from NYPD in August 1973. He took a position of Chief of Police for the Auburn Maine Police Department. He held the chiefs position until 1991, where he retired for the second time. During his command at Auburn, he oversaw the building of a new police station, help to institute the 911 system in Lewiston-Auburn and sat on the board of trustees to the Police Academy.

After retiring from Auburn, he still had not concluded his law enforcement career. He was sworn as a Deputy Sheriff for York County from 1989 to 1998. For a total of 43 years, of service in law enforcement.

Prior to joining the NYC Police, he proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955, where he was stationed at Brunswick. In February 1952, he married Patricia Lyons, and remained married until her passing in September 1996.

He is survived by his daughter, Jacqueline Mador of Auburn; his son, Peter J. Mador Jr. of Biddeford; his granddaughter, Kaitlin Mador of Auburn.

He was predeceased by his wife, the former Patricia A. Lyons Mador, in 1996; and his daughter, Joanne Mador in 1991.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Seth Gordon for the exceptional care given to our dad and the American Legion Post 153 of New Auburn for their concern and friendship.

Online condolences and photo gallery may be shared at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.