It's official. The Washington Street post office now bears the name of fallen Woburn Police Officer John "Jack" Maguire.

The naming became official Sunday afternoon, during a moving ceremony held at Woburn Memorial High School. The building will now be called the Woburn Police Officer John Maguire Post Office.

"This is a real tribute to my brother," said Chuck Maguire. "No one will ever forget my brother Jack now... They will never forget Jack's sacrifice." 

The naming of the post office was the work of many, including then-Chief Richard Kelley, Mayor Scott Galvin, Congressman Ed Markey, Senator Scott Brown and Senator John Kerry. The law, which is required in order to rename a federal building, was signed by President Barack Obama in November of last year. 

"I would have rathered not pass this bill," said Sen. Brown. "But I'm glad we did it in a bipartisan way... [Officer Maguire] was a true hero." 

The tribute stands so that Officer Maguire's "heroism may never be forgotten," said Mayor Galvin Sunday afternoon. 

Mayor Galvin thanked the politicians who helped with the naming of the post office, as well as the 100 men and women of the Woburn Police Department "who selflessly protect" the city. 

According to Woburn's postmaster William Harris, there will be two memorials to Officer Maguire at the Washington Street post office. One will be a granite stone outside the building, to be maintained by Cummings Properties, and another is a plaque inside the building. 

December 26, 2010

During Sunday's ceremony, which included a performance of Amazing Grace by the Irish-American Police Officers Association, many reflected on the night that Officer Maguire was killed. 

On December 26, 2010, officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at Kohl's in the middle of a blinding blizzard. When Officer Maguire pulled up to the scene, he saw Officer Glenn Grammer pursuing an armed suspect. 

"On that cold snowy December night, the last thing on his mind was retirement," said Congressman Markey. "His thought was to prevent a career criminal from terrorizing a residential neighborhood."

Officer Maguire pulled his cruiser up to the scene to block the suspect from running into the neighborhood and stepped out of the cruiser, exchanging fire with the suspect. 

"He knew what to do and how to do it, saving others lives while he lost his own," said Congressman Markey. "Renaming the post office in Jack's honor is the least we can do to pay tribute to this brave man." 

Woburn Police Chief Robert Ferullo recalled the night. 

"I thank the surrounding cities and towns, NEMLEC, for responding to our calls for help, responding in minutes and staying for hours," said Chief Ferullo.

The next day, the city was trying to dig out from underneath the blizzard, while processing the death of Officer Maguire.

"From within, we have not missed a beat," said Chief Ferullo. "The next morning, Lt. David Murrary held roll call and put a shift on the street, knowing that eight hours before Officer Jack Maguire lay shot in the snow." 

For Officer Maguire's funeral, held on New Year's Eve 2010, the Massachusetts State Police shut down Route 93 to allow for his funeral procession.

"Jack would have said, 'What? All this for me?'" said Chief Ferullo.

The trial for those involved in Officer Maguire's death has not yet begun, but Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone promised to fight for justice for the city of Woburn.

"We will do everything in our power to hold those accountable who took Jack from us. I promise you that," said Leone. 

Congressman Markey said he was sworn in as an elected official the same year Officer Maguire became a police officer. He was also a friend of Officer Maguire's father, former Police Chief Thomas Maguire.

"After 35 years, no other resolution has touched me the way this resolution did," said Congressman Markey. "This will honor Jack and his legacy... God bless you, Jack Maguire, God bless your family.

"May you continue to rest in peace while you smile down on your post office," he said.