Community mourns unexpected passing of Police Lt. Scott Carroll, 56

A 24-year MPD veteran and former 18-year U.S. Marine; participated in investigation and SWAT operations, volunteered in Special Olympics, community events

By Steve Freker

Lt. Scott Carroll, a 24-year Malden Police veteran and former 18-year U.S. Marine, died suddenly on Sunday morning, November 3. Funeral services open to the public were planned this morning, Friday, November 7 at 10:00 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church (600 Pleasant St., Malden).

Lt. Carroll, a resident of Melrose and a 1986 Everett High School graduate, had served in the Malden Police Department for the past 24 years, having graduated from the Police Academy in 2000. He had risen through the ranks, earning a promotion to Sergeant in 2014 and then to Lieutenant, just a year ago in 2023. Lt. Carroll was a member of the administration and operations division for the Malden Police Department and also participated with the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, locally and regionally. He also served as a member of the Malden Police Honor Guard.

Malden Police released a statement of Lt. Carroll’s passing on its X feed (@MaldenPolice): “The Malden Police Department regrets to announce the passing of Lieutenant Scott Carroll, a valued member of our administration and operations division, who died unexpectedly on November 3 at the age of 56.

“A dedicated professional and respected leader, Scott served with integrity and pride, joining our ranks in 2000 after honorably serving in the US Marine Corps. He progressed through the ranks, becoming a sergeant in 2014, and lieutenant in 2023, contributing to our criminal investigation and special operations units. We appreciate the community’s support during this difficult time and offer our deepest condolences to Scott’s family and friends.”

On another posting this week, MPD stated: “May his eternal rest be a source of inspiration, motivating us to continue honoring his life and dedication to serving with pride, both on and off duty.”

The department offered its deepest condolences to Carroll’s family and friends, and thanked the Malden community for its support.

Before he became a police officer, Carroll served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 18 years, beginning shortly after his graduation from Everett High, from 1987-2005. His lengthy military service included a deployment to Iraq. He was a “dedicated professional and respected leader” who “served with integrity and pride,” his department stated.

Lt. Carroll was also well-known for the time he donated his to the community. Just this past June he volunteered once again for the Special Olympics Cruiser Convoy at Harvard Stadium, representing Malden alongside agencies from across the state. At the event he also met with Special Olympics Athletes to present medals and ribbons.

Lt. Carroll earned a bachelor’s degree from Western New England University and a master’s degree from the University of Lowell. He owned and operated Scott’s Contracting. In addition to his family time, he most recently was a Physical Training Instructor with the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Training Council at the Lynnfield Police Academy. He enjoyed being active and keeping fit and loved running, paddleboarding, jiu-jitsu, bocce and golf.

Lt. Carroll was the husband of Francine (Courney) Carroll and the father of Isabella and Francesca. He was the son of the late Janet (Devereaux) Carroll and brother of the late Mark Carroll and Frank Carroll. He was the son-in-law of Gerald “Jerry” and Carolann “Chickie” Courtney, brother-in-law of Gerald “Jerry” Courtney and Kevin Courtney and uncle of Ryan and Christian Courtney.

Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Scott’s memory may be made to the Special Olympics: https://www.support.specialolympics.org