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Community Remembers Woburn Police Officer Killed During Kohl's Robbery 5 Years Ago

WOBURN (CBS) -- Five years later, a community still grieves.

The people of Woburn joined police from several communities to remember Woburn Police Officer John "Jack" Maguire at the spot where he fell.

Maguire was murdered responding to a robbery at the Kohl's department store on Washington Street in Woburn on Dec. 26, 2010.

John "Jack" Maguire
Woburn Police Officer John Maguire.

On Saturday night, Maguire's older brother Chuck spoke at the vigil.

"My father was a police officer. My brother obviously died right here," he said, "And we miss him tremendously, especially this time of year."

Woburn Officer Killed Vigil
Chuck Maguire speaks at a vigil for his brother James Maguire, a Woburn policeman who was killed responding to a robbery at the Kohl's in Woburn on Dec. 26, 2010. (WBZ-TV)

He was a husband and a father of three, devoted to his family and his department. He also was nearing retiring before he was fatally shot.

It's a loss still felt by everyone, especially Maguire's family, but also former Woburn Police Chief Phil Mahoney, who is now retired.

"Worst night of my life...worst night," he said. "I've been in the service, Vietnam, (and) I've had a long career, but this was the worst night losing somebody so close to the whole department."

Those fellow officers gave Maguire a salute with flashing blues as they passed by in a procession.

His widow, Desiree, found the strength to thank the community.

"Incredible. Incredible. I just can't even believe how many people are here, and I am so pleased," she says, "And Jack has got a big smile on his face...huge smile."

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