LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Moraga Police Department 'memorial wall' honors two officers


Memorial photographs of MPD Officer Mary Anne Doyle-Borden (left) and Detective Kevin P. Mooney Photo Vera Kochan

Although the narrow wall within the small lobby to the entrance of the Moraga Police Department doesn't have an official name, its new purpose could now be considered a "memorial wall."

Since MPD was formed in 1979, two officers have passed away while serving the community. The town did not lose them in the line of duty (which refers to being on actual duty at the time), but rather they were taken by illnesses while still a member of the force.

A framed official, departmental photograph of Officer Mary Anne Doyle-Borden had originally hung within the "station" itself. Doyle-Borden joined MPD on Oct. 1, 1981. She passed away from a brain tumor on Oct. 6, 1988. Chief Jon King, while working for the East Bay Regional Park District, knew her in passing thanks to the occasions when their paths would cross. "She was an active officer working to protect our community and keep it safe. It was an incredible loss."

Detective Kevin P. Mooney began working for MPD on July 21, 2013, until he succumbed to a COVID-related illness on Aug. 21, 2021. "Kevin was an incredible guy," stated King. "He had a special spot for this town because he was a resident - absolute salt of the earth. He was a good cop for all of the right reasons."

King decided to honor both officers by putting their framed photos on the "memorial wall" where they are now visible to the public that they once served.