John Daley was a 29-year-old Hartford Police Department officer with nearly seven years’ service and prior military service in Vietnam. On the afternoon of July 29, 1977, he was on duty responding to a call about a man armed with a shotgun at a Lyme Street residence. While seeking cover and moving into position, he tripped on a curb and his service revolver discharged. The single round struck his torso and caused extensive internal injuries.

Fellow officers transported him to a local hospital, but he died of his wounds. His death was ruled a tragic accident; no arrests or suspects were pursued. Family remembered him as a loving husband and son.

If anyone was in the area of Lyme Street that afternoon or has information about the incident, please share what is known.