Holly MatkinChicago, IL – Chicago Police Department (CPD) Officer James Daly fatally shot himself inside a police station locker room early Monday morning.
The 47-year-old officer recently applied for retirement after serving the CPD for 21 years, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
But approximately two weeks ago, he received word from the pension board that he needed to be 50 years old in order to collect retirement, a source told the paper.
It is unclear whether or not Officer Daly had the option to retire under a modified pension plan, but sources said Monday was scheduled to be his final shift, WBBM reported.
After wrapping up roll call, Officer Daly told his female partner to gather up their keys and radios while he ran to the bathroom, according to the news outlet.
When he failed to return, his partner asked another officer to go check on him, according to WBBM.
Officer Daly’s body was found inside the locker room of the Town Hall CPD station on Addison Street early Monday morning, the Chicago Tribune reported.
He was pronounced dead at 2:52 a.m.
CPD Superintendent David Brown said he was “heartbroken” over the veteran officer’s death, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
“He was a respected and dedicated 21-year veteran, and a friend to many in the Chicago Police Department,” Superintendent Brown said in a statement to the Chicago Tribune. “Today, I mourn alongside everyone in the department. His loss is deeply felt by me and his many colleagues with whom he worked for many years.”
“Our job is not easy, especially during these trying times,” the superintendent continued, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. “The ripple effect of this tragedy will be felt by many for a long time to come. I ask you to check in with each other and keep each other close as we cope with this grief together.”
Amy and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Officer James Daly, a 21-year @Chicago_Police veteran. We’re keeping him and his loved ones in our prayers and extend our condolences to all of his CPD colleagues during this difficult time.
— Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) March 1, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Chicago Police Department Officer James Daly, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
