Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief of Police James Dayley was shot and killed after responding to a disturbance call involving several drunk subjects.
One of the men shot Chief Dayley in the back, killing him. The man was arrested, convicted of murder, and sentenced to life in prison.
Chief Dayley's story was read in Richton Park Police Department's roll call on 12-3-17 to remember and honor him.
Sgt. James Galvan Richton Park Police December 3rd, 2017
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- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Dayley served with the Spillertown Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Spillertown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Dayley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief of Police James J. Dayley is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In IL, 842 of 1,318 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 9.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James J. Dayley's cause is highlighted.
How James J. Dayley Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James J. Dayley is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James J. Dayley was killed by handgun.