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Incident
Officer James Skelly was shot and killed after responding to a report of a burglary in progress at a local department store. When the officers arrived, they confronted the suspect and identified themselves. The man immediately opened fire, striking Officer Skelly in the chest three times. The man was convicted of Officer Skelly's murder and hanged in 1926. Officer Skelly had been employed with the New Britain Police Department for 17 years.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Skelly gave the New Britain Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the New Britain community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Skelly.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
New Britain Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 74 officers killed feloniously in CT, 43.8% of the 169 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1924, 1 officer in CT was killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 62 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 4.
In 1924, 225 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1924, 228 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 55. Of the 70 killed feloniously in CT whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 46.5; the middle age was 39. James had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 10.5 years.
James was 55. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 55. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 8.1% of these deaths in CT; May holds the most, 13.5%. Sundays: 13.5%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at New Britain Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 43.8% of all 169 deaths in CT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 27% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
New Britain Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from New Britain Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
