Master Police Officer Peter J. Lavery
Newington Police Department
Connecticut
End of Watch: Thursday, December 30, 2004

Biographical Info
Age: 47
Tour of Duty: 22 years
Badge Number: 2523

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Thursday, December 30, 2004
Weapon Used: Rifle
Suspect Info: Committed suicide

MPO Lavery was shot and killed when he responded to a domestic disturbance call. During the initial confrontation, Patrolman Lavery was shot as he entered the home's basement, where the suspect was located. MPO Lavery's partner was able to take the suspect's wife to safety while under fire from the suspect, who was armed with a semi-automatic rifle.

The Newington SWAT team, with the assistance of other area SWAT teams, responded to the home and attempted to negotiate with the suspect who remained in the basement. After several attempts by the SWAT team to remove the suspect, the man committed suicide.

MPO Lavery was a veteran of the Connecticut National Guard. He had served with the Newington Police Department for 17 years and had previously served 5 years with the Berlin Police Department. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, two sisters, and two brothers, both of whom are retired Newington police officer.

In 2006 a section of New Britain Avenue was renamed Officer Peter Lavery Highway in his honor.