Metropolitan Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch: Sunday, March 25, 1984
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: 8 years
Badge Number: 701
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 25, 1984
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Committed suicide
Officer Robert Dana was shot and killed by a suspect who had gained control of another officer's handgun on the Blue Hills Parkway, in Milton.
Officer Dana had conducted a traffic stop when he noticed a stolen television in the backseat. A Milton police officer stopped to assist during the traffic stop and was speaking to the driver as Officer Dana returned to his patrol car to contact dispatchers. During the questioning the suspect became agitated, gained control of the Milton officer's weapon, and shot Officer Dana.
The suspect was traced to a home in Boston where he committed suicide as a SWAT team entered to arrest him.
Officer Dana was survived by his wife who was a member of the Milton Police Department. She was on duty and responded to the scene in the police ambulance. Before joining the Metropolitan Police Department Officer Dana had served as a federal police officer and a U.S. Air Force Security Policeman. He was survived by his wife of six months and parents.
After Officer Dana's death the Robert Dana Award was created and is awarded annually to Massachusetts Police Officers for distinguished service.