Master Police Officer Peter J. Lavery, Newington Police Department, Connecticut

Master Police Officer Peter J. Lavery

Newington Police Department, Connecticut

End of Watch Thursday, December 30, 2004

Peter J. Lavery

MPO Peter 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 basement of a home 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 and attempted to negotiate with the suspect who remained in the basement. After several attempts by the SWAT team to remove the him, 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.

Bio

Age 47
Tour 22 years
Badge 2523

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle
Offender Committed suicide

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Most Recent Reflection

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Pete Lavery was a really good guy. I'm not a police officer, I'm a civilian. When I was young, I worked at a donut shop in Berlin. Pete would come in almost every night. One night a little after midnight, as I was walking home, Pete saw me walking in the dark and stopped. When he found out I didn't have a car, he made it a point to stop by the donut shop every night at midnight and give me a ride home in the cruiser.

Earl Souza
Civilian

February 15, 2018