Special Agent John Lawrence Bailey

Special Agent John Lawrence Bailey

United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Government

End of Watch Monday, June 25, 1990

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John Lawrence Bailey

Special Agent Bailey was shot and killed in Las Vegas during a bank robbery attempt.

Agent Bailey was in a bank when it was robbed. He identified himself as an agent and ordered the man to stop. As the man turned, Agent Bailey fired a round but missed the suspect. However, he was able to take the suspect into custody and place him on a chair. As Special Agent Bailey's attention was diverted, the suspect lunged at him and knocked his gun out of his hand. The suspect recovered his own weapon and shot Agent Bailey three times.

The suspect was apprehended and sentenced to life in prison.

Agent Bailey was a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran awarded two bronze stars who served with the FBI for 21 years. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.

Bio

  • Age 48
  • Tour 21 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Location Nevada
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to life

robbery

Most Recent Reflection

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Heavenly Father, You are Compassionate and Merciful. None of America’s Peace Officers leave home without the fear of not returning at the end of their watch. It is a fear that is lived daily. Unfortunately, the worst does sometimes come to pass, and lives are left shattered. Lord God, bless and keep the hearts and souls of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. Soothe their pain and bind up their emotional wounds through the wounds of Your beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name, and by His authority, I pray. Amen.

Please find Encouragement, Comfort, Support, and Hope from God's Word:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
[Matthew 5:9 ESV];

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 ESV];

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
[John 15:13 ESV];

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 ESV];

"And he [Jesus] said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." [Luke 23:43 ESV], and;

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." [John 3:16 ESV].

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NACM, NCCA
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 25, 2025

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