On Aug. 23 1898, Officer Louis T. Gormley joined the foot chase of a wanted man.

During the foot chase, Officer Frank Pierce and Captain Francis Edson located the fugitive in a meadow bordering Melville Street.  Several officers were firing warning shots in an effort to entice the suspect to surrender.

At one point the suspect, Thomas Stratton, who while trying to escape tripped and fell in the meadow.  Officer Pierce fell over the same obstruction.  In falling, Officer Pierce's firearm discharged and the charge struck Officer Gormley, inflicting a mortal wound.

Badge number 55 was retired in honor of Officer Gormley.