Milford Remembers the Death of Daniel Wasson 28 Years Ago

April 12 will always be a sad day in Milford’s history. It’s the day that Milford Police officer Daniel Wasson was murdered while in the line of duty at the young age of 25.

It happened exactly 28 years ago.

In the 28 years since, Milford has honored Wasson’s legacy through awards, scholarships, a baseball field and the Daniel S. Wasson Memorial Connector, NBC Connecticut reports.

“I hope when we are all gone people are still remembering Danny for the right reasons, the main being the safety of our police officers,” said Ray Wasson, Daniel Wasson’s brother, according to NBC Connecticut. “That’s important. That’s an important legacy to carry on.”

Before members of the Milford Police Academy graduate, they run to the area that Wasson was shot and killed in the line of duty. For many recruits it’s a powerful and emotional moment for them. 

Via the city of Milford’s website:

On Sunday, April 12, 1987, Officer Daniel Wasson and his K-9 “General” were conducting a motor vehicle stop on the Boston Post Road. During this motor vehicle stop, Officer Wasson was fatally shot by the vehicle’s operator and was found by a passing motorist with a single gunshot wound to the chest.

Officer Daniel Scott Wasson, age 25, was a dedicated police officer and K-9 handler serving the City of Milford. Since joining the police force on March 1, 1985, he had been commended three times for outstanding performance of duty. Officer Daniel Scott Wasson was a U.S. Air Force veteran. General was retired from police service and adopted by Dan’s family. Officer Wasson is buried in Kings Highway Cemetery in Milford.

Danny Wasson’s Badge number 60 was retired and locker number 43 remains empty to this day serving as a reminder to city police officers who suit up for work that their fellow officer made the ultimate sacrifice.

Read NBC Connecticut’s full story here.