Private John J. Downey Pennsylvania State Police End of watch: Monday, August 22,1927 Age: 31 Years on the job: 3 Badge Number: N/A Cause of death: Shot and killed   Born: March 14,1896 - Died: August 22,1927 On August 22, 1927, at 11:30 a.m., Private Downey, accompanied by Privates Winfield S. Brown, Wallace S. Farr, and Lieutenant Thomas F. Martin, was ordered to assist Allegheny County Sheriff Robert H. Braun to disperse an unruly crowd at Acmetonia, near Cheswick. The crowd had gathered to protest the execution of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti in Massachusetts. While trying to disperse the protestors at Guido Grove, Hamar Township, Private Downey was shot three times and died a few moments later. Private Downey is buried in St. Augustine Cemetery in Upper Merion Township. He was survived by his mother, Mrs. Agnes Downey, of Bridgeport. At 31, Private Downey had completed three years and three months of Constabulary service..   Agency Information   Submit a Condolences Subscribe to Officer Down E-Mail Alerts Walk tall, walk tall and protect us from above with honor and dignity. May you lead the charge for citizens right in heaven as you did here on earth Darrell Thompson Privet Security Officer St. Clair Co. MI, Community College Campus Patrol #14 darrell@policespecial.com www.sc4.edu Rest in peace, and may God allow him to keep watch over us on earth while he patrols his beat in heaven. Our prayers go out to the Officer and his Department and family. May they all find peace in their hearts soon. From all the Staff at Police Special Inc.