On September 24th, 1927, Dayton Police Captain John C. Post was attempting to arrest a shooting suspect when he suffered critical injuries from getting shot.

After arriving at the suspect’s apartment house, he sent an officer up the side stairwell, who came under automatic weapon fire and got cornered in a shootout on the upstairs landing. That’s when Captain Post led another officer charging through the front door and up the front stairs to help the embattled officer. But then the suspect suddenly turned and fired, hitting Post in the abdomen. Despite being shot he continued to return fire until the suspect went down.

John died of his injuries the next day, on September 25th, 1927. The other officers were wounded but survived. The 30-year-old shooter was charged with murder, but died of his wounds three days later.
Captain Post was 53 years old at the time of his death, and had served with the Dayton Police Department for 24 years. He was survived by his wife, brother, and sister.

John was considered one of the most beloved officers ever to serve in the department. He was revered for his bravery, leadership, and strong sense of duty that was always tempered with mercy and kindness. In honor of his ultimate sacrifice, Dayton Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #44 was named after him.