On January 17th, 1916, Dayton Police Patrolman John J. Stapleton was responding to a call when he suffered critical injuries in a vehicle collision.

As one of the first motorcops to respond, he had been heading to the scene of a fire. As he was nearing the location a fire engine suddenly came up on his left, and hemmed him in along the curb. A few seconds later the engine went into a sharp right turn—and crossed into his path—leaving no room for Patrolman Stapleton to alter his course. And that’s when his motorcycle slammed into the engine’s side, and he was knocked back onto the roadway.

John died of his injuries soon afterwards.

Patrolman Stapleton was 39 years old at the time of his death, and had served with the Dayton Police Department for 11 years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and brother.

John was known as an exceptionally capable and utterly fearless officer. He was very popular both within and outside the department for his jovial personality, which had earned him the nickname ‘Happy Jack’. He had worked as a railroader and for a small business prior to joining the force, where he had hoped to indulge his passion for working outdoors.