Chief James Dacy was accidentally shot and killed when his shotgun discharged as he attempted to retrieve it from his trunk.

On August 8, 2001 at 10:30 am, Chief Dacy responded to the city cemetery in regard to a stray dog. A city employee arrived at the cemetery shortly after and discovered the chief's squad car parked by the old caretakers house withy the motor running and the door and trunk open. Chief Dacy was removing his shotgun, stored in it's protective sleeve, from the trunk when it discharged while still in the bag. The shotgun's trigger caught on another item in the trunk as he was pulling it out and discharged, striking Chief Dacy in the chest. He died at the scene.

Chief Dacy, pictured with his daughter, had served in law enforcement for 31 years and had been chief of his agency for six years. He was survived by his wife, daughter and two grandchildren. Interred: Pierce City Cemetery, Pierce City, MO.

Chief Dacy's brother, Officer John Dacy, who served on the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department was shot and killed in 1969 in the line of duty.