Circumstances

On February 20, 1888, at the age of 31, John Hickey had been selected from numerous applicants as a Police Constable for the City of Brantford. Constable Hickey was a constable for seven years.

On July 18, 1895, Constable Hickey was acting in the capacity of Police Constable while positioned on a trolley car travelling towards West Brantford. The trolley car derailed as a result of error on behalf of the Motorman and Conductor, and Constable Hickey was "dashed violently to the ground" when the trolley car struck a pole. As a result of this accident, Constable Hickey suffered "very severe" injuries to his left knee and left wrist and was required to take leave from his duties for several weeks.

Two months following the accident, Constable Hickey attempted to return to his duties with the Brantford Police. Unfortunately, the injury "was of a permanent character" and he again was required to take leave.

Postscript

Throughout the following two years, Constable Hickey continued to suffer ill effects of this injury. He was described as having "battled steadily", "never giving up" and displaying "sheer pluck and indomitable will". Constable John Hickey succumbed to his injuries on June 29, 1897, at the age of 40