Constable Francis DeLong #96

Service Dates: 1892-1896
End of Watch: November 4, 1896.

Constable DeLong was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant on a man who had been arrested by Constable DeLong several times in the past and had just returned to Joliet from Chicago.

Constable DeLong was notified of the man‘s return and went to the man’s mother’s home to arrest him. The suspect had previously stated that he would shoot Constable DeLong if he tried to arrest him again. When Constable DeLong entered the home, the man shot him once, knocking him to the ground, and then shot him two more times.

The suspect left the scene, but then turned himself in later in the day. He confessed to murdering Constable DeLong and stated his only regret was that he hadn’t murdered his grandmother too. On March 6, 1897, the suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to 99 years in prison. In 1924 he escaped but returned voluntarily two years later because he said his conscience bothered him. He was paroled May 21, 1954, at age 81.

Constable DeLong had served as a Joliet Police Constable for four years. He was 64 years old at the time of his death, and was survived by his wife and four grown children. Joliet Police badge #96 has since been retired.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/18696-constable-francis-delong

Sergeant Walter H. Weiss #24

Service Dates: August 1, 1922 to April 7, 1924
End of Watch: April 7, 1924.

Sergeant Walter H. Weiss died of gunshot wounds suffered in attack when he was on foot patrol.

On April 7, 1924, Sergeant Weiss, along with two Detectives, were patrolling the "bad lands" of North Scott Street, which was a thoroughfare lined with "soft drink" parlors and pool halls. Two suspects were loitering when they were approached by Sergeant Weiss and the Detectives. The assailants then demanded a cigarette from the Officers, who quickly ordered them to keep moving. The shooter turned, pulled a revolver, and opened fire on the Officers, striking Sergeant Weiss.

Although mortally wounded, Sergeant Weiss pulled his revolver and returned fire at the fleeing offenders. One suspect was captured immediately, and the second suspect was taken into custody approximately one hour later, confessing to the shooting, and he was subsequently sentenced to death by hanging on October 31, 1924.

The death of Sergeant Weiss struck the Joliet community. Over $5,000 was received from businesses, doctors, lawyers, newsboys and many small children. The money was given to his widow and two small children. The Officers of the department paid out of their pockets for his funeral so his widow would not have to bear the expense.

Sergeant Weiss had served with the Joliet Police Department for two years. He was 31 years old at the time of his death, and was survived by his wife and two children. Joliet Police badge #24 has since been retired.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/13961-sergeant-walter-h-weiss

Detective John C. Murphy #117

Service Dates: September 29, 1925 to September 18, 1927
End of Watch: September 18, 1927.

Detective John C. Murphy gave his life on September 18, 1927. Murphy, who had just made the rank of Detective two months prior to his death, was responding to a burglary alarm at the Oliver Hotel. Murphy and other Officers entered the darkened hotel lobby and took up various positions to prevent the robbers’ escape. As the search began, Officer Schomig, who was near the staircase, heard two shots ring out, and immediately returned fire at the top of the stairs. A voice cried out, and the exchange of gunfire ceased. The first shots were fired by the hotel owner, who mistook Detective Murphy as one of the robbers.

Detective Murphy was described as one of the cleanest, squarest, and most courageous men on the force. Detective Murphy had served with the Joliet Police Department for two years. He was 33 years old at the time of his death, and was was survived by his wife and infant son. Joliet Police badge #117 has since been retired.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/9777-detective-john-c-murphy

Patrolman Louis A. Barney #134

Service Dates: April 16, 1942 to August 3, 1954
End of Watch: August 8th, 1954.

Patrolman Louis A. Barney, gave his life on August 8, 1954, after sustaining injuries from a traffic accident on August 3, 1954.

Patrolman Barney was riding his motorcycle on a special traffic detail for the Pageant for Progress. His motorcycle collided with the left rear fender of a vehicle traveling westbound on Jefferson Street. The driver was later ticketed for failing to signal a left turn.

Officer Barney was able to walk to a vehicle, and was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital by an unidentified motorist. Once in the hospital, he fell into unconsciousness due to a subdural hemorrhage. Emergency surgery was performed to remove a blood clot from the brain, and remained in critical condition until he succumbed to his injuries.

Patrolman Barney had served with the Joliet Police Department for 12 years and was a World War II veteran. An avid sportsman, he carried the principles of the game into his police work. He often made friends of those he had arrested, and loved children. Patrolman Barney was 40 years old at the time of his death, and survived by his wife, two daughters, parents, and two siblings. Joliet Police badge #134 has since been retired.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/1516-patrolman-louis-a-barney

Detective William E. Loscheider #142

Service Dates: April 1, 1959 to April 2, 1970
End of Watch: April 2, 1970

Detective Loscheider, along with other Officers, were working on a stakeout of a liquor company in the 700 block of Broadway following information from an informant. After observing three men making entry into the business, Officers were given orders to move in to make arrests. The suspects quickly fled after spotting the Officers, one of whom was apprehended immediately.

A second Officer was chasing the suspects when he lost sight of them. As Detective Loscheider approached the scene with his gun drawn in the darkness, the second Officer did not recognize him, and ordered Detective Loscheider to drop his gun. When Detective Loscheider didn’t comply, the Officer fired from his shotgun, fatally wounding Detective Loscheider. The burglars were later apprehended, charged, and convicted with murder for Detective Loscheider’s death, due to the Illinois felony murder statute..

After his death, the department organized the 'Police Athletic League' and the field at Plainfield Road & Wyoming Avenue was dedicated in his memory. Detective Loscheider received 17 commendations, one of which was for rescuing a girl from a fire, for which he was most proud. 

Detective Loscheider had served with the Joliet Police Department for 11 years. He was 41 years old at the time of his death, and was survived by his wife and daughter. Joliet Police badge #142 has since been retired.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/8268-detective-william-e-loscheider

Patrolman Jeffrey P. Hopkins #182

Service Dates: October 10, 1970 to September 23, 1975
End of Watch: September 29, 1975.

Patrolman Jeffrey Paul Hopkins died as a result of injuries received as he was escorting a funeral procession.

On September 23, 1975, Patrolman Jeffrey Hopkins was off-duty in full police uniform riding a motorcycle that was equipped as a police motorcycle with red flashing lights and siren. He was providing a funeral escort that was sanctioned and approved by the City of Joliet and the Chief of Police.

During the escort of the funeral cortege, Patrolman Hopkins stopped an individual for interrupting the funeral procession. He then attempted to catch up with the funeral procession, and was thrown off his motorcycle when struck by another car on Cass Street, just east of Garnsey Avenue.

As a result of the impact, the motorcycle was overturned and Patrolman Hopkins was thrown to the street. He sustained head injuries, despite the fact that he was wearing a helmet. He never regained consciousness, and died six days later. JPD Badge #182 has since been retired.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/17331-patrolman-jeffrey-paul-hopkins

Patrolman Martin S. Murrin #215

Service Dates: March 3, 1975 to September 12, 1984
End of Watch: September 12, 1984.

Patrolman Martin S. Murrin gave his life on September 12, 1984 while attempting to arrest a known gang member who had an active warrant for aggravated assault.

Patrolman Murrin, along with his partner, were on routine patrol of the "Hill" area when they spotted a gang member with an open arrest warrant for aggravated assault. After a brief car chase, the suspect fled on foot with Patrolman Murrin in pursuit. The suspect was able to gain control of Patrolman Murrin’s gun and shot him five times.

The suspect was later captured in Mexico, extradited to Illinois, and sentenced to death. In 1996, he received a retrial based on a technicality, was found guilty of manslaughter, and sentenced to time served.

Patrolman Murrin had served with the Joliet Police Department for 10 years. He received 13 commendations and letters of appreciation, represented himself in a manner that other Officers admired, and set a perfect example of a Joliet Officer. He was 32 years old at the time of his death, and is survived by his wife, son and daughter. JPD badge #215 has since been retired.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/9817-patrolman-martin-s-murrin

Officer Jonathan E. Walsh #305

Service Dates: February 26, 2001 to August 20, 2004
End of Watch: August 20, 2004

Patrol Officer Jonathan Walsh died after sustaining injuries from a traffic crash on August 20, 2004.

Patrol Officer Jonathan Walsh was responding to a burglar alarm at the Pilcher Park Nature Center. While en-route, a SUV collided with him, causing Officer Walsh to crash into an unoccupied lift crane parked on the side of Maple Road just east of Briggs Street. He was transported to Silver Cross Hospital, were he succumbed to his injuries.

Police located the Blazer abandoned near McKay Street and Garland Court. Following a five hour manhunt, the driver was arrested and charged as was his spouse, for her involvement in reporting the vehicle stolen. On July 27, 2005, the offender entered a guilty plea on charges of failure to stop after an accident and driving on a revoked license. On December 21, 2005, the driver was sentenced to six months in jail and was taken into custody after sentencing. The sentence also included 48 months of probation.

Officer Walsh had served with the Joliet Police Department for three and one-half years. He was a certified member of the Bicycle Patrol and International Police Mountain Bike Association, served on the Gang Violence Suppression Unit, and was a founder and member of the Joliet Police Department Softball Team. During his career with the Joliet Police Department, he was the recipient of numerous commendations and awards of merit. Officer Walsh was a very enthusiastic, compassionate, and friendly individual. Prior to joining the Joliet Police Department, Officer Walsh served with the Burr Ridge Police, Palos Heights Police, and Chicago Ridge Police.

Officer Walsh was 27 years old at the time of his death, and is survived by his father, a retired Worth police officer, his mother, and two sisters.  Joliet Police badge #305 has since been retired.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/17425-police-officer-jonathan-edward-walsh