Officer Memorial
This page has been posted as a memorial to the men that have died in the line of duty for our City.
Francis DeLong Walter H. Weiss John C. Murphy
Louis A. Barney William E. Loscheider Jeffrey Hopkins
Martin S. Murrin Jonathan E. Walsh  

 

 

Francis DeLong:

1896

Service Dates:  1892 to 1896
Constable Francis DeLong was the first law enforcement officer to lose his life in Will County.  He was gunned down while serving an arrest warrant on the morning of November 4, 1896.  On that morning, Constable DeLong went to the home of Lyman W. Hall to serve this warrant, who happened to live a few houses down the street.  When DeLong was admitted to the home, three shots were fired at the constable, killing him instantly.

The killer, Lyman W. Hall, then fled the scene only to arrive at the Police Department later in the day and admitted to the murder to the Desk Sergeant.  Hall was later sentenced to life in prison.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walter H. Weiss:

1924

Service Dates: August 1, 1922 to April 7, 1924
Sergeant Walter H. Weiss, 31, gave his life on April 7, 1924.  On that date, 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.  Thomas Wilson and Audrey Brantley, alias "John Brown", were loitering when they were approached by officers.  Wilson and Brantley then demanded a cigarette from the officers, who quickly ordered them to keep moving.  Brantley turned, pulled a revolver, and opened fire on the officers.  The first bullet struck Sergeant Weiss.  Although mortally wounded, Officer Weiss pulled his revolver and returned fire at the fleeing offenders.  Wilson was captured immediately, and Brantley was taken into custody approximately one hour later.  Brantley later confessed to the shooting, and 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, and the officers of the Department paid out of their pockets for his funeral so his widow would not have to bear the expense.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John C. Murphy:

1927

Service Dates:  September 29, 1925 to September 18, 1927
Detective John C. Murphy, 33, gave his life on September 18, 1927.  Murphy, who had just made the rank of detective just 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, 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 left a wife and infant son.  He was described as one of the cleanest, squarest, and most courageous men on the force.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Louis A. Barney:

1954

Service Dates:  April 16, 1942 to August 8, 1954
Louis A. Barney, 40, gave his life on August 8, 1954, after sustaining injuries from a traffic accident on August 3, 1954.  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,

Officer Barney was a WWII veteran and had been with his agency for 12 years.  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.  His two daughters were his constant companions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

William E. Loscheider:

1970
Service Dates:  April 1, 1959 to April 2, 1970
Detective William E. Loscheider, 41, gave his life on 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.  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.  The officer ordered him to drop his gun.  When Detective Loscheider didn't comply, the officer fired from his shotgun, fatally wounding him.  The suspects were apprehended, charged with murder for Detective Loscheider's death, and convicted.

Detective Loscheider left a wife and daughter.  Since his death, the Department organized the Police Athletic League and the field at Plainfield and Wyoming 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeffrey Hopkins:

1975
Date of Incident:  September 23, 1975
On September 23, 1975, Officer 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, Officer 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.  Officer Hopkins sustained head injuries, despite the fact that he was wearing a helmet.  He never regained consciousness, and died six days later.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Martin S. Murrin:

1984
Service Dates:  March 3, 1975 to September 12, 1984
Officer Martin S. Murrin, 32, gave his life on September 12, 1984.  Officer 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 Officer 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.

Officer Murrin received 13 commendations and letters of appreciation.  He represented himself in a manner that other officers admired and set a perfect example of a Joliet Police Officer.  He left a wife and two children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jonathan E. Walsh:

2004

Service Dates:  February 26, 2001 to August 20, 2004
Officer Jonathan Walsh, 27, gave his life on August 20, 2004.  On that date, Officer Walsh was responding to a routine burglary alarm call.  While in transit, his car was struck by a hit and run driver.  Officer Walsh's car was pushed into a crane at the side of the road, where he sustained fatal injuries.  He died at the scene.

The suspect's wife later reported the car stolen in an attempt to protect her husband from arrest.  Both husband and wife were later arrested and charged.

Officer Walsh was a three and one-half year veteran of the Joliet Police Department beginning his career in February, 2001.  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, Jonathan Walsh served with the Burr Ridge, Palos Hills, and Chicago Ridge Police Departments.