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Durward Faldine Geddes
Incident
Special Agent Durward Geddes was shot and killed with his own weapon while attempting to eject a hobo from a passenger train in Galesburg, Illinois.
The 21-year-old subject with Agent Geddes' service weapon but was arrested a short time later. He was tried for murder and acquitted.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Special Agent Geddes served with the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Agent Geddes.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Police Department has lost 7 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Durward is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Durward is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Durward is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1932, 21 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1932, 210 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1932, 210 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Durward was 30. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38.
Durward was 30. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Durward was 30. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 9.5% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Thursdays: 15%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 7 deaths at Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 4.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, Durward among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 59-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
