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Incident
Patrolman Robert Giovannoni was shot and killed by a 17-year-old suspect who had been taken to the McCook Police Station after being arrested during a traffic stop by two other officers for speeding and other traffic violations. Patrolman Giovannoni, who was the acting desk sergeant, told the boy that he had to pay a cash bond and then left the room to get a drink of water. While he was out of the room, the boy took the officer's revolver from the desk and concealed it behind him. When Patrolman Giovannoni returned, the boy pointed the gun at him and told him to get on the floor. As Patrolman Giovannoni complied, he suddenly lunged at the suspect. The suspect shot Patrolman Giovannoni in the throat and then again in the back as the officer tried to get up. He was able to call for help on the radio before making it to the front of the police station and collapsing. The suspect was arrested near his home four hours later. On April 3, 1957, he was convicted of murder and sentenced to 30 years.
Survivors
Patrolman Giovannoni was survived by his stepfather, four brothers, and four sisters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Giovannoni served with the McCook Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the McCook community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Giovannoni.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Robert is the only officer of McCook Police Department remembered here.
Robert is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1956, 5 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1956, 47 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 141st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1956, 53 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 139th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 37. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38.
Robert was 37. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Robert was 37. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 10.3% of these deaths in IL, more than any other month. Mondays: 14.4%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at McCook Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% 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 27,552 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 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 11-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
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