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Richard Joseph Saba
Incident
Special Agent Richard Saba was shot and killed while conducting surveillance in East St. Louis, Illinois. A stakeout of suspected boxcar burglars along the tracks on South 17th Street was being conducting by eight railroad detectives. At 10:15 pm, as Special Agent Saba reported on his radio that he had spotted a group of suspects near the idling freight train, the other detectives heard a gunshot. Special Agent Saba was found, shot in the head, and pronounced dead at the scene. One 20-year-old suspect was taken into custody and four other men were held for questioning. Special Agent Saba had served with the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad Police Department for six years.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Marine Corps. One record, 2 gates. Richard is one person.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Special Agent Saba gave the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Agent Saba.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Richard Joseph Saba served in the U.S. Marine Corps (1962â1964) before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Illinois Central Gulf Railroad Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Richard is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Richard is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Richard 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 1974, 11 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 20th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1974, 162 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1974, 178 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Richard was 29. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Richard had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Richard was 29. 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. Richard had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Richard was 29. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Richard had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 8.2% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Fridays: 14.6%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Illinois Central Gulf Railroad Police Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 3.2% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Illinois Central Gulf Railroad Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Richard among them.
Where
Military Service
Richard Joseph Saba served in the U.S. Marine Corps (1962–1964) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Richard Joseph Saba’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-W
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Illinois Central Gulf Railroad Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
