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Incident
Officer Patrick Shaughnessy was shot and killed while attempting to bring an agitated patient under control at St. John's Hospital at 9:30 pm. Hospital staff had called police to assist them in bringing a patient with delirium tremens under control. As Officer Shaughnessy entered the patient's room, the man shot twice at Officer Shaughnessy, killing him. It was not known that the patient had smuggled a gun into the hospital with him. The patient jumped out of the room's window but was captured by Officer Shaughnessy's partner. Officer Shaunessy succumbed to his wounds at 5 am. The patient was charged with murder but was acquitted due to his medical condition at the time. Officer Shaughnessy had served with the Springfield Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
138 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Police Officer Shaughnessy served with the Springfield Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Springfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Springfield Police Department has lost 10 officers; 9 of them killed feloniously.
Patrick is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Patrick is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Patrick is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1888, 1 officer at Springfield Police Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 8 years on record. The heaviest was 1885, with 2.
In 1888, 4 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1888, 60 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 126th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1888, 63 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 126th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Patrick was 33. Of the 7 killed feloniously at Springfield Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 28.5 and 36; the middle age was 33.
Patrick was 33. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38.
Patrick was 33. 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.
Patrick was 33. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 11.1% of these deaths at Springfield Police Department; August holds the most, 33.3%. Wednesdays: 11.1%.
November holds 9.6% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Wednesdays: 11.3%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 90% of all 10 deaths at Springfield Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, 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 gun, in 30.6% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Springfield Police Department has 10 officers remembered here, Patrick among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Springfield Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
