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Incident
Park Policeman Ludwig Skala was killed in a motorcycle crash near the intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Ashland Avenue.
The engine of his motorcycle seized up, causing him to be thrown to the ground. He suffered a fatal head injury as a result.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Park Policeman Skala served with the West Park District Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Park Policeman Skala.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
West Park District Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
Ludwig is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Ludwig is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Ludwig is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1915, 4 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 24th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1915, 28 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 116th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1915, 47 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 109th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Ludwig was 38. Of the 344 lost to accidents in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45.3; the middle age was 37.
Ludwig was 38. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36.
Ludwig was 38. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
November holds 6.8% of these deaths in IL; October holds the most, 11.3%. Sundays: 16.1%.
November holds 8.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 14%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at West Park District Police Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 26.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
West Park District Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Ludwig among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from West Park District Police Department are honored on badge.nw.