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Edward James Loftus
Incident
Correctional Officer Edward Loftus succumbed to injuries suffered when he was beaten by three inmates during an escape attempt at the Whiteside County Jail on November 23, 1960. The three youths beat him when he entered their cell to check on one who the other two said was sick. A jail employee ended the attack when he threatened them with a shotgun. Officer Loftus was transported to a hospital where he remained for several days. When released he stayed in declining health, dying in his home eight years later. The coroner reported his death was the result of the beating. Correctional Officer Loftus had served with the Whiteside County Sheriff's Department for 23 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
23 years. You could have gone home.
Correctional Officer Loftus gave the Whiteside County Sheriff's Department 23 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Morrison community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Correctional Officer Loftus.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Edward is the only officer of Whiteside County Sheriff's Department remembered here.
Edward is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Edward is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Edward is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1969, 13 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1969, 124 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1969, 128 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Edward was 64. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Edward had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Edward was 64. 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. Edward had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Edward was 64. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Edward had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 10.3% of these deaths in IL, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 11.3%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Whiteside County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was person, 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 person, in 2.9% 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 person, in 2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 1.8% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 19-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Whiteside County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.