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Incident
Sergeant Michael Babb suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after struggling with a man in a courtroom at the Kane County Courthouse in Geneva. The suspect became upset at the judge for receiving a 60-day sentence for non-payment and began to threaten the judge. When Sergeant Babb and another deputy attempted to remove the man from the courtroom he began to struggle. After several minutes, Sergeant Babb and two other deputies were able to restrain the man and place him in custody. Sergeant Babb returned to his normal duties but collapsed shortly afterward. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he died a short time later. The suspect was charged with aggravated battery. Sergeant Babb had served with the Kane County Sheriff's Office for 15 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Babb gave the Kane County Sheriff's Office 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the St. Charles community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Babb.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Kane County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
Michael is one of 45 officers lost to cardiac events in IL, 3.4% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Michael is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1982, 2 officers in IL were lost to cardiac events, the 3rd heaviest of 33 years on record. The heaviest was 1974, with 3.
In 1982, 9 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 68th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1982, 9 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 69th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Michael was 42. Of the 45 lost to cardiac events in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 54; the middle age was 51. Michael had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 20 years.
Michael was 42. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. Michael had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Michael was 42. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. Michael had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
January holds 8.9% of these deaths in IL; March holds the most, 15.6%. Mondays: 8.9%.
January holds 9.6% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Mondays: 12.9%.
January holds 9.5% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Mondays: 13%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Kane County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.4% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
Kane County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, Michael among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 25-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Kane County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
