Prev
Richard Joseph Barth
Incident
Officer Richard Barth was shot and killed by a 15-year-old suspect while questioning him and another youth about suspicious activity in a park. Unbeknownst to Officer Barth, the two boys had just committed a burglary and were going through the stolen items when Officer Barth interrupted them. The suspect who shot Officer Barth was convicted of murder and sentenced to 50 to 100 years in prison. He was released in 2003. Officer Barth had served with the Downers Grove Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqwe8zrsrh2c8137988h- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Richard. Claim this record.
Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Air Force. One record, 2 gates. Richard is one person.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Barth gave the Downers Grove Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Downers Grove community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Barth.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Richard Joseph Barth served in the U.S. Air Force (1967â1971) before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Downers Grove Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 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 25. 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 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Richard was 25. 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 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Richard was 25. 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 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 5.2% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Mondays: 14.4%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Downers Grove Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, 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 handgun, in 28.5% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Downers Grove Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Richard among them.
Military Service
Richard Joseph Barth served in the U.S. Air Force (1967–1971) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Richard Joseph Barth’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 17-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Downers Grove Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
