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Incident
Officer Harry Bending was shot and killed after responding to a report of four suspicious men at a finance company at Ellinwood and Center streets. Prior to Officer Bending's arrival the four men produced guns and were robbing the store. One of the suspects, who was stationed at the front door, notified the other suspects. As Officer Bending approached the top of the stairs one man opened fire, striking him in the shoulder and twice in the head. Although mortally wounded, Officer Bending was able to return fire before the three fled in a stolen car driven by a fifth man. The car was found abandoned two miles from the scene. A traffic citation found inside the car led to the arrest of all five, 21, 22, 24, 25, and 26, the same day. All were connected to a recent robbery of a finance company in Crown Point, Indiana, and several hold-ups earlier in Chicago. One suspect, the oldest, who admitted he killed Officer Bending, was sentenced to 60 years. Two others were sentenced to 30 years each. One was sentenced to 22 years. Officer Bending had served with the Des Plaines Police Department for six years. He was survived by his wife and son. He was a World War II navy veteran. In 1970 his nephew became an officer with the Des Plaines Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Navy. One record, 2 gates. Harry is one person.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Officer Bending gave the Des Plaines Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Des Plaines community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Harry M. Bending Jr. served in the U.S. Navy before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Des Plaines Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Harry is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Harry is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Harry 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 1952, 2 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 99th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1952, 71 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1952, 74 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Harry was 30. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Harry had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Harry was 30. 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. Harry had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Harry was 30. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Harry had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 9.4% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Thursdays: 15%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Des Plaines 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 27,552 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 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Des Plaines Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Harry among them.
Military Service
Harry M. Bending Jr. served in the U.S. Navy before joining law enforcement.
Visit Harry M. Bending Jr.’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 16-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Des Plaines Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
