Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Harry Gaster was working a second job as a security guard when he noticed suspicious activity under an elevated train platform at South Paulina Street in Chicago at 9:20 pm. When Officer Gaster investigated, he discovered two youths breaking into an automobile. As Officer Gaster confronted the offenders, one of them fired a gunshot. Officer Gaster returned fire before collapsing. He was transferred to the County Hospital but never regained consciousness. The juveniles were apprehended at the hospital. One had been shot in the head but survived. Patrolman Gaster had served with the Chicago Police Department for over two years. He was survived by his expectant wife and daughter. Two months later, his wife gave birth to a baby boy.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-E33E858F- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Gaster gave the Chicago Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Gaster.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Harry Gaster is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In IL, 842 of 1,318 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 9.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Chicago Police Department, 396 of 571 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Harry Gaster's cause is highlighted.
How Harry Gaster Compares
Offender Outcome
Cause: Gunfire
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Harry Gaster is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Harry Gaster was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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