Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Jeffrey Paul Hopkins died as a result of injuries received as he was escorting a funeral procession.
On September 23, 1975, Officer Jeffrey Hopkins was off duty in full police uniform riding a motorcycle that was equipped as a police motorcycle with red flashing lights and siren. He was providing a funeral escort that was sanctioned and approved by the City of Joliet and the Chief of Police. During the escort of the funeral cortege, Officer Hopkins stopped an individual for interrupting the funeral procession. He then attempted to catch up with the funeral procession, and was thrown off his motorcycle when struck by another car on Cass Street just east of Garnsey.
As a result of the impact, the motorcycle was overturned and Officer Hopkins was thrown to the street. Officer Hopkins sustained head injuries, despite the fact that he was wearing a helmet. He never regained consciousness, and died six days later.
On September 23, 1975, Officer Jeffrey Hopkins was off duty in full police uniform riding a motorcycle that was equipped as a police motorcycle with red flashing lights and siren. He was providing a funeral escort that was sanctioned and approved by the City of Joliet and the Chief of Police. During the escort of the funeral cortege, Officer Hopkins stopped an individual for interrupting the funeral procession. He then attempted to catch up with the funeral procession, and was thrown off his motorcycle when struck by another car on Cass Street just east of Garnsey.
As a result of the impact, the motorcycle was overturned and Officer Hopkins was thrown to the street. Officer Hopkins sustained head injuries, despite the fact that he was wearing a helmet. He never regained consciousness, and died six days later.
Rest In Peace always and know that your service and sacrifice are always remembered.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo Delaware State Police (Retired) September 29th, 2020
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- 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 Hopkins served with the Joliet Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Joliet community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Hopkins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Jeffrey Paul Hopkins is one of 10,088 officers lost to accidents in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 31% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In IL, 354 of 1,318 officers were lost to accidents in the line of duty — 26.9% of this state's fallen. That is 4.1 percentage points below the national rate of 31%.
At Joliet Police Department, 3 of 8 officers on record were lost to accidents in the line of duty — 37.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Accident compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Jeffrey Paul Hopkins's cause is highlighted.
How Jeffrey Paul Hopkins Compares
When Accident Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Accident deaths across the full memorial record. Jeffrey Paul Hopkins is highlighted in Sep.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Joliet Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
