Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Joseph F. Ferguson was shot and killed while questioning three suspicious men in front of 3834 Indiana Avenue. He and his partner stopped three men because they saw a bulge under the coat one of the men was wearing. One of the subjects convinced them that he was not with the remaining two suspects and was allowed to leave. A gun was found during a search of the others, and they were placed under arrest. During the arrest, the first man returned to the scene with a handgun he obtained at a nearby barbershop. The patrolmen were ordered to drop their weapons and to enter their patrol car with the offenders. Patrolman Ferguson's partner drew his backup weapon, and a gun battle ensued. Patrolman Ferguson was struck four times and killed. His partner suffered minor shrapnel wounds. All three suspects were arrested. The killer was convicted of murder and sentenced to 100 to 199 years. Another subject was convicted of murder and sentenced to 75 to 100 years. The third man, who agreed to turn state's evidence, was found beaten to death one month later. Patrolman Ferguson had served with the Chicago Police Department for three years. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter. In 2022, the intersection of 32nd Place and Paulina Street was renamed Honorary Joseph P. Paul Ferguson Way.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-31620958- 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 Ferguson gave the Chicago Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Ferguson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Joseph F. Ferguson 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. Joseph F. Ferguson's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph F. Ferguson Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 199 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph F. Ferguson is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph F. Ferguson was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
570 officers from Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
