Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Joseph Isaacs was shot and killed while off duty when he tried to quell a disturbance in the Spanish Tavern Café at 11851 South Michigan Avenue. As he intervened in a heated argument between two women, one tried to take his gun. As he struggled with the woman he was shot in the back. Officer Isaacs was taken to the Roseland Community Hospital where he died of his bullet wounds the following morning. A suspect was arrested and charged with murder. Officer Isaacs was assigned to the Kensington Station.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, parents, and brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-1C8E909A- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Joseph. Claim this record.
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.
Patrolman Isaacs served with the Chicago Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Isaacs.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Joseph V. Isaacs 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 V. Isaacs's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph V. Isaacs Compares
Offender Outcome
Charged with murder
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph V. Isaacs is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph V. Isaacs 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.
