Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Joseph Tiernan was shot and killed during a burglary investigation. While walking his beat, Officer Tiernan observed suspicious activity behind a dry goods store. As Officer Tiernan investigated, he noticed two burglars breaking into the basement of the store. As Officer Tiernan place them under arrest, one of the offenders drew a revolver and began firing. Officer Tiernan was shot three times during the altercation. Officer Tiernan was transported to the hospital where he died the next day. Officer Tiernan's killer was convicted of his murder and hanged on February 15, 1918.
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BO-US-IL-39B507B3- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Tiernan served with the Chicago Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Tiernan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Joseph P. Tiernan is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 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 63.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
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 P. Tiernan's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph P. Tiernan Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph P. Tiernan is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph P. Tiernan was killed by handgun.
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570 officers from Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
