Roll of Honor
Incident
Probationary Patrolman Ralph Souders was shot and killed while attempting to stop a robbery at a local store at 5361 South Morgan Street. Patrolman Souders had been assigned to guard the store as the result of a string of recent robberies. Two men entered the back room of the store and immediately held Patrolman Souders at gunpoint. A moment later, Patrolman Souders lunged at one of the suspects, who opened fire, killing him. Both suspects were taken into custody. The gunman was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. His accomplice was sentenced to life. On June 20th, 1925, the gunman attacked his accomplice in prison with a knife and stabbed him five times. He died the next day. A few weeks later, the gunman killed himself by setting his clothes on fire. Patrolman Souders was a United States WWI veteran and served with the Chicago Police Department for two months. He was survived by his expectant wife and son. He is buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Section T, Hillside, Cook County, Illinois.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife and son.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-IL-EE73BECB- Stewardship
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- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Probationary Patrolman Souders served with the Chicago Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Ralph S. Souders served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Probationary Patrolman Ralph S. Souders 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. Ralph S. Souders's cause is highlighted.
How Ralph S. Souders Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ralph S. Souders is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ralph S. Souders was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
570 officers from Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
