Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Richard J. Burke entered a tavern at W 33rd Street and S Halsted Street that was opened after the legal closing time and announced that he was closing the establishment. A verbal altercation began and during that time a gunman fired several shots, fatally wounding officer Burke. Two suspects were arrested, one as a primary suspect and one as an accessory. The primary suspect and shooter was hanged January 20, 1920. Patrolman Burke served with the Chicago Police Department for 12 years and was assigned to the 15th Precinct.
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BO-US-IL-54245FFE- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Burke gave the Chicago Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Burke.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Richard J. Burke 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. Richard J. Burke's cause is highlighted.
How Richard J. Burke Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Richard J. Burke is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Richard J. Burke was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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