Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant Walter H. Weiss died of gunshot wounds suffered in an attack when he was on foot patrol. On April 7, 1924, Sergeant Weiss, along with two detectives, were patrolling the "bad lands" of North Scott Street, which was a thoroughfare lined with "soft drink" parlors and pool halls. Two suspects were loitering when they were approached by officers. The assailants then demanded a cigarette from the officers, who quickly ordered them to keep moving. The shooter turned, pulled a revolver, and opened fire on the officers. The first bullet struck Sergeant Weiss. Although mortally wounded, Officer Weiss pulled his revolver and returned fire at the fleeing offenders. One subject was captured immediately, and the second was taken into custody approximately one hour later, confessing to the shooting, and he was subsequently sentenced to death by hanging on October 31, 1924. The death of Sergeant Weiss struck the Joliet community. Over $5,000 was received from businesses, doctors, lawyers, newsboys, and many small children. The money was given to his widow and two small children, and the officers of the Department paid out of their pockets for his funeral so his widow would not have to bear the expense. Sergeant Weiss had served with the Joliet Police Department for 2 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-426CEF7A- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Sergeant Weiss gave the Joliet Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Joliet community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Weiss.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant Walter H. Weiss 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 Joliet Police Department, 5 of 8 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 62.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Walter H. Weiss's cause is highlighted.
How Walter H. Weiss Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Walter H. Weiss is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Walter H. Weiss was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Joliet Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
