Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Wayne Klacza was killed by an intoxicated driver in front of the Harrison Street Police Station at 3151 West Harrison Street. He observed the vehicle driving erratically and was attempting to protect a pedestrian from the motorist when the car fatally struck him. The driver of the vehicle was convicted of reckless homicide and sentenced to six months in jail. Officer Klacza had served with the Chicago Police Department for seven years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-17264951- 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.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Klacza gave the Chicago Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Klacza.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Wayne J. Klacza 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. Wayne J. Klacza's cause is highlighted.
How Wayne J. Klacza Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 6 months
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Wayne J. Klacza is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Wayne J. Klacza was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
570 officers from Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
