Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief of Police George Airey was killed when his throat was slit while responding to a citizen complaint.
The complaint involved a small group of people creating a disturbance on Halloween night. When Chief Airey arrived he located the men attempting to destroy a section of sidewalk. When he attempted to stop the men he was attacked and his throat was slit.
Six suspects were arrested in connection with Chief Airey's murder. One of them was convicted and sentenced to life. On September 30, 1921, his sentence was reduced to 50 years and he was released. His subject's sister was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to an indeterminate term.
Chief Airey was survived by his wife and four children.
Survivors
Chief Airey was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-248A6BB4- 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.
Chief of Police Airey served with the Morgan Park Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Morgan Park community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Airey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief of Police George A. Airey 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. George A. Airey's cause is highlighted.
How George A. Airey Compares
Offender Outcome
Released in 1921
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. George A. Airey is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. George A. Airey was killed by edged weapon; knife.