Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Michael Browning was killed after responding to a burglary at an automobile dealership. Patrolman Browning had just exited his patrol car and drew his weapon when a man began driving from the dealership's showroom with a stolen car, striking Patrolman Browning with the vehicle. The 19-year-old suspect was apprehended after the murder and twice sentenced to death, but both sentences were overturned by the Illinois Supreme Court. On January 11, 2003, Governor George H. Ryan commuted the death sentences of all 167 Illinois death row inmates as one of his last acts in office, effectively barring Patrolman Browning's murderer from receiving a death sentence a third time. On August 24, 2006, the suspect was resentenced to life in prison. He died in prison March 3, 2015. Patrolman Browning had served as an officer with the West Chicago Police Department for only five months. Prior to being sworn in as an officer he had served as a cadet for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his fiancée and parents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-2AD30E9C- 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.
Patrolman Browning served with the West Chicago Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the West Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Browning.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Michael A. Browning 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 West Chicago Police Department, 3 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Michael A. Browning's cause is highlighted.
How Michael A. Browning Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Michael A. Browning is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Michael A. Browning was killed by automobile.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from West Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
