Roll of Honor
Charles J. Speaker
Incident
Park Police Officer Charles J. Speaker was shot and killed when he interrupted a robbery in Jackson Park, at 59th Street and Stony Island Avenue. The shooter, who was a parolee and who had also killed two other people in the 72 hours prior to killing Officer Speaker, was executed in January of 1942. Officer Speaker had served with the Chicago Park District Police Department for 28 years and set to retire in only a few months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-2BA8BC6E- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Charles. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
28 years. You could have gone home.
Park Police Officer Speaker gave the Chicago Park District Police Department 28 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Park Police Officer Speaker.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Park Police Officer Charles J. Speaker 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 Park District Police Department, 8 of 13 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles J. Speaker's cause is highlighted.
How Charles J. Speaker Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1942
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles J. Speaker is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles J. Speaker was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from Chicago Park District Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
