Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Penney was fatally shot outside of a tavern at 722 S. Halsted Street as he conducted an investigation. While conducting an investigation, Officer Penney was attacked by a group of men. The offenders fled after the attack. When Patrolman Penney returned later to search for his attackers, he was fatally shot by one of the tavern owners with a shotgun. Another man with Officer Penney was also killed. The suspect was never captured. Patrolman Penney was a United States Army WWI veteran and served with the Chicago Police Department for over 12 years. He was survived by his expectant wife, two sons, and a daughter. His second daughter was born three months after his death.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife, two sons, and a daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-6D205138- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Penney gave the Chicago Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
William F. Penney served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman William F. Penney 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. William F. Penney's cause is highlighted.
How William F. Penney Compares
Offender Outcome
Never apprehended
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William F. Penney is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William F. Penney was killed by shotgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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