Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrol Officer Frank Cichella died the following day after being shot while off duty and walking home. Officer Cichella observed a vehicle running without its headlights on and approached the driver to advise him that he was in violation of the headlight ordinance. He and the suspect began arguing before the suspect went into his home, at 822 Corbin Street, and returned with a handgun. The man exited the home and engaged Officer Cichella in a shootout. Officer Cichella was shot five times, but was able to return fire, striking the suspect three times. Both Officer Cichella and the suspect died the following day from their injuries. Officer Cichella had served with the Rockford Police Department for 1½ years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-7C8AB1A4- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Frank. 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
You barely got started.
Patrol Officer Cichella gave the Rockford Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Rockford community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Cichella.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrol Officer Frank Cichella is one of 17,559 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 53.9% of all 32,587 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 10 percentage points above the national rate of 53.9%.
At Rockford Police Department, 7 of 8 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 87.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Frank Cichella's cause is highlighted.
How Frank Cichella Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Frank Cichella is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Frank Cichella was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Rockford Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
