Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Sergeant John Bialk responded to a domestic dispute call. As he entered the home, Sergeant Bialk confronted the estranged husband. At this time, the husband shot his own wife as well as Sergeant Bialk when he attempted to intervene. Although wounded, Sergeant Bialk was able to detain his assailant until fellow officers arrived. He succumbed to his injuries three days later. The suspect was charged in Sergeant Bialk's death as intentional manslaughter but was was acquitted January 9, 1917.
Survivors
Sergeant Bialk served in the 40th precinct and was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-84AB839C- 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.
Detective Sergeant Bialk served with the Chicago Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Sergeant Bialk.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Sergeant John L. Bialk 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. John L. Bialk's cause is highlighted.
How John L. Bialk Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John L. Bialk is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John L. Bialk was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
570 officers from Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
