Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Edward Whittlesey, Patrolman Albert Links and Patrolman Ernest Bowman were shot and killed by a suspect who was being taken into custody. The three officers had just pulled up to the police department when the man pulled out a nine-shot, .32-caliber pistol and opened fire, striking all three officers multiple times. He then exchanged shots with a fourth officer who came out of the department. The man fled in the police car with Patrolman Bowman still in the back seat. Although he was mortally wounded, he was able to draw his service weapon and shoot the suspect five times, killing him. Patrolman Bowman died the following day from his injuries and Patrolman Links died two days later from his injuries. Patrolman Whittlesey had served with the Macomb Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-860E2BD9- 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 Whittlesey gave the Macomb Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Macomb community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Whittlesey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman J. Edward Whittlesey 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 Macomb 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. J. Edward Whittlesey's cause is highlighted.
How J. Edward Whittlesey Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. J. Edward Whittlesey is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. J. Edward Whittlesey was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Macomb Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
