Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Harl Meister was shot to death in a robbery attempt in the parking lot of a discount store at 5601 South Cicero Avenue. He and his 8-year-old son were attempting to leave after a last-minute Christmas shopping trip when four youths attempted to rob him. His son was shot in the jaw and shoulder during the attack and was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Officer Meister was able to draw his revolver and fire before he was killed. One 16-year-old suspect was apprehended one block from the shooting scene, and another 16-year-old suspect was taken into custody three hours later. The other two, ages 17 and 18, were apprehended a few hours later. Officer Meister was transported to Holy Cross Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His son recovered fully from his wounds. One year later, the 16-year-old who killed Officer Meister was convicted of murder and sentenced to 20 to 50 years. He died in prison in 2005. Two others were sentenced to 14 to 20 years and three to nine years. The fourth suspect received a very light sentence for attempted armed robbery. Officer Meister was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Chicago Police Department for 6-1/2 years, assigned to the Marquette District. During his career, he was awarded several honorable mentions and spent six months assigned to the department’s Special Operations Group.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-86F43718- 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 Harl. 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
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.
Police Officer Meister gave the Chicago Police Department 6 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
Harl G. Meister served in the Navy (1960â1966) before joining law enforcement.
Police Officer Harl G. Meister 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. Harl G. Meister's cause is highlighted.
How Harl G. Meister Compares
Offender Outcome
off duty
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Harl G. Meister is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Harl G. Meister was killed by handgun; .22 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
570 officers from Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
