Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Barney Halperin was killed in an exchange of gunfire with an armed robbery suspect. He had just finished his shift at the Wabash Station at 8:00 am and was visiting a friend when a citizen ran in and told him of an armed robbery in progress at 116 East 43rd Street. Other off-duty officers nearby were also hearing about the armed robbery and arrived at the restaurant the same time Detective Halperin did. Detective Halperin secured the front entrance as the other officers covered the sides and rear. The gunman realized police were outside and exited the establishment shooting. Detective Halperin was struck in the head but still managed to wound his assailant, who then shot him two more times. The subject was able to make it to his vehicle when four other police officers converged upon him, all firing. He returned fire, slumped over the wheel, and died at the scene. Detective Halperin had served with the Chicago Police Department for 22 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-9AA25C09- 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.
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Tributes
22 years. You could have gone home.
Detective Halperin gave the Chicago Police Department 22 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Halperin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Bernard L. Halperin 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 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. Bernard L. Halperin's cause is highlighted.
How Bernard L. Halperin Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Bernard L. Halperin is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Bernard L. Halperin was killed by rifle.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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