Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Sergeant John Prendergast was killed in an automobile accident when escorting a prisoner to the police station. As they waited with several other people at an intersection, an automobile containing five intoxicated men approached at high speed. Sergeant Prendergast shouted a warning to the citizens. The prisoner was pulled to safety, but the automobile struck Sergeant Prendergast, killing him instantly.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-A7268E31- 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 Prendergast 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 Prendergast.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Sergeant John J. Prendergast 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 J. Prendergast's cause is highlighted.
How John J. Prendergast Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John J. Prendergast is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John J. Prendergast was killed by automobile.
Others Who Wore This Badge
570 officers from Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
