Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer William Schwarz succumbed to injuries suffered nearly eight months earlier after being struck by a traffic violator. He and his partner were attempting to stop a speeding vehicle whose driver was under the influence at Lee Street and Oakton Street at 11:45 pm. Officer Schwarz was struck and run over by the vehicle that the offender was driving. He was transported to Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston. Officer Schwarz died nearly eight months later from complications as a result of the injuries he suffered. Officer Schwarz had served with the Des Plaines Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-BDDCFA57- 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.
Officer Schwarz gave the Des Plaines Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Des Plaines community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Schwarz.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Officer William A. Schwarz 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 Des Plaines Police Dept., 3 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William A. Schwarz's cause is highlighted.
How William A. Schwarz Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William A. Schwarz is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William A. Schwarz was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Des Plaines Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
