Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Robert J. Strugala was killed, and his partner was seriously wounded in a gun battle at 3157 W. 26th Street. He and his partner were stopped at a red light at 26th and Kedzie when they heard gunfire. Both officers drew their revolvers and rushed into the establishment. Patrolman Strugala entered through the front door and his partner through the side entrance. Patrolman Strugala’s partner ordered the gunman to drop his weapon, but the man turned towards him, holding a gun. The officer fired once, striking the man in the shoulder. Simultaneously, gunfire erupted from across the room. Patrolman Strugala was killed, and his partner was hit in the leg, arm, and abdomen. The force of the bullets from the .38 automatic knocked the second officer out of the entrance and into the street. Two tactical officers on patrol saw the events unfold and rushed to their aid. His partner made a full recovery and returned to duty, retiring after 34 years of service on June 15th, 2004. On July 19th, 2004, the Illinois Parole Board released Patrolman Strugala's killer from custody after serving only 30 years of his 100-year sentence. Patrolman Robert Strugala was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and was assigned to the Marquette District.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-IL-BE5FDAD2- Stewardship
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- 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 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.
Patrolman Strugala gave the Chicago Police Department 1 year.
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
Robert J. Strugala served in the Other (1963â1967) before joining law enforcement.
Patrolman Robert J. Strugala 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. Robert J. Strugala's cause is highlighted.
How Robert J. Strugala Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 2004
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert J. Strugala is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert J. Strugala was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Incident Location
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