Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John Freichel was shot and killed while off duty by an assailant he had previously arrested. Patrolman Freichel accidentally bumped into the suspect as he entered a bar at 759 S. Kedzie Avenue. The offender approached the officer from behind and pulled out a gun and fired. He then ran about a block away and shot himself in the head, seriously wounding himself. He died five days later. Patrolman Freichel had served with the Chicago Police Department for 15 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-D305A65E- 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.
Patrolman Freichel gave the Chicago Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Freichel.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John J. Freichel 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. Freichel's cause is highlighted.
How John J. Freichel Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John J. Freichel is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John J. Freichel was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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