Roll of Honor
Incident
First Deputy Superindentent James J. Riordan was shot and killed when he confronted an intoxicated person creating a disturbance at 300 North State Street. Deputy Superindentent Riordan was attending a dinner at a restaurant in Marina City when the incident occurred. As he confronted the intoxicated man the offender produced a .380 caliber handgun and shot him in the chest several times. The gunman, who had formerly been a police officer in Iowa, was arrested and convicted of Superintendent Riordan's murder. He was sentenced to life in prison. Deputy Superintendent Riordan had served with the Chicago Police Department for 34 years. He was survived by his wife and seven children. Five of his children went on to serve in law enforcement.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and seven children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-D8188A50- 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
34 years. You could have gone home.
Deputy Superintendent Riordan gave the Chicago Police Department 34 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Superintendent Riordan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Superintendent James J. Riordan 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. James J. Riordan's cause is highlighted.
How James J. Riordan Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James J. Riordan is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James J. Riordan was killed by handgun; .380 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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