Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Robert Giovannoni was shot and killed by a 17-year-old suspect who had been taken to the McCook Police Station after being arrested during a traffic stop by two other officers for speeding and other traffic violations. Patrolman Giovannoni, who was the acting desk sergeant, told the boy that he had to pay a cash bond and then left the room to get a drink of water. While he was out of the room, the boy took the officer's revolver from the desk and concealed it behind him. When Patrolman Giovannoni returned, the boy pointed the gun at him and told him to get on the floor. As Patrolman Giovannoni complied, he suddenly lunged at the suspect. The suspect shot Patrolman Giovannoni in the throat and then again in the back as the officer tried to get up. He was able to call for help on the radio before making it to the front of the police station and collapsing. The suspect was arrested near his home four hours later. On April 3, 1957, he was convicted of murder and sentenced to 30 years.
Survivors
Patrolman Giovannoni was survived by his stepfather, four brothers, and four sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-EE739DC9- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Robert. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Giovannoni served with the McCook Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the McCook community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Giovannoni.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant Robert "Bobbie Bull" Giovannoni 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert "Bobbie Bull" Giovannoni's cause is highlighted.
How Robert "Bobbie Bull" Giovannoni Compares
Offender Outcome
prisoner custody
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert "Bobbie Bull" Giovannoni is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert "Bobbie Bull" Giovannoni was killed by officer's handgun.