Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Michael O'Rourke was shot and killed during an assault investigation near the intersection of 32nd street and Dearborn Street. Patrolman O'Rourke provided an escort to a citizen who was a victim of an assault. As they walked, Officer O'Rourke noticed the offender in an alley. The officer pushed the woman into a doorway and confronted the offender. The man fired a gunshot, striking Officer O'Rourke; He succumbed to his wounds two days later. The subject who murdered Patrolman O'Rourke was acquitted. Patrolman O'Rourke served with the Chicago Police Department for 12 and a half years.
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BO-US-IL-F331C566- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman O'Rourke gave the Chicago Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman O'Rourke.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Michael J. O'Rourke 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. Michael J. O'Rourke's cause is highlighted.
How Michael J. O'Rourke Compares
Offender Outcome
Acquitted
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Michael J. O'Rourke is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Michael J. O'Rourke was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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