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Incident
Officer Michael Caulfield was shot and killed inside the Forest Park police station, at 517 Desplaines Avenue, by a suspect who had been taken into custody by detectives. Officer Caulfield and his training officer were processing a prisoner in the station when another officer came in with a second prisoner. The first prisoner disarmed and shot the officer entering the room, but that officer survived. Officer Caulfield drew his weapon, but was immediately shot in the head and died from his wound. His training officer was also shot, but was able to return fire killing the prisoner. Officer Caulfield had served with the Forest Park Police Department for only three months.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Caulfield served with the Forest Park Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Forest Park community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Caulfield.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Forest Park Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Michael is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Michael is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1982, 8 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1982, 122 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1982, 142 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Michael was 22. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 22. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 22. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 8.8% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Thursdays: 15%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Forest Park Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 4.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Forest Park Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Michael among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 32-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Forest Park Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
