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Incident
Patrol Officer Frank Cichella died the following day after being shot while off duty and walking home. Officer Cichella observed a vehicle running without its headlights on and approached the driver to advise him that he was in violation of the headlight ordinance. He and the suspect began arguing before the suspect went into his home, at 822 Corbin Street, and returned with a handgun. The man exited the home and engaged Officer Cichella in a shootout. Officer Cichella was shot five times, but was able to return fire, striking the suspect three times. Both Officer Cichella and the suspect died the following day from their injuries. Officer Cichella had served with the Rockford Police Department for 1½ years.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
You barely got started.
Patrol Officer Cichella gave the Rockford Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Rockford community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Cichella.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Rockford Police Department has lost 8 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
Frank is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Frank is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Frank is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1927, 2 officers at Rockford Police Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1927, 18 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1927, 220 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1927, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Frank was 36. Of the 7 killed feloniously at Rockford Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 28.5 and 37; the middle age was 30. Frank had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 2.5 years.
Frank was 36. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Frank had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Frank was 36. 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. Frank had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Frank was 36. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Frank had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 14.3% of these deaths at Rockford Police Department; October holds the most, 14.3%. Fridays: 42.9%.
February holds 5.8% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Fridays: 14.6%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 87.5% of all 8 deaths at Rockford Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 57.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28.5% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Rockford Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, Frank among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 6-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Rockford Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
