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Incident
Park Policeman Matthew Foley was killed in a motorcycle crash while chasing a speeding vehicle in Jackson Park. He was taken to the Illinois Central Hospital where he died later that day as a result of his injuries.
Survivors
Policeman Foley was survived by his sister and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Park Policeman Foley served with the South Park District Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Park Policeman Foley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
South Park District Police Department has lost 10 officers; 8 of them lost to accidents.
Matthew is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Matthew is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Matthew is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1918, 1 officer at South Park District Police Department was lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1918, 3 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 38th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1918, 39 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 108th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1918, 44 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 112th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
When
September holds 25% of these deaths at South Park District Police Department; June holds the most, 25%. Thursdays: 12.5%.
September holds 10.5% of these deaths in IL; October holds the most, 11.3%. Thursdays: 17.2%.
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Thursdays: 14%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 80% of all 10 deaths at South Park District Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 25% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 26.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 7.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
South Park District Police Department has 10 officers remembered here, Matthew among them.
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Julius Humphrey May 10, 1895
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John F. Maher Oct 7, 1916
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Matthew J. Foley Sep 12, 1918
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Martin Thomas Collins
Jan 4, 1921
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Harry J. Busse
Jan 27, 1922
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Daniel J. Carey
Dec 15, 1923
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William J. Allison
Jun 23, 1925
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Thomas J. Johnson Jun 22, 1931
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Arthur R. Wittbrodt Jan 16, 1932
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Willard E. Hoard
Sep 10, 1933
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from South Park District Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
