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Leroy Gilbert
Incident
Chief of Police Leroy Gilbert was killed while he sat in a rocking chair reading a newspaper in the living room of his home at 2745 South Commercial Avenue. At 10:00 pm, at least two unknown suspects exited an automobile that they had parked at the curb near Chief Gilbert's residence on South Commerical Avenue. As their footprints in the snow later revealed, one suspect leveled a sawed-off shotgun on a side window ledge, taking aim as three charges were fired before they fled the scene. Chief Gilbert was fatally shot in the head and his wife, who was sitting on a couch, was shot in the right hand that severed a finger. Initially, two subjects who Chief Gilbert had arrested two weeks earlier for transporting 45 five-gallon cans of illegal alcohol were suspected of the shootings, but both men were in the county jail at the time. Although authorities continued to believe the motive was due to Chief Gilbert's local enforcement of illegal liquor and vice operations, the case was never solved. Chief Gilbert had served with the South Chicago Heights Police Department as chief for only six months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, five children, ranging from four to 13 years of age, 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.
Chief of Police Gilbert served with the South Chicago Heights Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the S. Chicago Heights community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Gilbert.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
South Chicago Heights Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Leroy is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Leroy is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Leroy is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1928, 17 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1928, 201 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1928, 202 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Leroy was 35. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Leroy had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Leroy was 35. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Leroy had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Leroy was 35. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Leroy had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Thursdays: 15%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at South Chicago Heights Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 5.2% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
South Chicago Heights Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Leroy among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from South Chicago Heights Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
