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Incident
Patrolman Joseph Jankovsky was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while making a traffic stop at the intersection of 67th Street and U.S. Highway 45 in Countryside. The driver of the camper that struck him was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving in connection with the incident but did not serve any jail time as a result. Patrolman Jankovsky had served with the Countryside Police Department for nine months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Patrolman Jankovsky served with the Countryside Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Countryside community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Jankovsky.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Joseph is the only officer of Countryside Police Department remembered here.
Joseph is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1974, 3 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 38th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1974, 98 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 9th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1974, 106 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 13th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Joseph was 28. Of the 344 lost to accidents in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45.3; the middle age was 37. Joseph had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 28. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Joseph had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 28. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Joseph had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 8.5% of these deaths in IL; October holds the most, 11.3%. Saturdays: 11.9%.
April holds 7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
April holds 7% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Countryside Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 26.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 19-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Countryside Police Department are honored on badge.nw.