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Incident
Patrolman James Jenista succumbed to injuries suffered six days earlier when his police motorcycle was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of 35th Street and 52nd Avenue (Laramie Avenue). He was attempting to stop a traffic violator when the accident occurred. Patrolman Jenista had served with the Cicero Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife, four sons, brother, and two sisters. His brother also served with the Cicero Police Department at the time of the incident.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four sons, brother, and two sisters.
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 Jenista gave the Cicero Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Cicero community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Jenista.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Cicero Police Department has lost 5 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
James is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1934, 3 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 38th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1934, 91 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 12th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1934, 101 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 18th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 29. Of the 344 lost to accidents in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45.3; the middle age was 37. James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 29. 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. James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 29. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in IL; October holds the most, 11.3%. Wednesdays: 13%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Cicero Police Department, the most common cause.
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 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Cicero Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 36-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Cicero Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
