Incident
Park Policeman Thomas Johnson was killed when his police motorcycle was struck from behind at the intersection of 23rd Street and Outer Lake Shore Drive. He was transported to Michael Reese Hospital where he died. The driver of the vehicle that struck him was charged with reckless driving.
Survivors
Policeman Johnson is survived by his wife and parents.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 Johnson 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 Johnson.
— 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.
Thomas is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1931, 1 officer at South Park District Police Department was lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1931, 8 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 4th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1931, 100 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 6th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1931, 115 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 6th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Thomas was 27. Of the 6 lost to accidents at South Park District Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 29.3 and 38.8; the middle age was 32.5.
Thomas was 27. Of the 344 lost to accidents in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45.3; the middle age was 37.
Thomas was 27. 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.
Thomas was 27. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
June holds 25% of these deaths at South Park District Police Department, more than any other month. Mondays: 12.5%.
June holds 7.1% of these deaths in IL; October holds the most, 11.3%. Mondays: 17.2%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 80% of all 10 deaths at South Park District 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 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
South Park District Police Department has 10 officers remembered here, Thomas 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 35-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from South Park District Police Department are honored on badge.nw.




