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Incident
Policeman John Maher was killed in a motorcycle crash while attempting to conduct a traffic stop of a speeding vehicle.
His motorcycle struck another car at the intersection of West 37th Street and South Michigan Avenue, causing him to suffer fatal injuries.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Park Policeman Maher 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 Maher.
— 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.
John is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
John is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1916, 1 officer at South Park District Police Department was lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1916, 5 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 17th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1916, 48 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 99th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1916, 62 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 86th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
When
October holds 12.5% of these deaths at South Park District Police Department; June holds the most, 25%. Saturdays: 37.5%.
October holds 11.3% of these deaths in IL, more than any other month. Saturdays: 11.9%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
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, John 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 23-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from South Park District Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
