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Edward M. O'Donnell
Agency patch
Patrolman

Edward M. O'Donnell

Chicago Police Department — Chicago, IL
Felonious
United States flag Illinois flag
End of Watch June 9, 1931
Badge 3363
The Vigil Panel 62 ›
Gender Male
Incident Media Service The Sacrifice Memorials 1 Department 570

Incident

Patrolman Edward O'Donnell was shot and killed as he attempted to place an armed robber under arrest in front of 25 North Green Street. Patrolman O'Donnell was providing security to a businesswoman transporting cash and checks from a bakery to the bank. While en route, they were confronted by two armed robbers. When Patrolman O'Donnell attempted to arrest one offender the second fired a fatal shot. Both suspects were apprehended minutes later by a civilian and two officers. Both were convicted of Patrolman O'Donnell's murder and sentenced to 145 years in prison. One was paroled on October 2nd, 1961. The other had his sentence reduced to 60 years during WWII because he participated in malaria experiments. He applied for parole in 1955. Patrolman O'Donnell was assigned to the Des Plaines Street Station. He was survived by his wife, three children, and three brothers. One of his brothers also served with the Chicago Police Department and the other two served with the Chicago Fire Department.

Survivors

He was survived by his wife, three children, and three brothers.

In Our Keeping

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August 2, 2026
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August 2, 2026

Honored here by 1 tribute.

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Tributes

I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman O'Donnell served with the Chicago Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman O'Donnell.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Department Chicago Police Department
Type Police Department
Location Chicago, Cook County, IL
Platform Identity cpd.cook.il.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch June 9, 1931
Badge Number 3363
Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious
Weapon Gun

The Sacrifice · Felonious

Edward is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.

34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.

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Compare against
I

Time

In 1931, 221 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.

Every year on record · United States
II

When

June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.

By month
By day of the week
III

How

Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.

Every cause
Weapons recorded
IV

His people

Chicago Police Department has at least 120 officers remembered here, Edward among them.

Across the years
V

Where

Patrolman Edward M. O'Donnell

Chicago Police Department · End of Watch June 9, 1931

Where the Name Is Cut

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 6-E

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