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Incident
Patrolman William O'Malley was shot and killed after responding to an armed robbery at the First National Bank of East Chicago at Chicago Avenue and Indianapolis Boulevard. The robbery was being committed by members of The Dillinger Gang. As the offenders were leaving the bank, shots were exchanged by the suspects before they fled the scene. Despite being mortally wounded by machine-gun fire, allegedly by John Dillinger, Patrolman O'Malley returned fire multiple times. John Dillinger was uninjured as he was wearing a bullet-resistant vest. Patrolman O'Malley served two years with the East Chicago Police Department. He was survived by his wife and three daughters. Led by John Dillinger, the Dillinger Gang was a notorious group of Midwest bank robbers. Associates of the gang were responsible for the fatal shootings of 13 law enforcement officers in 1933 and 1934. Two infamous members of the gang, John Dillinger and Baby Face Nelson, were shot and killed by law enforcement officers in separate incidents. The other gang members were either murdered by criminals, shot and killed by law enforcement officers, executed for their crimes, or sentenced to time in prison. Click here to see all the officers killed by members of the Dillinger Gang
Survivors
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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'Malley gave the East Chicago Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the East Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman O'Malley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
East Chicago Police Department has lost 8 officers; 8 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% 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 at East Chicago Police Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1934, 9 officers in IN were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1934, 178 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1934, 179 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 43. Of the 8 killed feloniously at East Chicago Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 43.3; the middle age was 38. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 3.2 years.
William was 43. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
William was 43. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 43. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 12.5% of these deaths at East Chicago Police Department; May holds the most, 25%. Mondays: 12.5%.
January holds 11% of these deaths in IN, more than any other month. Mondays: 12.6%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 8 deaths at East Chicago Police Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 37.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.6% of all 503 deaths in IN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 4.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
East Chicago Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 50-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from East Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
