William P. Rumbler
Agency patch
Patrolman

William P. Rumbler

Chicago Police Department — Chicago, IL
Felonious
End of Watch October 12, 1930
Age 33
Tour of Duty 19 yrs
Badge 2358
The Vigil Panel 60 ›
Gender Male

Incident

Patrolman William Rumbler was shot to death in a battle with three holdup men while off duty. He was visiting a friend who owned a soft drink parlor at 3174 Milwaukee Avenue. A man entered the establishment and asked for an individual. The store owner replied that no such person was there. At that time, two additional men entered and ordered Patrolman Rumbler, the store owner, and two porters to put their hands up. Everyone complied until one of the gunmen started to search Patrolman Rumbler. The policeman suddenly drew his gun and opened fire. All three bandits returned fire, shooting him 11 times. Patrolman Rumbler was taken to Belmont Hospital where he died several minutes after his arrival. Two of the suspects were convicted of Patrolman Rumbler's murder and sentenced to 60 years each on May 22nd, 1931. One was paroled on February 26th, 1955. His sentence was reduced for participating in malaria treatment experiments during WWII. He was arrested five years later for possession of burglary tools. The third suspect escaped, and three additional suspects were indicted but discharged. Patrolman Rumbler had served with the Chicago Police Department for 19 years and was assigned to the East Chicago Avenue Station.

Survivors

He was survived by his wife.

In Our Keeping

Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtn9znf085yj0w11v70kn
Stewardship
Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
Added to badge.nw
August 2, 2026
Last updated
August 2, 2026

Honored here by 1 tribute.

Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. Claim this record.

This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.

Tributes

I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Rumbler gave the Chicago Police Department 19 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Rumbler.

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

Agency

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

Service Record

End of Watch October 12, 1930
Tour of Duty 19 yrs
Age 33
Badge Number 2358
Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious
Weapon Gun

The Sacrifice · Felonious

William 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.

  1. See the roll
  2. See the roll
Compare against
I

Time

In 1930, 239 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.

Every year on record · United States
II

Who

William was 33. 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 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.

Age at death
Where he stood among them
Age by years of service
III

When

October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.

By month
By day of the week
IV

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
V

His people

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

Across the years
VI

Where

Patrolman William P. Rumbler

Chicago Police Department · End of Watch October 12, 1930

Where the Name Is Cut

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 45-E

↑