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Incident
Patrolman George Staats was shot and killed while checking a freight train for trespassers. He was shot as he opened a sliding door on one of the boxcars. A wire notice had been received to search trains for two suspects in connection with an attempted robbery in Godfrey. Patrolman Staats and another officer were dispatched and began searching boxcars at the station. When Patrolman Staats opened the door of the boxcar the two suspects were hiding in they began shooting. Both officers took cover and the suspects fled past a high school building. Patrolman Staats was found by the other officer by the depot building and he was rushed to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. One suspect, 26-years-old, was later arrested near Bunker Hill. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was given the choice of being executed by hanging or serving a life sentence and chose the latter. The other suspect escaped. A few days later his body was found in a reservoir near Gillespie. The cause of death could not be determined. The other suspect blamed the murder on him. Patrolman Staats had served with the Carlinville Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Patrolman Staats gave the Carlinville Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Carlinville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Staats.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
George is the only officer of Carlinville Police Department remembered here.
George is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
George is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
George 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 1926, 17 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1926, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1926, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
George was 45. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. George had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
George was 45. 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. George had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
George was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. George had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 9.6% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Wednesdays: 11.3%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Carlinville Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28.5% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 38-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Carlinville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.