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Incident
Sergeant Walter H. Weiss died of gunshot wounds suffered in an attack when he was on foot patrol. On April 7, 1924, Sergeant Weiss, along with two detectives, were patrolling the "bad lands" of North Scott Street, which was a thoroughfare lined with "soft drink" parlors and pool halls. Two suspects were loitering when they were approached by officers. The assailants then demanded a cigarette from the officers, who quickly ordered them to keep moving. The shooter turned, pulled a revolver, and opened fire on the officers. The first bullet struck Sergeant Weiss. Although mortally wounded, Officer Weiss pulled his revolver and returned fire at the fleeing offenders. One subject was captured immediately, and the second was taken into custody approximately one hour later, confessing to the shooting, and he was subsequently sentenced to death by hanging on October 31, 1924. The death of Sergeant Weiss struck the Joliet community. Over $5,000 was received from businesses, doctors, lawyers, newsboys, and many small children. The money was given to his widow and two small children, and the officers of the Department paid out of their pockets for his funeral so his widow would not have to bear the expense. Sergeant Weiss had served with the Joliet Police Department for 2 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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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.
Sergeant Weiss gave the Joliet Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Joliet community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Weiss.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Joliet Police Department has lost 8 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Walter is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Walter is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Walter is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1924, 1 officer at Joliet Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1924, 22 officers in IL were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1924, 225 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1924, 228 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Walter was 31. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Joliet Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 33; the middle age was 32. Walter had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 3.5 years.
Walter was 31. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Walter was 31. 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. Walter had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Walter was 31. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 20% of these deaths at Joliet Police Department; September holds the most, 40%. Mondays: 20%.
April holds 9.5% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Mondays: 14.4%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 62.5% of all 8 deaths at Joliet Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 40% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Joliet Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, Walter among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 23-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Joliet Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
