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Incident
Park Policeman Arthur Wittbrodt was killed when he was thrown from the running board of a commandeered vehicle at the intersection of 53rd Street and Michigan Avenue. He was responding to the scene of another accident when the driver of the commandeered vehicle braked suddenly to avoid striking another car.
Survivors
Policeman Wittbrodt was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Park Policeman Wittbrodt served with the South Park District Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Park Policeman Wittbrodt.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
South Park District Police Department has lost 10 officers; 8 of them lost to accidents.
Arthur is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Arthur is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Arthur is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1932, 1 officer at South Park District Police Department was lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1932, 4 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 24th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1932, 110 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 4th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1932, 121 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 3rd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Arthur was 35. Of the 6 lost to accidents at South Park District Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 29.3 and 38.8; the middle age was 32.5.
Arthur was 35. Of the 344 lost to accidents in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45.3; the middle age was 37.
Arthur was 35. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36.
Arthur was 35. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
January holds 12.5% of these deaths at South Park District Police Department; June holds the most, 25%. Saturdays: 37.5%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths in IL; October holds the most, 11.3%. Saturdays: 11.9%.
January holds 7.7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
January holds 8.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 80% of all 10 deaths at South Park District Police Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 26.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
South Park District Police Department has 10 officers remembered here, Arthur among them.
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Julius Humphrey May 10, 1895
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John F. Maher Oct 7, 1916
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Matthew J. Foley Sep 12, 1918
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Martin Thomas Collins
Jan 4, 1921
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Harry J. Busse
Jan 27, 1922
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Daniel J. Carey
Dec 15, 1923
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William J. Allison
Jun 23, 1925
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Thomas J. Johnson Jun 22, 1931
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Arthur R. Wittbrodt Jan 16, 1932
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Willard E. Hoard
Sep 10, 1933
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 34-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from South Park District Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
