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Incident
Detective Walter McCarthy was accidentally shot and killed in the parking lot of the Cook County Sheriff's Police Department at 1154 Ridge Road in Homewood, Illinois, at approximately 10:00 am.
He was exiting his vehicle in the parking lot when his revolver was accidentally discharged. The round struck him in the head, killing him. Detective McCarthy normally carried his revolver wrapped in a handkerchief inside his pocket instead of in its holster and it is believed that resulted in the accidental discharge.
Detective McCarthy had served with the Cook County Sheriff's Police Department for three years and had previously served with the Chicago Police Department for 26 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, two sons, grandson, and brother.
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
29 years. You could have gone home.
Detective McCarthy gave the Cook County Sheriff's Police Department 29 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Maywood community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective McCarthy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Cook County Sheriff's Police Department has lost 7 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
Walter is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Walter is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Walter is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1967, 6 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 11th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1967, 73 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 38th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1967, 92 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 34th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Walter was 59. Of the 344 lost to accidents in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45.3; the middle age was 37. Walter had served 29 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Walter was 59. 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. Walter had served 29 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Walter was 59. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Walter had served 29 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 8.8% of these deaths in IL; October holds the most, 11.3%. Saturdays: 11.9%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 42.9% of all 7 deaths at Cook County Sheriff's 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 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Cook County Sheriff's Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, Walter among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 20-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Cook County Sheriff's Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
