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Incident
Lieutenant John Cihak was shot and killed by a disgruntled patrolman whom he had just instructed to contact a judge in reference to a bond for four prisoners. Without warning, the patrolman shot Lieutenant Cihak in the head twice. The 34-year-old patrolman had recently been released from a mental hospital after showing signs of insanity. He was adjudged insane and recommitted. In 1963 he was still in the hospital for the criminally insane in Chester.
Survivors
Lieutenant Cihak was survived by his wife, daughter and four sons.
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.
Lieutenant Cihak served with the Berwyn Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Berwyn community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Lieutenant Cihak.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Berwyn Police Department has lost 6 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1931, 20 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1931, 221 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1931, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 45. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38.
John 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.
John was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
January holds 7.4% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Saturdays: 15.8%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 6 deaths at Berwyn Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25% 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
Berwyn Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 11-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Berwyn Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
