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Incident
Policeman Herman Gaare was killed while pursing a traffic violator who was speeding.
As Patrolman Gaare entered the intersection of Northwest Highway and Euclid Avenue, his motorcycle was struck by another vehicle.
Policeman Gaare had served with the Arlington Heights Police Department for two years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpepwbh5xfmvkd2dsd6w- Stewardship
- 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.
Policeman Gaare gave the Arlington Heights Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Arlington Heights community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Gaare.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Arlington Heights Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Herman is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Herman is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Herman 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 1927, 11 officers in IL were lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1927, 114 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 2nd heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1927, 119 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 4th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Herman was 21. Of the 344 lost to accidents in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45.3; the middle age was 37. Herman had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Herman was 21. 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. Herman had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Herman was 21. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Herman had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in IL; October holds the most, 11.3%. Mondays: 17.2%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Arlington Heights Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 50% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 26.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 0.3% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 1.6% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 1.3% of these deaths.
His people
Arlington Heights Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Herman among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 1-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Arlington Heights Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
