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Incident
Deputy John Germano was shot and killed when he and another deputy went to a home to serve a disorderly conduct warrant on an ex-convict.
The man met the deputies at the door and opened fire with a shotgun, fatally wounding Deputy Germano. The man then fled to a nearby field where he committed suicide.
Deputy Germano had served with the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office for four years.
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.
Deputy Sheriff Germano gave the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Rockford community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Germano.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Winnebago County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 3 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, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1938, 6 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1938, 111 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1938, 113 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 34. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. John had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 34. 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 had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 34. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 9.5% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Sundays: 15.2%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 6 deaths at Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 5.2% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Winnebago County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Winnebago County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
