Prev
Incident
Officer Richard Knabb succumbed to injuries suffered nearly two months earlier while pursuing two armed robbery suspects. Officer Knabb, who was on his motorcycle, was chasing two armed robbery suspects when the offender's vehicle struck his motorcycle, causing him to crash into a ditch. Two citizens helped capture both suspects and assisted Officer Knabb who suffered a broken leg before he was taken to Des Plaines Hospital. Officer Knabb had survived a bout of pneumonia during his recovery, but died nearly two months later from a blood clot as a result of the injuries he suffered. Officer Knabb had served with the Des Plaines Police Department for one year.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtphxq23yd4t9q15ns2s3- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Richard. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
You barely got started.
Officer Knabb gave the Des Plaines Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Des Plaines community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Knabb.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Des Plaines Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Richard is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Richard is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Richard 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 1932, 21 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1932, 210 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1932, 210 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Richard was 24. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Richard had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Richard was 24. 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. Richard had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Richard was 24. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Richard had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 10.3% of these deaths in IL, more than any other month. Saturdays: 15.8%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Des Plaines Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 3.7% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Des Plaines Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Richard among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Des Plaines Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
