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Incident
Patrolman Stanley Ronczkowski died one month after developing gangrene as a result of frostbite while on duty. Patrolman Ronczkowski was directing traffic at the scene of a fire on one of the coldest days on record in the Chicago area. Due to his extended exposure to the cold weather he suffered frostbite on his toes. He developed gangrene which led to the amputation of his lower left leg and died one month later as a result of complications from infection. Patrolman Ronczkowski had served with the Summit Police Department for 11 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and 11 children.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Patrolman Ronczkowski gave the Summit Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Summit-Argo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Ronczkowski.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Illness
Stanley is the only officer of Summit Police Department remembered here.
Stanley is one of 66 officers lost to illness in IL, 5% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Stanley is one of 2,028 officers lost to illness in the United States, 7.4% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Stanley is one of 2,979 officers lost to illness worldwide, 8.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1936, 1 officer in IL was lost to illness, the 7th heaviest of 13 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1936, 4 officers in the United States were lost to illness, the 29th heaviest of 108 years on record. The heaviest was 2021, with 564.
In 1936, 5 officers worldwide were lost to illness, the 115th heaviest of 197 years on record. The heaviest was 2021, with 566.
Who
Stanley was 54. Of the 66 lost to illness in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 35 and 51; the middle age was 45.5. Stanley had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 13.2 years.
Stanley was 54. Of the 1,996 lost to illness in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 42 and 58; the middle age was 51. Stanley had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 20 years.
Stanley was 54. Of the 2,916 lost to illness worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 39 and 56; the middle age was 49. Stanley had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 20 years.
When
March holds 4.5% of these deaths in IL; January holds the most, 19.7%. Mondays: 7.6%.
March holds 5.9% of these deaths in the United States; October holds the most, 14.9%. Mondays: 14.2%.
March holds 6.2% of these deaths worldwide; October holds the most, 12.6%. Mondays: 14.6%.
How
Illness deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Summit Police Department.
Illness deaths account for 5% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the 3rd most common cause.
Illness deaths account for 7.4% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 3rd most common cause.
Illness deaths account for 8.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 3rd most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Summit Police Department are honored on badge.nw.