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Incident
Officer Sean Laura was killed when he was struck by a vehicle during a foot chase of a suspect. Officer Laura was struck by a police vehicle from a neighboring jurisdiction at 7:20 pm. He had stopped a car for a traffic offense, and the driver fled on foot. Officer Laura radioed for backup while in a foot pursuit, and other officers from his department, as well as the Harvey Police Department, came to assist. One of the responding patrol cars struck him as he ran into the road from behind a parked car. Officer Laura was pinned underneath the patrol car for several minutes and died a short time later. The suspect was later sentenced to 40 years in prison. Officer Laura had served with the Markham Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his mother.
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.
Patrol Officer Laura gave the Markham Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Markham community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Laura.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Sean is the only officer of Markham Police Department remembered here.
Sean is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Sean is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Sean 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 1997, 6 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 11th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1997, 73 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 38th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1997, 85 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 47th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Sean was 25. Of the 344 lost to accidents in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45.3; the middle age was 37. Sean had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Sean was 25. 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. Sean had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Sean was 25. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Sean had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 10.5% of these deaths in IL; October holds the most, 11.3%. Saturdays: 11.9%.
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Markham Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 26.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 59-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Markham Police Department are honored on badge.nw.