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Incident
Patrolman Jeffrey Paul Hopkins died as a result of injuries received as he was escorting a funeral procession.
On September 23, 1975, Officer Jeffrey Hopkins was off duty in full police uniform riding a motorcycle that was equipped as a police motorcycle with red flashing lights and siren. He was providing a funeral escort that was sanctioned and approved by the City of Joliet and the Chief of Police. During the escort of the funeral cortege, Officer Hopkins stopped an individual for interrupting the funeral procession. He then attempted to catch up with the funeral procession, and was thrown off his motorcycle when struck by another car on Cass Street just east of Garnsey.
As a result of the impact, the motorcycle was overturned and Officer Hopkins was thrown to the street. Officer Hopkins sustained head injuries, despite the fact that he was wearing a helmet. He never regained consciousness, and died six days later.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Hopkins served with the Joliet Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Joliet community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Hopkins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Joliet Police Department has lost 8 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
Jeffrey is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Jeffrey is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jeffrey is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1975, 6 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 11th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1975, 67 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 59th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1975, 73 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 70th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Jeffrey was 27. Of the 344 lost to accidents in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45.3; the middle age was 37.
Jeffrey was 27. 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.
Jeffrey was 27. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
September holds 10.5% of these deaths in IL; October holds the most, 11.3%. Mondays: 17.2%.
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 37.5% of all 8 deaths at Joliet Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
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 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Joliet Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, Jeffrey among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 4-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Joliet Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
