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Incident
Policeman Frank Christian was struck and killed by a drunken driver at the intersection of Harlem Avenue and 79th Street, in Stickney, while he was investigating a previous accident.
The officer and his partner had placed flares to warn approaching traffic of the accident. As Policeman Christian was directing traffic using a red flashlight, he was struck by a vehicle and thrown 50 feet.
The driver of the vehicle was arrested and charged with manslaughter after admitting to having consumed 20 to 25 beers prior to the accident.
Policeman Christian had served with the Cook County Highway Police for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his two young sons.
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.
Policeman Christian gave the Cook County Highway Police 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Christian.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Cook County Highway Police has lost 13 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Frank is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Frank is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Frank is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1941, 4 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1941, 92 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 61st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1941, 260 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Frank was 43. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Frank had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Frank was 43. 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. Frank had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Frank was 43. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Frank had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 8.2% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Sundays: 15.2%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 15.4% of all 13 deaths at Cook County Highway Police, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 100% 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; alcohol involved, in 1.3% 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; alcohol involved, in 1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 0.9% of these deaths.
His people
Cook County Highway Police has 13 officers remembered here, Frank among them.
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Robert Mann Stafford Oct 15, 1922
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Henry C. Westlund
Oct 24, 1922
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Claude Earl Bowman
Jul 22, 1923
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Harold August Kegler Jun 8, 1925
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John G. Sweitz Jun 24, 1928
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Sam F. Kaiser
Apr 20, 1930
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Frederick C. Bryant
May 24, 1930
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Robert McCarthy Aug 24, 1931
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Meyer Joseph Lapine
Sep 5, 1932
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Robert Schanbaum
Aug 11, 1934
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Frank J. Christian
Oct 19, 1941
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William J. Pottow, Jr.
Jun 6, 1945
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Leonard Alvin Hurwitz
Jun 9, 1945
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from Cook County Highway Police are honored on badge.nw.
