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Incident
Officer James Knapp was killed when he was involved in a motor vehicle accident at 6:15 am at the intersection of 100th Place and 76th Avenue in Bridgeview.
Officer Knapp was en route to the sheriff's station in Bridgeview when his squad car rear-ended a semitrailer that was stopped waiting to make a left-hand turn during foggy and slick road conditions. He was extricated from his squad car before being transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn where he was pronounced dead.
Officer Knapp had served with the Cook County Sheriff's Police Department for 16 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, who is a lieutenant with the department, two sons, parents and brother.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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 Knapp gave the Cook County Sheriff's Police Department 16 years.
Thank you for your service to the Maywood community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Knapp.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Cook County Sheriff's Police Department has lost 7 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
James is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 2006, 4 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 24th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 2006, 68 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 54th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2006, 80 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 57th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 50. Of the 344 lost to accidents in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45.3; the middle age was 37. James had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 50. 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. James had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 50. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 7.9% of these deaths in IL; October holds the most, 11.3%. Wednesdays: 13%.
January holds 7.7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
January holds 8.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 42.9% of all 7 deaths at Cook County Sheriff's Police Department, the 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
Cook County Sheriff's Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 50-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Cook County Sheriff's Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
