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Incident
Patrol Officer Arthur Bassett was shot and killed during a disturbance while he was off duty. He was riding in his vehicle with his girlfriend, having turned onto Michigan Avenue from South Central Avenue, when another vehicle pulled in behind them. The four male occupants of the vehicle began yelling at Officer Bassett and his girlfriend before the males ordered the female companion into the rear of Officer Bassett's vehicle with the threat of being shot. Officer Bassett exited his vehicle with his weapon and a gunbattle took place, resulting in Officer Bassett being shot through the heart. Officer Bassett was able to return fire, striking at least one of the suspects who was then carried away from the scene by the other suspects. Officer Bassett died at the scene and the four suspects were never apprehended. Officer Bassett had served with the Rockford Police Department for three years.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrol Officer Bassett gave the Rockford Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Rockford community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Bassett.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Rockford Police Department has lost 8 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
Arthur is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Arthur is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Arthur is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1927, 2 officers at Rockford Police Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1927, 18 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1927, 220 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1927, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Arthur was 29. Of the 7 killed feloniously at Rockford Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 28.5 and 37; the middle age was 30. Arthur had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 2.5 years.
Arthur was 29. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Arthur had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Arthur was 29. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Arthur had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Arthur was 29. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Arthur had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 14.3% of these deaths at Rockford Police Department; October holds the most, 14.3%. Thursdays: 28.6%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Thursdays: 15%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 87.5% of all 8 deaths at Rockford Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 57.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28.5% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Rockford Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, Arthur among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 56-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Rockford Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
