Prev
Incident
Officer John McNett and Constable Joseph Grant were shot and killed while transporting three burglary suspects to jail.
While the officers escorted the suspects, the men shot and killed both officers.
In 1899 a convict in Minnesota confessed to killing Officer Helms of Kansas, Officers Grant and McNett of Illinois, a woman in Geneva, Illinois and shooting a policeman in Guide Rock, Nebraska.
Officer McNett had served with the Geneva Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and child.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqjw4yxpqw2zkn5j9b8r- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
141 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Officer McNett gave the Geneva Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Geneva community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Geneva Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1885, 7 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1885, 62 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 121st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1885, 66 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 35. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 35. 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. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 35. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 9.4% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Fridays: 14.6%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Geneva Police Department, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Geneva Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 27-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Geneva Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
