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Incident
Patrolman Michael Browning was killed after responding to a burglary at an automobile dealership. Patrolman Browning had just exited his patrol car and drew his weapon when a man began driving from the dealership's showroom with a stolen car, striking Patrolman Browning with the vehicle. The 19-year-old suspect was apprehended after the murder and twice sentenced to death, but both sentences were overturned by the Illinois Supreme Court. On January 11, 2003, Governor George H. Ryan commuted the death sentences of all 167 Illinois death row inmates as one of his last acts in office, effectively barring Patrolman Browning's murderer from receiving a death sentence a third time. On August 24, 2006, the suspect was resentenced to life in prison. He died in prison March 3, 2015. Patrolman Browning had served as an officer with the West Chicago Police Department for only five months. Prior to being sworn in as an officer he had served as a cadet for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his fiancée and parents.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Patrolman Browning served with the West Chicago Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the West Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Browning.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
West Chicago Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Michael is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Michael is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael 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 1992, 4 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1992, 93 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1992, 97 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Michael was 23. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 23. 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. Michael had served 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 23. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 9.5% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Mondays: 14.4%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at West Chicago Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 33.3% 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, in 3.7% 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, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
West Chicago Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Michael among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 56-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from West Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
