United States of America
U.S. Army · United States 
Kenneth Ray Dawson
1985
Kenneth R. Dawson served the U.S. Army for 3 years. Kenneth served in the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Patrol Officer Kenneth Dawson was shot and killed while responding to a burglary call on Cleo Court at 7:30 pm. The suspect was convicted of murder, attempted murder, aggravated kidnapping, and armed robbery, and sentenced to death. On January 11, 2003, the outgoing governor granted clemency to all 167 Illinois death row inmates as one of his last acts in office. The inmate's sentence was commuted to life without parole. Officer Dawson had served with the Wheeling Police Department for 16 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three daughters.
Keepsakes
Service Record
Also Served
Wheeling Police Department
Patrol Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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