Officers Killed in the Line of Duty
Michael J. Browning (1968-1992)
On April 20, 1992, while responding to a burglary in progress at a local car dealership, Browning was struck by a stolen car driven by Ronald Alvine. Officer Browning had been on the force less than a year.
Raymond G. Wilson (1922-1965)
Wilson was serving as a special policeman on July 25, 1965, at a fire department carnival at Reed-Keppler Park. Guadalupe Ruel shot Wilson with his own revolver.
George Riehm (1864-1921)
Goerge Riehm was the first West Chicago Police officer killed in the line of duty. On April 29, 1921 he was shot while investigating a burglary at a local lumberyard. The alleged murderer, James Witt, was apprehended, but committed suicide before charges were brought against him.
“A Part of America Died”
Somebody killed a policeman today,
and a part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect,
will be buried with him at his side.
The beat that he walked
was a battlefield, too,
just as if he had gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation
won’t fly at half-mast,
to his name they will add a gold star.
The suspect that shot him
will stand up in court
with counsel demanding his rights.
While a young, widowed mother
must work for her kids,
and spend many long, lonely nights.
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today…
maybe in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort
behind our locked doors
a cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks the beat
on a dark city street,
and he stands at each new rookie’s side.
He answered the call, of himself he gave all,
and a part of America died.
