Joliet Police Honor Guard

05/25/2026

The Joliet Police Honor Guard takes a moment today, on , to honor & remember those who passed while serving our country in the United States military.

Our group has members of nearly all military branches, and we're proud of the fact that these prior military veterans chose to continue serving their community in not only the Joliet Police Department, but also in the Joliet Police Honor Guard.

Recently during , Joliet Police Honor Guard members chose to visit Arlington National Cemetery and respectfully observe the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Sentry/Tomb Guards perform their 'Changing of The Guard' & "Wreath Laying' ceremonies. We were glad to have this opportunity to watch the best Honor Guard in the country perform their tasks.

05/22/2026

On May 22, 2026,both active & retired members of the Joliet Police Honor Guard & Joliet Police Department, and their families, assisted the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Squad, helping place American flags on gravesites at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Complex in preparation for Memorial Day. The Joliet Police Honor Guard takes pride in participating in this ceremony every year.

05/21/2026

On May 21, 2026, the annual Will County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony took place to remember and honor all the fallen law enforcement of Will County. The Joliet Police Honor Guard, along side our brothers & sisters in the Joliet Police Pipes & Drums, Joliet Police Department, and other Will County agencies, were in attendance to honor the fallen. The Joliet Police Honor Guard had the privilege of presenting the colors and performing taps during the ceremony.

05/21/2026

Join the Joliet Police Honor Guard today at 12PM on the old Will County Courthouse north lawn for our annual memorial ceremony to honor & remember the fallen officers of Will County.

05/20/2026

The Joliet Police Honor Guard had the honor and privilege in attending National Police Week 2026 in Washington DC. Our members had the opportunity to officially participate in the Candlelight Vigil, es**rting survivor families into the ceremony.

The Honor Guard also visited the National Police Officer's Memorial, the Tomb Guards at Arlington National Cemetery, National Police Museum, and attended the 2026 Memorial Service at the Capitol.

We're honored to have attended the week's events, proudly representing the Joliet Police Honor Guard, Joliet Police Department, City of Joliet, and State of Illinois.

05/13/2026

National Police Week 2026
Fallen Joliet Police Department
Constable Francis DeLong #96
End of Watch: November 4, 1896

https://www.odmp.org/officer/18696-constable-francis-delong

National Police Week 2026
Fallen Joliet Police Department
Constable Francis DeLong #96
End of Watch: November 4, 1896

Constable DeLong was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant on a man who had been arrested by Constable DeLong several times in the past and had just returned to Joliet from Chicago.

Constable DeLong was notified of the man‘s return and went to the man’s mother’s home to arrest him. The suspect had previously stated that he would shoot Constable DeLong if he tried to arrest him again. When Constable DeLong entered the home, the man shot him once, knocking him to the ground, and then shot him two more times.

The suspect left the scene, but then turned himself in later in the day. He confessed to murdering Constable DeLong and stated his only regret was that he hadn’t murdered his grandmother too. On March 6, 1897, the suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to 99 years in prison. In 1924 he escaped but returned voluntarily two years later because he said his conscience bothered him. He was paroled May 21, 1954, at age 81.

Constable DeLong had served as a Joliet Police Constable for four years. He was 64 years old at the time of his death, and was survived by his wife and four grown children. Joliet Police badge #96 has since been retired.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/18696-constable-francis-delong

05/13/2026

National Police Week 2026
Fallen Joliet Police Department
Sergeant Walter H. Weiss #24
End of Watch: April 7, 1924

https://www.odmp.org/officer/13961-sergeant-walter-h-weiss

National Police Week 2026
Fallen Joliet Police Department
Sergeant Walter H. Weiss #24
End of Watch: April 7, 1924

Sergeant Walter H. Weiss died of gunshot wounds sustained in attack while on foot patrol.

On April 7, 1924, Sergeant Weiss, along with two Detectives, were patrolling the "bad lands" of North Scott Street, which was a thoroughfare lined with "soft drink" parlors and pool halls. Two suspects were loitering when they were approached by Sergeant Weiss and the Detectives. The assailants then demanded a cigarette from the Officers, who quickly ordered them to keep moving. The shooter turned, pulled a revolver, and opened fire on the Officers, striking Sergeant Weiss.

Although mortally wounded, Sergeant Weiss pulled his revolver and returned fire at the fleeing offenders. One suspect was captured immediately, and the second suspect was taken into custody approximately one hour later, confessing to the shooting, and he was subsequently sentenced to death by hanging on October 31, 1924.

The death of Sergeant Weiss struck the Joliet community. Over $5,000 was received from businesses, doctors, lawyers, newsboys and many small children. The money was given to his widow and two small children. The Officers of the department paid out of their pockets for his funeral so his widow would not have to bear the expense.

Sergeant Weiss had served with the Joliet Police Department for two years. He was 31 years old at the time of his death, and was survived by his wife and two children. Joliet Police badge #24 has since been retired.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/13961-sergeant-walter-h-weiss

05/13/2026

National Police Week 2026
Fallen Joliet Police Department
Detective John C. Murphy #117
End of Watch: September 18, 1927

https://www.odmp.org/officer/9777-detective-john-c-murphy

National Police Week 2026
Fallen Joliet Police Department
Detective John C. Murphy #117
End of Watch: September 18, 1927

Detective John C. Murphy died of gunshot wounds sustained while responding to a burglary alarm.

Murphy, who had just made the rank of Detective two months prior to his death, was responding to a burglary alarm at the Oliver Hotel. Murphy and other Officers entered the darkened hotel lobby and took up various positions to prevent the robbers’ escape. As the search began, Officer Schomig, who was near the staircase, heard two shots ring out, and immediately returned fire at the top of the stairs. A voice cried out, and the exchange of gunfire ceased. The first shots were fired by the hotel owner, who mistook Detective Murphy as one of the robbers.

Detective Murphy was described as one of the cleanest, squarest, and most courageous men on the force. Detective Murphy had served with the Joliet Police Department for two years. He was 33 years old at the time of his death, and was was survived by his wife and infant son. Joliet Police badge #117 has since been retired.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/9777-detective-john-c-murphy

05/12/2026

National Police Week 2026
Fallen Joliet Police Department
Patrolman Louis A. Barney #134
End of Watch: August 8th, 1954

https://www.odmp.org/officer/1516-patrolman-louis-a-barney

National Police Week 2026
Fallen Joliet Police Department
Patrolman Louis A. Barney #134
End of Watch: August 8th, 1954

Patrolman Louis A. Barney, died of injuries sustained from a traffic collision while providing an es**rt detail.

Patrolman Barney was riding his motorcycle on a special traffic detail for the Pageant for Progress. His motorcycle collided with the left rear fender of a vehicle traveling westbound on Jefferson Street. The driver was later ticketed for failing to signal a left turn.

Officer Barney was able to walk to a vehicle, and was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital by an unidentified motorist. Once in the hospital, he fell into unconsciousness due to a subdural hemorrhage. Emergency surgery was performed to remove a blood clot from the brain, and remained in critical condition until he succumbed to his injuries.

Patrolman Barney had served with the Joliet Police Department for 12 years and was a World War II veteran. An avid sportsman, he carried the principles of the game into his police work. He often made friends of those he had arrested, and loved children. Patrolman Barney was 40 years old at the time of his death, and survived by his wife, two daughters, parents, and two siblings. Joliet Police badge #134 has since been retired.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/1516-patrolman-louis-a-barney

05/12/2026

National Police Week 2026
Fallen Joliet Police Department
Detective William E. Loscheider #142
End of Watch: April 2, 1970

https://www.odmp.org/officer/8268-detective-william-e-loscheider

National Police Week 2026
Fallen Joliet Police Department
Detective William E. Loscheider #142
End of Watch: April 2, 1970

Detective Loscheider died of gunshot wounds sustained while responding to a burglary call.

Detective Loscheider, along with other Officers, were working on a stakeout of a liquor company in the 700 block of Broadway following information from an informant. After observing three men making entry into the business, Officers were given orders to move in to make arrests. The suspects quickly fled after spotting the Officers, one of whom was apprehended immediately.

A second Officer was chasing the suspects when he lost sight of them. As Detective Loscheider approached the scene with his gun drawn in the darkness, the second Officer did not recognize him, and ordered Detective Loscheider to drop his gun. When Detective Loscheider didn’t comply, the Officer fired from his shotgun, fatally wounding Detective Loscheider. The burglars were later apprehended, charged, and convicted with murder for Detective Loscheider’s death, due to the Illinois felony murder statute..

After his death, the department organized the 'Police Athletic League' and the field at Plainfield Road & Wyoming Avenue was dedicated in his memory. Detective Loscheider received 17 commendations, one of which was for rescuing a girl from a fire, for which he was most proud.

Detective Loscheider had served with the Joliet Police Department for 11 years. He was 41 years old at the time of his death, and was survived by his wife and daughter. Joliet Police badge #142 has since been retired.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/8268-detective-william-e-loscheider