Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Age: 53
Tour of Duty: 25 years
Badge Number: 20931
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 28, 2001
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Detective Joseph Airhart succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained seven years earlier while leading an FBI Task Force raid at the home of a bank robbery suspect at 1307 South Wabash Avenue. As the team entered the man's apartment the suspect opened fire, striking Detective Airhart.
The suspect then held Detective Airhart hostage for two hours before being taken into custody.
Detective Airhart remained in a coma for two months, but never fully recovered. He was unable to speak, walk or swallow food. He died as a result of his wound on November 4th, 2008.
Prior to Detective Airhart's death, the suspect had been sentenced to life in prison plus 132 years for the shooting and robberies.
Detective Airhart had served with the Chicago Police Department for 19 years at the time of the shooting.