Wheeling Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Tuesday, November 5, 1985
Age: 42
Tour of Duty: 16 years
Badge Number: 123
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: November 5, 1985
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Death sentence commuted
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. He was survived by his wife and three daughters.