Whiteside County Sheriff's Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Wednesday, July 2, 1969
Age: 64
Tour of Duty: 23 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Assault
Date of Incident: November 23, 1960
Weapon Used: Person
Suspect Info: Not available
Correctional Officer Edward Loftus succumbed to injuries suffered when he was beaten by three inmates during an escape attempt at the Whiteside County Jail on November 23, 1960. The three youths beat him when he entered their cell to check on one who the other two said was sick. A jail employee ended the attack when he threatened them with a shotgun. Officer Loftus was transported to a hospital where he remained for several days. When released he stayed in declining health, dying in his home eight years later. The coroner reported his death was the result of the beating.
Correctional Officer Loftus had served with the Whiteside County Sheriff's Department for 23 years. He was survived by his wife and four children.