Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Monday, January 13, 1958
Add to My HeroesJohn W. Quirk
Patrolman John W. Quirk was shot three times by two gunmen at the intersection of N. Cleveland Avenue and W. Wisconsin Streets.
Patrolman Quirk was off duty on his first date with a young woman. One of their first stops that evening included a tour of the Shakespeare Avenue Station, 2131 N. California where he was assigned. Their second stop was a restaurant at 3801 W. Fullerton where they had a chance meeting with his partner and visited for some time.
He was driving an acquaintance home and pulled in front of 22 East Banks Street at approximately 2:30 am. The moment the vehicle came to a stop, two men jumped into the back of the car from each side with guns drawn. Patrolman Quirk was forced to drive in the area of the north side. While approaching the intersection of W. Wisconsin Avenue and N. Cleveland Avenue he intentionally crashed his vehicle into a street lamp. While drawing his service revolver, he fired into the rear of the vehicle. Patrolman Quirk used his body to shield his companion from the bullets as the shooting started. He was mortally wounded in the exchange. The young woman was able to identify the assailants.
After a city-wide manhunt, one gunman was immediately arrested. The second surrendered to the FBI and was turned over to Chicago Police Department homicide division.
Bio
- Age 23
- Tour Not available
- Badge 9866
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
- Offender Apprehended
Most Recent Reflection
View all 17 ReflectionsOfficer Quirk, I was born September of 1958. I read your story and consider your actions on behalf of your date heroic. You are deeply respected and I honor your memory. Semper Fi sir.
Captain Mike McAllister
Washington State Firefighter
January 13, 2017
Recent LODD Deaths

Lieutenant Jeff Bain
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, AL
EOW: January 3, 2021

Correctional Officer David A. Christensen
Washington State Department of Corrections, WA
EOW: December 29, 2020

Lieutenant John Reynolds
Garden Grove Police Department, CA
EOW: January 17, 2021

Corrections Officer Joseph A. Martini
Ulster County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: January 17, 2021

Police Officer Arturo Villegas
Alamo Police Department, GA
EOW: January 10, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Jon Melvin
Grant County Sheriff's Office, WA
EOW: December 11, 2020

Deputy Sheriff Adam Gibson
Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: January 18, 2021

Police Officer Brandon Stalker
Toledo Police Department, OH
EOW: January 18, 2021

Police Officer Jay Hughes
Kalispel Tribal Police Department, TR
EOW: January 6, 2021