Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Thursday, September 22, 1988
Add to My HeroesIrma C. Ruiz
Police Officer Irma Ruiz was shot and killed confronting an armed offender in the Moses Montefiore School at 1300 South Ashland Avenue.
A heavily armed gunman went on a shooting rampage, killing three people and wounding another. The assailant then entered an elementary school filled with children. Already in the school, Officer Irma Ruiz learned of the situation and confronted the gunman.
After wounding one officer, the gunman fired at Officer Ruiz. She was mortally wounded in the attack. Despite being wounded, Officer Ruiz's partner was able to return fire and kill the gunman.
Officer Ruiz had served with the Chicago Police Department for 12 years. She is survived by her husband, daughter, and three sons.
In October 2018, Walnut Park was renamed Irma Ruiz Park. A Heart of Chicago elementary school and a police horse also bears her name.
Bio
- Age 40
- Tour 12 years
- Badge 16823
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 45 Reflections35 years have passed since you made your ultimate sacrifice my Blue Sister. You are are a hero that will never be forgotten.
M.P.O. Popelka #7903
Chicago Police Mounted Patrol Unit
September 23, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
![Segus R. Jolivette](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27106/c_2024_jolivette.jpg)
Senior Corporal Segus R. Jolivette
Lafayette Police Department, LA
EOW: July 25, 2024
![Mohamed Said](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27101/police-officer-mohamed-said.jpg)
Corporal Mohamed Said
Melvindale Police Department, MI
EOW: July 21, 2024
![Edgar Ordonez](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27100/c_edgar-ordonez.jpg)
Probationary Police Officer Edgar Ordonez
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: July 10, 2024
![Robert William Sumner](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27096/c_robert-sumner.png)
Corporal Robert William Sumner
Oklahoma Department of Corrections, OK
EOW: July 14, 2024
![Matthew Bowen](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27095/police-officer-matthew-bowen.jpg)
Police Officer Matthew Bowen
Vacaville Police Department, CA
EOW: July 11, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fernando Esqueda
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: July 11, 2024
![Kevin Linn Palmer](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27091/c_k._palmer.jpg)
Assistant Chief Kevin Linn Palmer
North Richland Hills Police Department, TX
EOW: May 1, 2024
![Jamieson Ritter](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27085/police-officer-jamieson-ritter.jpg)
Police Officer Jamieson Ritter
Cleveland Division of Police, OH
EOW: July 4, 2024
![William Butler, Jr.](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27084/c_butler-bill.jpg)
Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr.
Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office, MI
EOW: June 27, 2024