Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Saturday, February 13, 1954
Add to My HeroesRoman C. Steinke
Detective Roman Steinke and Detective Jeremiah Lucey were fatally wounded at 2705 W. Diversey Avenue by the owner of a laundry they were attempting to arrest.
The detectives had gone to the laundry and attempted to arrest the laundry owner for slapping a boy. The man claimed he did not know that Detective Steinke and Detective Lucey were police officers but instead thought the plainclothes officers had come into his shop to beat him.
After the shooting, the man had barricaded himself in the laundry and held 150 policemen at bay for 30 minutes before he was captured. He was also critically wounded in the battle and died in the hospital 10 weeks later.
Detective Roman Steinke succumbed to his wounds and died one week later.
Detective Steinke had served with the Chicago Police Department for 13 years and was assigned to the Shakespeare District. He was survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 42
- Tour 13 years
- Badge 4706
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Saturday, February 6, 1954
- Weapon Shotgun; 16 gauge
- Offender Deceased
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsDet. Steinke,
On today, the 70th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chicago. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
February 13, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths

Lieutenant Allen "Noochie" Credeur
Rayne Police Department, LA
EOW: May 5, 2025

Special Deputy Sheriff Larry Henderson, Jr.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 2, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Brandon Ray Sikes
Columbia County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: April 26, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesse Perez
Dawson County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 22, 2025

Captain Helio Armando Garcia, III
South Fulton Police Department, GA
EOW: April 16, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard
Wood County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 9, 2025

Deputy Sheriff William May
Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 2, 2025

Police Officer Osmar Rodarte
Marysville Police Department, CA
EOW: March 26, 2025

Sergeant Grant J. Candies
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: March 23, 2025