Park Police Officer Spencer Thornton, Jr.

Park Police Officer Spencer Thornton, Jr. | Chicago Park District Police Department, Illinois
Chicago Park District Police Department, Illinois
Park Police Officer Spencer Thornton, Jr.

Chicago Park District Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Monday, September 3, 1945

Spencer Thornton, Jr.

Park Police Officer Spencer Thornton, Jr. was shot and killed while intervening in a quarrel at the 31st Street Beach. One of the men opened fire, killing Officer Thornton and the other participant in the quarrel. Two other police officers who had been assigned to the Democratic picnic shot the suspect in the shoulder.

Park Police Officer Thornton died of his wounds at Michael Reese Hospital.

The Chicago Park District Police in the City of Chicago was disbanded in 1957. Remaining officers were transferred to the Chicago Police Department through an intergovernmental agreement. Fallen officers are currently honored on the memorial wall of the Chicago Police Department as Chicago Police Officers.

Bio

  • Age 37
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge 327

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; Revolver
  • Offender Not available

Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Thornton's story was read in Richton Park Police Department's roll call on 2-24-18 to remember and honor him.

Sgt. James Galvan
Richton Park Police (IL)

February 24, 2018

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