Carmi Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Saturday, May 26, 1934
Clarence Ritsch
Chief Clarence Ritsch was shot and killed while escorting a prisoner to jail that he had arrested for being intoxicated.
As they walked to the jail, the man reached inside of his coat pocket and fired a handgun. Although mortally wounded, Chief Ritsch was able to return fire. The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended and sentenced to 99 years in prison. He was paroled December 6, 1957.
Chief Ritsch had served with the Carmi Police Department for 25 years. He was survived by his wife and eight children.
Bio
- Age 50
- Tour 25 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Paroled in 1957
Most Recent Reflection
View all 5 ReflectionsChief Ritsch's story was read in Richton Park Police Department's roll call on 8-23-16 to honor him.
Sgt. James Galvan
RPPD (IL)
August 23, 2016
Recent LODD Deaths
Sergeant Wytasha Carter
Birmingham Police Department, AL
EOW: January 13, 2019
Trooper Christopher Lambert
Illinois State Police, IL
EOW: January 12, 2019
Police Officer Natalie Becky Corona
Davis Police Department, CA
EOW: January 10, 2019
Police Officer Clayton Joel Townsend
Salt River Police Department, TR
EOW: January 8, 2019
Police Officer Dale James Woods
Colerain Township Police Department, OH
EOW: January 7, 2019
Master Police Officer Joseph William Shinners
Provo Police Department, UT
EOW: January 5, 2019
Police Officer II Michael Wayne Smith
Henry County Police Department, GA
EOW: December 28, 2018
Corporal Ronil Singh
Newman Police Department, CA
EOW: December 26, 2018
Detective Deidre Irene Mengedoht
Louisville Metro Police Department, KY
EOW: December 24, 2018