Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Thursday, August 12, 1943
Add to My HeroesJames G. Karl
Patrolman James Karl succumbed to burns sustained while attempting to rescue the driver of a gasoline truck that had crashed into the Belt Line Railroad Viaduct at 4600 West 16th Street.
Gasoline leaked from the truck and pooled around a stalled car. When the driver of the car attempted to start it, the gasoline was ignited and caused the gas truck to explode. The driver of the truck and Patrolman Karl, who was attempting to pull him from the truck, both suffered fatal burns. Seventee other bystanders also sustained injuries from the explosion.
Patrolman Karl was taken to a local hospital where he died the following day.
Patrolman Karl was survived by his wife, two children, and parents.
Bio
- Age 32
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Fire
- Incident Date Wednesday, August 11, 1943
Most Recent Reflection
View all 15 ReflectionsRIP. You are never forgotten.
PO retired
CPD 011th district
August 12, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Jacob Eric Salrin
Richland County Sheriff's Department, SC
EOW: September 29, 2023

Community Parole Officer Christine Guerin-Sandoval
Colorado Department of Corrections, CO
EOW: September 28, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Marylin Anjanette Mayo
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: September 21, 2023

Police Officer Darrin McMichael
Arlington Police Department, TX
EOW: September 21, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Ryan Clinkunbroomer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: September 16, 2023

Governmental Affairs Liaison Michael Elaine Griffin
Mississippi Department of Public Safety, MS
EOW: September 4, 2023

Police Officer Kevin Cram
Algona Police Department, IA
EOW: September 13, 2023

Deputy Sheriff II Auston Smith Reudelhuber
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 9, 2023

Detective Robert Garten
Hartford Police Department, CT
EOW: September 6, 2023