Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Add to My HeroesJoseph M. Airhart, Jr.
Detective Joseph Airhart succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained seven years earlier while leading an FBI Task Force raid at the home of a bank robbery suspect at 1307 South Wabash Avenue. As the team entered the man's apartment the suspect opened fire, striking Detective Airhart.
The suspect then held Detective Airhart hostage for two hours before being taken into custody.
Detective Airhart remained in a coma for two months, but never fully recovered. He was unable to speak, walk or swallow food. He died as a result of his wound on November 4th, 2008.
Prior to Detective Airhart's death, the suspect had been sentenced to life in prison plus 132 years for the shooting and robberies.
Detective Airhart had served with the Chicago Police Department for 19 years at the time of the shooting.
Bio
- Age 53
- Tour 25 years
- Badge 20931
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Tuesday, August 28, 2001
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 174 ReflectionsDet. Airheart,
On today, the 10th 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.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
November 4, 2018
Recent LODD Deaths

Special Agent Wayne Douglas Snyder
Georgia Department of Corrections, GA
EOW: January 23, 2021

Sergeant Grace A. Bellamy
Georgia Department of Corrections, GA
EOW: February 1, 2021

Police Officer II Jose Anzora
Los Angeles Police Department, CA
EOW: March 3, 2021

Officer Carlos Mendoza
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: February 24, 2021

Captain Justin Williams Bedwell
Decatur County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: March 1, 2021

Officer Cesar Dangaran Sibonga
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: February 7, 2021

Major Estaban "Stevie" Ramirez, III
Bell County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 16, 2021

Reserve Deputy Constable Martinus Mitchum
Second City Court of New Orleans Constable's Office, LA
EOW: February 26, 2021

Police Officer Dominic Jared Winum
Stanley Police Department, VA
EOW: February 26, 2021