Berwyn Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Monday, December 12, 1932
Add to My HeroesEdgar J. Chatterton
Patrolman Edgar Chatterton and Sergeant Frank Svec were shot and killed by a man they attempted to serve a warrant on for truancy, as he had refused to send his two children to school because he opposed vaccination.
As the two officers stood on the front porch of the home, the suspect fired several times through his glass front door.
The suspect was captured a few minutes later and stated he thought the two officers were burglars but was convicted of Sergeant Svec's murder and sentenced to life in prison on August 2, 1933. On October 18, 1934, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed and remanded the conviction and sentence, stating there was reasonable doubt. He received a new trial, but much to the horror of the Berwyn Police and citizens, no one was notified about the new trial. When no one from the first trial showed up in court, the murder charge was dismissed, and he went home.
Patrolman Chatterton had served with the Berwyn Police Department for one year. He was survived by his mother.
Bio
- Age 33
- Tour 1 year
- Badge 228
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Released in 1934
Most Recent Reflection
View all 9 ReflectionsPatrolman Chatterton,
On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like say thank you for your service and and sacrifice for the citizens of Berwyn.
R.I.P.
Anonymous
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
December 12, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Marylin 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

Deputy Sheriff Matthew Pierson
Shelby County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: August 29, 2023

Sheriff Robert Daniel Rodgers
Wilcox County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: August 29, 2023