Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois
End of Watch Saturday, July 22, 1978
Add to My HeroesStanley E. Cole
Correctional Officer Stanley Cole, Lieutenant William Thomas and Correctional Officer Robert Conkle were killed during a riot at the Pontiac Correctional Center.
Around 9:00 am, about 500 inmates were returning to their cells in the North Cell House when a riot erupted. The inmates set fire to several buildings in the complex resulting in an estimated $4 million in damages. Lieutenant Thomas and Correctional Officer Conkle were stabbed with shanks numerous times shortly after the riot began. Correctional Officer Cole was stabbed with a screwdriver.
Correctional center staff and Illinois State Police troopers were able to restore order and return the inmates to their cells 11 hours later. Seventeen inmates were charged with the murders of the correctional officers, but none were convicted.
Correctional Officer Cole had served with the Illinois Department of Corrections for one year. He was survived by his son and daughter.
Bio
- Age 47
- Tour 1 year
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Stabbed
- Weapon Edged weapon; Screwdriver
- Offender Acquitted
Most Recent Reflection
View all 12 ReflectionsOfficer Cole,
On today, the 39th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your two fellow COs who were also killed that day for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Illinois. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Officer.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
July 22, 2017
Recent LODD Deaths

Agent Billy Fred Clardy, III
Huntsville Police Department, AL
EOW: December 6, 2019

Sergeant Joshua Voth
Colorado Department of Corrections, CO
EOW: December 4, 2019

Master-at-Arms Oscar J. Temores
United States Navy Security Forces, US
EOW: November 30, 2019

Sheriff John "Big John" Williams, Sr.
Lowndes County Sheriff's Office, AL
EOW: November 23, 2019

Police Officer Rasheen McClain
Detroit Police Department, MI
EOW: November 20, 2019

Investigator Cecil Ridley
Richmond County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: November 19, 2019

Deputy Sheriff Stephen Reece
Cheatham County Sheriff's Office, TN
EOW: November 15, 2019

Deputy Sheriff Makeem Brooks
Northampton County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: November 13, 2019

Detective Jorge Rene DelRio
Dayton Police Department, OH
EOW: November 7, 2019