Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Wednesday, February 4, 1981
Add to My HeroesRichard F. Gipson
Police Officer Richard F. Gipson suffered a fatal heart attack while struggling with a suspect at O'Hare International Airport.
Two suspects attempted to purchase tickets from American Airlines with a stolen check. The airline had been notified by Trans World Airlines regarding the two who just tried to purchase tickets and had been turned away because the check was suspicious. When the suspects showed up at the American Airlines counter they provided three identifications cards, none of which matched the checks. The two were invited into a back room and security notified Officer Gipson, who was on patrol outside.
When Officer Gipson arrived one suspect tore the check into pieces and attempted to eat it. Officer Gipson struggled with the suspect and then collapsed into a chair and lost consciousness.
Both suspects were taken into custody by Area 5 Violent Crimes officers.
Officer Gipson had served with the Chicago Police Department for 24 years and was assigned to the 016th District. He was to have gone on furlough and then into retirement the next day. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and two grandsons.
Bio
- Age 56
- Tour 24 years
- Badge 3451
Incident Details
- Cause Heart attack
- Weapon Person
- Offender In custody
Most Recent Reflection
View all 16 ReflectionsOfficer Gipson,
On today, the 41st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
February 4, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Carl Douglas Kimball
St. Francisville Police Department, LA
EOW: January 12, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Darnell Calhoun
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: January 13, 2023

Court Services Officer Curtis Matthew Worland
Alaska State Troopers, AK
EOW: December 13, 2022

Chief of Police Justin McIntire
Brackenridge Borough Police Department, PA
EOW: January 2, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Isaiah Cordero
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: December 29, 2022

Corporal Ray Charles Hamilton
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: December 24, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Corey D. McElroy
Garrett County Sheriff's Office, MD
EOW: December 21, 2022

Detective Paul Daniel Newell
Benton County Sheriff's Office, AR
EOW: December 17, 2022

Chief of Police Joe Carey
Brodnax Police Department, VA
EOW: December 16, 2022