Death Classification: Line of Duty Death

Agency: Irving Park District Police Department

Served: 11 years*

Unit of Assignment / Detail: Unit of Assignment Unknown

District of Incident (Present Day): 017 - Albany Park

Cause of Death: Struck - By Vehicle

Age at Time of Death: 56

Timeline


Date of Birth: 07 Feb 1875

Date of Appointment: 1920

Date of Incident: 017 - Albany Park

End of Watch: 15 Mar 1931

Date of Interment: 18 Mar 1931

 

Interment Details


 Cemetery: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery - Alsip, Illinois
 Grave Location: Grave 3, Lot N14, Block 14, Section 6
 Interment Disposition: Burial

 

Memorial Details


Superintendent’s Honored Star Case: Not Enshrined

Gold Star Families Memorial Wall: Not Listed

Illinois Police Officers Memorial Wall: Panel # 5, Line 10

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall: Panel # 20-W: 25

Officer Down Memorial Page: Listed

 

Service


 Military Service: No Military Record Found

 

Incident & Biographic Details


Park Policeman Patrick Joseph Murray, Star # Unknown, aged 56 years, was an 11 year veteran of the Irving Park District Police Department, unit of assignment unknown.

On March 15, 1931, in the early morning hours, Officer Murray was on duty and in uniform making rounds with Peter Novak, age 60, of 3800 West Eddy Street, a Park District Stationary Engineer. The two were inspecting the south end of Independence Park and attempted to cross the street. As they crossed the street at the intersection of Crawford Avenue (present day Pulaski Road) and Byron Street, they were both struck and dragged 15 feet. Witnesses stated that the vehicle appeared to be occupied by two men and two women, and made no effort to stop. Officer Murray died on the scene. Peter Novak was taken to Belmont Hospital where he was treated and released.

Later the same day, policemen found an abandoned vehicle at Emerson Avenue (present day Race Avenue) and Oakley Boulevard which appeared to have been involved in a crash. The auto had fender dents and had blood stains on it. The vehicle was reported stolen and belonged to former Sheriff Charles E. Graydon. It was believed the recovered vehicle was the one involved in the crash that killed Officer Murray. It is unknown if anyone was ever arrested in connection with the hit and run or stolen auto.

Officer Murray was waked at his residence located at 3436 North Avers Avenue. His funeral mass was held at St. Viator Church located at 4170 West Addison Street. He was laid to rest on March 18, 1931 in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 6001 West 111th Street, Alsip, Illinois. His grave is located in Grave 3, Lot N14, Block 14, Section 6.

Park Policeman Patrick Joseph Murray, born February 7, 1875, received his Probationary Appointment to the Irving Park Police Department in 1920.

Officer Murray was a member of Annunciation Court No. 68 Catholic Order of Foresters and Tonti Council No. 1567 Knights of Columbus. He was survived by his wife, Catherine (nee Mahoney), children: Irene Agnes, age 31, Mae Kapp and Roy Joseph, age 24. He was preceded in death by his son, John.

The Irving Park District Police Department, in the City of Chicago, was disbanded on April 30, 1934. On May 1, 1934, the remaining officers were transferred to the Chicago Park District Police Department, which was organized on the same date. Four park District police departments, Irving, Lincoln, West, and South were consolidated into the Chicago Park District Police Department.