Patrolman Gordon | Star #18751

Patrolman Michael Patrick Gordon, Star #18751, aged 30 years, was a 1 year, 9 month, 11 day veteran of the Chicago Police Department, assigned to the 11th District – Harrison.

On August 8, 2004, at 5:45 a.m., Officer Gordon and his partner, Probationary Police Officer John P. Dalcason #5392, age 24, were working the first watch on beat 1184. The officers were near the end of their shift and driving Eastbound on Jackson Boulevard. As they crossed Sacramento Boulevard their squad car was broadsided at 2956 West Jackson Boulevard. Driving the striking vehicle, a 1994 Nissan Altima, was Luis Calle, age 28, of 2430 North Kildare Avenue. Calle was an unlicensed driver that failed to stop for a red light and whose blood-alcohol level was .177 percent, more than twice the legal limit of .08. The force of the collision caused the squad car to spin out of control ejecting both officers from the vehicle. Officer Gordon struck the pavement and his squad car came to rest with the passenger side rear wheel on to of his chest, trapping him under the vehicle. Officer Dalcason sustained serious injuries including a skull fracture. Calle was also ejected from his vehicle and sustained serious injuries. Officer Gordon was transported to Stroger Hospital of Cook County by CFD Ambulance #45 where he was pronounced dead by Dr. Dennis at 6:30 a.m. on August 8, 2004. Officer Dalcason was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital by CFD Ambulance #33 where he was treated and released. Calle was also transported to Stroger Hospital of Cook County by CFD Ambulance #10 where he was pronounced dead by Dr. Dennis at 9:19 a.m. on August 8, 2004 during surgery.

Officer Gordon was waked at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home located at 2727 West 103rd Street. His funeral mass was held at Our Lady of Charity Church. He was laid to rest on August 13, 2004 in Mount Vernon Estates Cemetery, 11875 Archer Avenue, Lemont, Illinois.

Patrolman Michael Patrick Gordon, born February 20, 1974, received his Probationary Appointment to the Chicago Police Department in October 28, 2002. Prior to joining the Chicago Police Department, Officer Gordon served as a police officer with the Riverside, Illinois Police Department for two years.

Officer Gordon served in the U.S. Army from 1994 thru 1999, he served as an airborne military police officer attached to the 82nd Airborne Division and was Honorably Discharged. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He was survived by his wife, Guinevere Powell (nee Pedigo), age 35; children: Cullen Alexander, age 5, Grace Catherine Rose, age 6 months, and Malik, age 7; step-son, David Michael Lopez, age 16; parents: Carol and Robert, Jr. (Retired Assistant Chief Riverside Police Department) and his brothers: John and Robert III (Berwyn Police Department). Two of Officer Gordon’s relatives also served with the Chicago Police Department; a cousin and an uncle.

Incident Recorded Under Chicago Police Department RD #HK544189 Traffic Crash Report and HK544383 Non-Criminal Case Report.

On November 4, 2004, Officer Gordon’s star was retired by Superintendent Philip J. Cline and enshrined in the Superintendent’s Honored Star Case, located in the lobby at Chicago Police Headquarters, 3510 South Michigan Avenue.

In 2006, the State of Illinois enacted Michael’s Law which made it a felony to drive while under the influence without a valid driver’s license and an insurance card. On November 22, 2013, the Chicago Police Department honored Officer Gordon by dedicating the new DUI Laboratory in his memory.

On May 24, 2011, the 5100 block of South Leamington Avenue was dedicated as “Honorary Police Officer Michael Gordon Way.“ One brown honorary street sign was erected. The sign was located on the Southeast corner of 51st Street and Leamington Avenue in the Garfield Ridge community.

On November 22, 2013, The Chicago Police Department named the Chicago Police Department’s training lab, where recruits learn to administer Breathalyzer tests, after Officer Gordon.