Patrolman Raymond Carl Kilroy | Star #14686

Patrolman Raymond Carl Kilroy, Star #14686, aged 46 years, was a 20 year, 2 month, 11 day veteran of the Chicago Police Department, assigned to 25th District – Grand Central.

On May 13, 1990, at 9:10 p.m., Patrolman Gregory A. Hauser and his partner, Patrolman Raymond C. Kilroy, were working the third watch on beat 2523. They were dispatched to 2158 North Nordica Avenue, the home of Florence C. Zuniga, for a domestic disturbance that involved her grandson, Ramon Samuel Chavez, age 23. Upon arrival the officers entered the home and interviewed Ms. Zuniga in her living room. After speaking to Ms. Zuniga, the officers radioed in for a transport, because the officer were going to arrest Chavez. Beat 2572, Patrolmen Thomas Bugajski and Bruce Pearson were assigned. Officers Hauser and Kilroy then entered the detached garage where Chavez was located. As the officers questioned Chavez, he snatched the officer’s service weapon and began shooting at both officers. Both officers were struck and collapsed to the floor. Chavez fled the scene an made good his escape. When beat 2572 arrived they found Officers Hauser and Kilroy lying on the garage floor, both being shot. Officer Kilroy was shot four times, once in the rear base of the head, once to the top of his left shoulder, once to the left chest and once to the left arm. Officer Hauser was shot thee times, once to the top of the head, once to the right chest and once to the right arm pit. Officer Kilroy was transported to Illinois Masonic Medical Center by CFD Ambulance #7 where he was pronounced dead on arrival by Dr. J. Abraham at 9:55 p.m. on May 13, 1990. Officer Hauser was transported to Lutheran General Hospital by CFD Ambulance #20 where he was pronounced dead on arrival by Dr. Guerro at 9:21 p.m. on May 13, 1990.

On May 14, 1990, at 2:22 a.m., Chavez was apprehended at 2031 North Harlem Avenue by Patrolmen Harold Bone and Frank Ortiz from the Gang Crimes North Section. Ramon Chavez was charged with two counts of first degree murder and armed robbery. He stood trial and was convicted of 1st degree murder, robbery and disarming a peace officer. Chavez was sentenced to two life terms in prison without the possibility of parole.

Officer Kilroy was waked at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home located at 6150 North Cicero Avenue. His funeral mass was held at St. Bartholomew Church located at 3601 North Lavergne Avenue. He was laid to rest on May 18, 1990 in Ridgewood Cemetery, 9900 North Milwaukee Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois.

Patrolman Raymond Carl Kilroy, born October 9, 1943, received his Probationary Appointment to the Chicago Police Department on March 2, 1970.

The officers were partners until the end, having joined the Department together twenty years earlier.

Officer Kilroy was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He was survived by his mother, Florence (nee Menzel), age 76; siblings: Arlene, Pearl and Richard (CPD).He was preceded in death by his father, William Henry.

On July 23, 1990, Officer Kilroy’s star was retired by Superintendent LeRoy Martin and enshrined in the Superintendent’s Honored Star Case, located in the lobby at Chicago Police Headquarters, 1121 South State Street. In 2000, Chicago Police Headquarters moved to a new facility at 3510 South Michigan Avenue, Officer Kilroy’s Star was re-encased in the new headquarters building lobby.

On September 9, 2014, the 7000 block of West Palmer Street was dedicated as “Honorary Officers Hauser & Kilroy Drive.” One brown honorary street sign was erected. The sign was located on the Northwest corner of Palmer Street and Nordica Avenue in the heart of the Galewood community where Officers Hauser and Kilroy were killed in the line of duty.