Harry J. Crowley  | Star #160

Death Classification: Line of Duty Death

Agency: Chicago Police Department

Served: 13 years, 8 months, 4 days

Unit of Assignment / Detail: District 33 - Summerdale

District of Incident (Present Day): 001 - Central

Cause of Death: Gunfire - Enemy

Age at Time of Death: 39

Timeline


Date of Birth: 12 Mar 1885

Date of Appointment: 04 Mar 1911

Date of Incident: 08 Nov 1924

End of Watch: 08 Nov 1924

Date of Interment: 12 Nov 1924

 

Interment Details


 Cemetery: Mount Carmel Cemetery - Hillside, Illinois
 Grave Location: Grave 6, Lot 22, Block 5, Section U
 Interment Disposition: Burial

 

Memorial Details


Superintendent’s Honored Star Case: Panel # B-8

Gold Star Families Memorial Wall: Panel # 21

Illinois Police Officers Memorial Wall: Panel # 2, Line 12

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall: Panel # 19-E: 12

Officer Down Memorial Page: Listed

 

Service


 Military Service: No Military Record Found

 

Incident & Biographic Details


Sergeant Harry J. Crowley, Star #160, aged 39 years, was a 13 year, 8 month, 4 day veteran of the Chicago Police Department, assigned to District 33 – Summerdale.

On November 8, 1924, at 10:59 p.m., Sergeant Crowley while off duty was in the rear room of a “soft drink” parlor owned by John Quail located at 539 West Polk Street. He was in the company of Miss Margaret Price whom he had accompanied to the establishment. While seated at a table in the back enjoying a beer two armed bandits, Calisto Hernandez and Joe Estrado, entered the establishment. They were wearing handkerchiefs over their faces and demanded the patrons to throw up their hands as they attempted to rob the establishment. It was at this time that Sergeant Crowley drew his gun and confronted the robbers. Both Sergeant Crowley and one of the robbers fired at the same time. Sergeant Crowley being struck in the chest with the bullet piercing the heart and the bandit struck in the right side of his chest. Both men collapsed to the ground bleeding, but Crowley continued to fire at the other robber but missed. The second robber fired three shots at Crowley before he fled out the door. Crowley died on scene. The first robber was identified and later died from his injuries.

On December 2, 1924, the arrest of Joe Estrado was recommended by the Coroner. On December 17, 1924, Joe Estrado was arrested in Rockford, Illinois and extradited back to Chicago. On December 18, 1924, he was held without bail by Municipal Court Judge Adams. Estrado stood trial and was found guilty of the murder of Sergeant Crowley. On February 9, 1925, he was sentenced to life in the Illinois State Penitentiary at Joliet by Judge Kersten.

Sergeant Crowley was waked at his residence located at 1358 North Kenmore Avenue. His funeral mass was held at Our Lady of Lake Church. He was laid to rest on November 12, 1924 in Mount Carmel Cemetery, 1400 South Wolf Road, Hillside, Illinois. His grave is located in Grave 6, Lot 22, Block 5, Section U.

Sergeant Harry J. Crowley, born March 12, 1885, received his Probationary Appointment to the Chicago Police Department on March 4, 1911. He earned 3 Credible mention and 1 Extra Compensation for Meritorious Conduct totaling $180.00 during his career. He was also awarded the Tribune Hero Award in September of 1921. On November 11, 1914, he was promoted to 2nd Class Detective Sergeant, his title being officially changed by order of the city council on January 11, 1915. On June 28, 1921, he was promoted to Sergeant.

Sergeant Crowley was survived by his mother, Margaret and siblings: Cornelius I., Mrs. Frank Barrow and William J. Crowley.

Incident Recorded under Chicago Police Department homicide file, Case #7476.