Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Constable Quinn,
On today, the 170th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chicago. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 5, 2023

In searching for my Quinns I came across your name and tho I don’t know if you’re kin, It would be such an honor to find I could call you mine.
From myself, and the many ancestors in my Irish line who were also cops, may you rest in peace. Thank you Rick Barrett, job well done.

Sherrie Hardin

August 24, 2021

Rest in peace Constable Quinn. A Windy City hero!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 3, 2020

Thank you Rick Barrett for your passion and dedication to the memory of Constable Quinn! I salute you and continue to be proud to count you as my friend.

Executive Assistant Thomas Epach
CPD

January 15, 2019

Forever grateful to DEA Agent Rick Barrett for his passionate commitment that lead to the discovery of this remarkable historical discovery.

My Grandfather Thomas O'Brien was a descendant of Mary Quinn (3rd generation) and would have been deeply appreciative of the amazing effort that went towards this meticulous investigative research that lead to revealing this historical incident.

Thank you to all that share Constable Quinn's story and to those that are dedicated to continue keeping the stories of all heroic fallen officers alive.

Fatemeh
Great, great, great, great grandaughter of Constable James Quinn, #9

May 27, 2018

Constable Quinn's story was read in Richton Park Police Department's roll call on 2-25-18 to remember and honor him.

Sgt. James Galvan
Richton Park Police (IL)

February 25, 2018

Thank you for honoring my family! I am a direct grandchild ( great great) of Constable Quinn.

Janeen Phillips Savage
Grandchild

June 25, 2017

I too, would like to honor Constable Quinn, not only for being the first Chicago officer killed in the line of duty, but for being a pure example of what devotion to duty truly is, and serving as the first example of his outstanding service to many more generations of officers who follow in his footsteps.

I couldn't get over the above story of how Constable Quinn turned out for work the next day in spite of his injuries the day before, and continued his quest for the arrest of his soon to be killer. We all should have someone to look up to such as the likes of Constable Quinn.

I myself got disabled in the performance of my duties with the Chicago PD. I salute those with the heroism of Constable Quinn.

Rest easy, my brother. I hope to meet you some day.

Ret. P.O. Harold J Hanley, Star#17480

Ret. P.O. Harold J Hanley
Chicago PD

April 16, 2017

Constable James Quinn is my 4x great grandfather and I am very proud to have his blood in my veins. Thank you to my Aunt Pam for uncovering our rich family history and I look forward to finding out more. Thank you to all the people who have had an interest and passion in the Constables' case and honor him with the respect he deserves and all that "watch" after him.

Kelly Landini, civilian
great, great, great, great granddaughter

August 6, 2015

What a touching story of a truly remarkable officer in the performance of his duties.

May I also say that I feel honored to be speaking to a direct descendent of Constable Officer Quinn. I feel as though I am coming in direct contact with a part of our rich history.

We proudly carry on traditions set down by those of Ofc. Quinn's day in our modern age. We are guided by their professionalism and devotion. I know that during my own career with CPD, I walked in my father's shoes before me who passed on while still on the job. And I also became disabled after a fight with a burglar, tumbling down the stairs and shattering my left ankle which led to it.

Yes, Pamela. You must feel intense pride for your great, great, great grandfather. Being the first to lay down his life for betterment of others in our great city, I have no words that truly express my admiration for someone like him, except to say that I hope I lived up to their expectations to carry on the proud tradition laid down by them.

I salute Officer/Constable James Quinn proudly!

Harold Hanley

P.O. Harold J. Hanley (Ret.)
Chicago P.D.

July 6, 2015

I am a direct descendant of James Quinn. I didn't know how important he was to Chicago Police History. My Father Thomas O'Brien (deceased 1986) did not know about the courage of his great, great grandfather. I am very proud of my great, great, great grandfather. I am glad he got the honor he deserved.
Great, great, great granddaughter, Pamela O'Brien Fleming

Pam Fleming
Civilian

August 13, 2014

Just remembering you today

Pat
Civilian - NH

May 25, 2014

You sir are an EPIC hero! Keep resting easy brother.

Dallas, TX PD SE Patrol

Police Officer
Dallas Police Department

May 22, 2014

Well, I see you are making the news again in Chicago, amazing that the news has reached me in New Hampshire, God Bless the Rice Brother's High School students who are continuing the tradition of seeing that you are placed where you should be. Amazing that after 160 years you still have a fan club.

Rest well kind Sir.

Pat
civilian

December 7, 2013

Just checking in to see how you are and hope you are pleased with the efforts made to make you the 1st Chicago Officer killed in line of duty, it was so long over due. You are thought of this Memorial Day, thank you kind Sir for your service.

Pat Van Den Berghe
civilian

May 25, 2013

Rest in Peace, Constable Quinn. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 30, 2012

Hello my old friend, just stopping by and catching up on any news. So pleased that you are finally recognized for the hero that you are. How proud your family must be, and how fortunate they are to have you looking over them

Pat Van Den Berghe

February 19, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 158th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 5, 2011

As someone else here noted, "justice at last!" Your being the first Chicago police officer killed in the line of duty was finally acknowledged. Although it has been many years it was proved thatb the CPD will not forget its own. And thanks to this web page others across the country know your story. Thank you for your service.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

December 5, 2011

Justice atlast!

Van Den Berghe
Citizen

September 8, 2011

On Tuesday, March 2, 2010, your star was retired in the Superintendent's Honored Star Case at Chicago Police Headquarters. You've finally taken your rightful place among the hundreds of other heroes who fell in your wake. Michael Quinn O'Brien, one of your great great grandsons, placed your star into this sacred shrine. On Saturday, March 13th, the Emerald Society of Illinois will honor your sacrifice and memory in Chicago's annual St. Patrick's Day parade. They've dedicated this year's Emerald Society float to you. Several of your descendents will be on the float. May you now finally rest in peace. You will never be forgotten. You will never be alone.

Rick Barrett
former DEA ASAC

March 10, 2010

On the 156th anniversary of your death, know that your star will finally and forever be retired in the Superintendent's Honored Star Case in the lobby of Chicago Police Headquarters in February 2010.

Rick Barrett
Financial Investigator, DEA Chicago

December 5, 2009

Last night you were honored at the annual candle light vigil held at Gold Star Families Memorial and Park on Chicago's lakefront. The event was sponsored by the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. Governor Patrick Quinn and Mayor Richard M. Daley were both present and each spoke at this beautiful event. Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis told the thousands gathered the details of your heroic story all under a beautiful September night sky. In his remarks, the Superintendent also proclaimed you to be the first Chicago Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty. Your great-great grandson, Mr. Jim Phillips, proudly read your name aloud during the roll call of the fallen. Your name was read first from a scroll of 539 other heroes who fell in your wake.

It has been my distinct honor to have fought for your honor since I inadvertantly discovered your all but forgotten sacrifice some seven years ago. I was extremely gratified to finally see your ultimate sacrifice be given the honors you so richly deserved.

Rick Barrett
former DEA ASAC

September 18, 2009

On May 13, 2009, Mr. Craig Floyd, the Chairman of the National Police Memorial Fund told your long forgotten story during his opening remarks to the thousands of folks who had gathered in Washington D.C. for the annual Candle light Vigil. He spoke of your heretofore unheralded heroics telling the world via live broadcast on the internet that your sacrifice will be forgotten no more.

You may rest in peace knowing the Quinn Brigade will continue to work tirelessly for justice in your honor.

Rick Barrett
former ASAC DEA

June 13, 2009

Just stopping in to inquire if they receive the Chicago news papers in heaven?

Pat Van Den Berghe
Manchester, NH

February 21, 2009