Sgt. Robert giovannoni
Village of McCook, Illinois
Line of Duty Death McCook Police Department
Robert Giovannoni
End of Watch:
Incident Details
On July 23, 1956, Patrolman Robert Giovannoni was shot and killed inside the McCook Police Station by a 17-year-old suspect who had been brought in following a traffic stop by two other officers. Patrolman Giovannoni, serving as the acting desk sergeant that day, informed the suspect that a cash bond would need to be posted and then stepped out of the room briefly to get a drink of water.
While Patrolman Giovannoni was out of the room, the suspect took the officer's service revolver from the desk and concealed it behind his back. When Patrolman Giovannoni returned, the suspect pointed the weapon at him and ordered him to the floor.
As Patrolman Giovannoni began to comply, he suddenly lunged at the suspect in an attempt to regain control. The suspect fired, striking the patrolman in the throat, and then shot him again in the back as he tried to rise. Despite his wounds, Patrolman Giovannoni was able to call for help over the radio before making his way to the front of the station, where he collapsed.
The suspect was subsequently arrested and convicted of murder.
Remembrance
A Final Tribute
It is not how these officers died that made them heroes. It is how they lived.
Vivian Eney Cross
Officer Details
- Name
- Robert Giovannoni
- Rank
- Patrolman
- End of Watch
- Cause of Death
- Gunfire
- Department
- Village of McCook Police Department
- State
- Illinois