On September 4th, 1987, 22-year-old Chicago Police Officer James “Jim” Crowley was severely injured when a drunk driver hit his squad car. The accident took place at1500 block of South Ashland Avenue while he and four other officers were responding to a “man with a gun” call in September 1987. The driver of the vehicle was convicted on reckless homicide charges and was sentenced to three years in prison.  

The crash left him paralyzed and with traumatic brain injuries. He spent many years receiving care in Texas. 

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In 2019, his younger sister, Beth Carter, made it her mission to bring Mr. Crowley home to Chicago to celebrate Christmas and be with friends. 

She raised more $7,400 through a GoFundMe campaign, flew to Austin, Texas, rented an RV and drove 22 hours to bring him home to hear the cheers of fellow officers who gathered at Barraco’s restaurant in Mount Greenwood, his old neighborhood, for the occasion. 

 “I feel like someone special,” Mr. Crowley said. 

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Officer Crowley passed away on August 22, 2024, due to the injuries he sustained on September 4, 1987. He is survived by his family. 

Please keep the Chicago Police Department and the Crowley family in your thoughts. 

To make a contribution in memory of Police Officer Crowley, please visit our fallen heroes donation page.