On June 6, 1981, at 9:27 p.m., First Deputy Riordan was unarmed and off duty at Lattner’s Restaurant in Marina City, located at 300 North State Street. He was at the bar with another man and two women. According to eyewitnesses, an intoxicated patron was harassing restaurant guests, particularly women. Riordan intervened when the individual began harassing one of his dinner companions.

As Riordan escorted the individual into a corridor beside the restaurant, the situation escalated and as he confronted the man, Riordan was shot four times. Bystanders called 911 to report the incident. Tactical officers responding to the scene located the suspect and took him into custody after identification by witnesses.

First Deputy Riordan was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 11:54 p.m. on June 6, 1981, following surgery.

First Deputy Superintendent Riordan, Sr., Star #103, aged 57 years, was a 33 year, 4 month, 4 day veteran of the Chicago Police Department, assigned to the Bureau of Operational Services: Unit 141 Office of the First Deputy Superintendent. Riordan also served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 through April 13, 1946, was a veteran of World War II, and was honorably discharged at the rank of Machinist’s Mate Second Class. His dedication to keeping Chicago safe earned him multiple promotions from 1954 to 1979. In June of 1981, the Chicago Police Headquarters located at 1121 S. State St. was renamed in his honor.

He was survived by his wife and seven children. Five of his children followed in their father’s footsteps and are now police officers.

May we always remember First Deputy Superintendent James J. Riordan of the Chicago Police Department.