Patrolman William Peter Fahey, Jr., born October 18, 1947, joined the Chicago Police Department on October 23, 1972. A 10-year veteran, he earned 19 Honorable Mentions and numerous letters of appreciation. He was a beloved husband to Patricia and a father of three children: Erin, Jamie and Krista. The Columbus Avenue bridge over the Chicago River is dedicated in his memory. A dedication plaque was erected to be permanently displayed. The ceremony was held on what would have been Fahey’s 35th birthday. Attending the ceremony were Fahey’s parents, his widow, and his children. Fahey’s mother placed a single rose alongside the plaque honoring her son during the ceremony. 

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Patrolmen William P. Fahey and Richard J. O’Brien were fatally shot during a traffic stop shortly after attending a fellow officer’s funeral on February 10, 1982. Around 2:00 p.m., they pulled over a Chevrolet for running a red light at 81st and Morgan. As Officer Fahey attempted to handcuff passenger Andrew Wilson, Wilson grabbed Fahey’s revolver and shot him. He then shot Officer O’Brien and fled with his brother, Jackie Wilson. 

Help was first summoned to the scene when a voice was heard over the police radio system: “Emergency! Emergency! Two policemen have been shot at 81st and Morgan”. It was later learned to be the voice of a witness to the shooting who ran to the squad car and grabbed the microphone when he saw the officers fall. O’Brien died shortly after at the hospital, and Fahey died the next morning at Little Company of Mary in Evergreen Park. Fahey died the following morning at 11:14 a.m. without regaining consciousness. The officers, temporarily partnered, were part of the Gang Crimes South Unit. 

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The Wilson brothers were later apprehended and convicted. In 2003, Governor George Ryan commuted all Illinois death row sentences to life, including theirs. In 2020, Jackie Wilson was acquitted in Fahey’s death but found guilty in O’Brien’s. Andrew Wilson remained sentenced to life in prison. 

He was laid to rest on February 13, 1982 in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 6001 West 111th Street, Alsip, Illinois. His grave is located in Grave 6, Lot –, Block 8H, Section V. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Fahey family and the Chicago Police Department. To donate in memory of Officer Fahey, please visit our Fallen Heroes Donation page.