Cook County Sheriff's Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Saturday, December 2, 1967
Add to My HeroesWalter Patrick McCarthy
Detective Walter McCarthy was accidentally shot and killed in the parking lot of the Cook County Sheriff's Police Department at 1154 Ridge Road in Homewood, Illinois, at approximately 10:00 am.
He was exiting his vehicle in the parking lot when his revolver was accidentally discharged. The round struck him in the head, killing him. Detective McCarthy normally carried his revolver wrapped in a handkerchief inside his pocket instead of in its holster and it is believed that resulted in the accidental discharge.
Detective McCarthy had served with the Cook County Sheriff's Police Department for three years and had previously served with the Chicago Police Department for 26 years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, two sons, grandson, and brother.
Bio
- Age 59
- Tour 29 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsRest in peace Detective McCarthy.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
August 6, 2019
Recent LODD Deaths
Deputy Sheriff Tim Jordan
Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: January 21, 2026
Agent Aníbal Morales Aponte
Puerto Rico Police Department, PR
EOW: January 13, 2026
Zone Sergeant Steven W. Greene
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 24, 2025
Sergeant Frederick W. Scheidt, Jr.
New York State Police, NY
EOW: August 13, 2025
Trooper Mark A. Ondus
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 19, 2025
Police Officer Elijah Garretson
Copperas Cove Police Department, TX
EOW: January 11, 2026
Master Police Officer Donald Richard Gotthardt, Jr.
Fairfax County Police Department, VA
EOW: October 16, 2025
Police Officer Terry L. Bennett
Metropolitan Police Department, DC
EOW: January 7, 2026
Police Officer Stephen LaPorta
Uxbridge Police Department, MA
EOW: January 7, 2026




