Sergeant Corwin Lynn McConkey

Sergeant Corwin Lynn McConkey | Illinois State Police, Illinois
Illinois State Police, Illinois
Sergeant Corwin Lynn McConkey

Illinois State Police, Illinois

End of Watch Thursday, March 8, 1951

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Corwin Lynn McConkey

Sergeant Corwin McConkey succumbed to gunshot wounds he received on February 24, 1951, during a traffic stop near Cisco, Illinois.

While he was examining the man's license, the man suddenly produced a handgun and shot Sergeant McConkey in the abdomen and chest. Although seriously wounded, Sergeant McConkey was able to return fire at the fleeing car. He was taken to John Warner Hospital in Clinton, where he succumbed to his wounds two weeks later.

The suspect escaped but committed suicide two days later.

Sergeant McConkey was a United States Navy World War II veteran and had served with the Illinois State Police for ten years, assigned to District 10. He was survived by his wife and two sons.

Bio

  • Age 32
  • Tour 10 years
  • Badge 39
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Saturday, February 24, 1951
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Committed suicide

traffic stop

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Lest one minimizes the importance of this page and the act of remembering and honoring the fallen, my father, was shot and killed in the line of duty as an Illinois State Policeman, 75 years ago, in 1951. I was eight years old, my brother six and Mom, my Dad's widow was just 31. Dad had just turned 32. YET, Here I am again re-reading his final story on this earth. Thank you for being here for those of us who lost a police officer as a parent! It really matters!!

William Corwin McConkey
Son of Ill. State Policeman, Sgt. Corwin Lynn McConkey

January 28, 2026

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