Chicago police officer severely injured in line of duty in 1987 laid to rest
CHICAGO - The Chicago Police Department, family and friends honored an officer who died last week as a result of injuries he suffered while on duty nearly four decades ago.
In September 1987, Chicago Police Officer James Crowley was inside a squad car with four of his fellow officers responding to a call about a "man with a gun" when they were hit by a drunk driver.
Crowley was severely injured and was unable to walk or care for himself for 37 years. He died as a result of his injuries on Aug. 29, at the age of 59.
South Side residents stopped in the streets to salute and offer prayers as the funeral procession of Patrolman James B. Crowley traveled from the funeral home to the church Wednesday morning.
The children of St. Christina lined up outside their school to show respect to the Crowley family. Officer Crowley was the youngest of his police class. Kid Crowley, they nicknamed him.
Crowley was only 22 when his career was cut short. He lived in a specialized care facility in Texas. In 2019, he went home for Christmas, enjoying the love of family and friends. His life was altered, but his spirit was not.
Alderman Matt O’Shea (19th Ward) went to the same high school as Crowley and got to know his family. He said Crowley never felt sorry for himself and never needed sympathy. He emphasized Crowley was most proud of having been a Chicago Police officer.
In attendance, former alderman and police officer Ed Burke sat by Ald. Matt O’Shea.
Supt. Larry Snelling offered gratitude, thanking Crowley for the sacrifices he made over the past 37 years.
Sept. 4 was the 37th anniversary of the crash that ended Crowley’s career. His family wanted the funeral mass to take place on this day.
The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation released the following statement on Crowley's passing:
"On behalf of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and all Chicagoans, we are forever grateful for the sacrifice Officer Crowley and his family made in service to our community. Jim led a very difficult life in the years following the accident but always managed to keep a positive outlook. We pass our sincerest condolences on to the Crowley family, especially his only sister, Beth, who did so much to care for him over the years."
While responding, the squad car was struck by a drunk driver. Crowley, who was 22 at the time, suffered serious injuries that left him unable to walk or care for himself. Another officer, William Malcom Morrison, Jr., was killed in the crash. The driver of the vehicle was convicted of reckless homicide and was sentenced to three years in prison.