| Name: | Russell, William J. |
| Star: | 85 |
| Rank: | Detective-Sergeant |
| District / Unit: | Detective Bureau |
| End of Watch: | 12-Jun-1909 |
| Incident Details: | Detective-Sergeant William Russell, 38, was a 15-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, assigned to the Detective Bureau.
On June 12, 1909, Detective-Sergeant Russell and his partner, Officer Thomas Stapleton, followed a suspicious man they believed was carrying concealed weapons into a saloon in the 700 West block of Randolph Street. While inside, the officers sat next to George Bissett and began to question him. Detective-Sergeant Russell attempted to reach into Bissett’s coat pocket in search of a gun. Simultaneously, Bissett drew a second gun from his other pocket and shot the officer. Officer Stapleton shot and wounded Bisset who then fled the saloon. A sergeant who had heard the gunfire apprehended Bissett. Detective Sergeant Russell died instantly. George Bissett was sentenced to life in prison. Detective-Sergeant Russell’s funeral mass was held at St. Catherine’s Church and he was laid to rest in Mount Carmel Cemetery. He was survived by his wife and children. |