Chicago Officer Jim Crowley, Paralyzed Since 1987 Crash, Dies at 59; Lynwood Officer Awarded Purple Heart

Chicago police officer Jim Crowley, who was paralyzed in a drunk driving crash in 1987, has died at the age of 59. Crowley was only 22 years old and newly graduated from the police academy when a drunk driver collided with his squad car on September 4, 1987, near 15th Street and Ashland Avenue. His injuries from the incident ultimately led to his death, as reported on August 29, 2024. In a separate incident, a Lynwood police officer was awarded a Purple Heart after being shot in Ford Heights, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding police safety in the region.