SARGE!: Cases of a Chicago Police Detective Sergeant in the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s

by John DiMaggio

“SARGE!” is a fascinating memoir by the late Chicago Police Detective Sergeant John A. DiMaggio, one of the most decorated officers on the force during a career that spanned the years 1957 to 1991. Among his awards are two Superintendent’s Awards of Valor, Mayor Richard J. Daley’s Praiseworthy Acknowledgment Plaque for Exceptional Act of Bravery Involving Risk of Life, a Presidential Citation of Appreciation, the Illinois Police Association Award of Valor, and many more.Upon his retirement in 1991, DiMaggio wrote a fascinating account of his work as a cop. The manuscript languished among his personal effects until after his death in 2008, after which his family decided to resurrect it, spruce it up, and submit it for publication. It turns out that he was an excellent word craftsman and storyteller; in fact, he was no stranger to writing—for many years he wrote the “Ask Sarge” column for the Mystery Writers of America Midwest Chapter newsletter.Told in a conversational, “regular guy” voice in episodic fashion, “SARGE!” reveals to the reader what it was really like to be a cop. The manuscript in many ways takes the form of a prose treatment of a weekly television police drama. A large selection of PHOTOS is included.DiMaggio takes the reader back to the decades such as the turbulent 1960s, when the police department was making a painful transition from “old school” to modernization. The author describes firsthand the legendary riots that occurred in Chicago after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. He illustrates the integration of minorities into the department and how that played out. He also goes into famous cases of corruption and the politics of navigating such a large department. One of the “set pieces” of the book is the story of how DiMaggio, as part of the “Three Musketeers”—a trio that included two detectives who were close friends—investigated a series terrifying slasher attacks on women that occurred in the city in the mid-70s. The case became one of the police department’s most memorable. Among the other cases detailed in the book include how DiMaggio found himself entering the home of a crazed young man holding hostages with a shotgun; the investigation of the discovery of a headless corpse; the take-down of the Chicago “Mad Bomber”; how an anonymous audio tape provided clues to the identities of armed robbers; and the manhunt for a cop killer.

A portion of all proceeds will be donated to The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and The Chicago Police Foundation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Procedural, History

361 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 30, 2018

Reviews

[Sam Reaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting memoir by a long-time CPD detective with a long and eventful career and a sterling reputation. John DiMaggio came onto the department in the fifties, was closely associated with reforming superintendent O.W. Wilson in the sixties, served as a detective in both Robbery and Homicide, and retired in the early nineties, having seen the department through many changes. Among the high-profile cases he worked were the 1966 murder of Valerie Percy, daughter of Senator Charles Percy (DiMaggio claims to have pinned the officially unsolved killing on a man who died in prison on another conviction) and a series of brutal slasher attacks on young women in the seventies. DiMaggio speaks frankly about problems in the department while emphasizing the dedication and professionalism of the vast majority of officers and the price they pay for the work they do. Great insider look at the business of policing in Chicago, the style a bit stiff but straightforward and sincere, an account of a life dedicated to public service told with passion and heart.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having been a long time Chicago resident this book was extremely interesting given many of the areas mentioned in the book are areas of familiarity. Excellent insight into some interesting cases too.

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarge is more than a police procedural; it’s a narration of actual cases as recollected by John Dimaggio. The manuscript was published posthumously by his family. I am reviewing the audiobook.

The stories cover the mundane to the famous cases from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. The narrator recites these crimes in a matter of fact voice, which seems like it could belong to the author. When you have seen everything this police officer has seen, it would be challenging to sound too emotional. The voice and cadence put me in mind of Sargent Joe Friday of Dragnet fame.

As these are true stories, you can naturally expect some to be quite gruesome, but humorous tales offset the worst. The listener needs to be aware of course language, graphic violence, and adult themes presented in real-world scenarios.

If you enjoy true-crime tales, this book will suit your reading/listening tastes. The cases presented are from the 60s through the 80s, covering a changing the guard between old-school Chicago police and more modern procedures. Just as our lives went through tremendous cultural upheaval during this time, so did the Chicago police department. Sarge! documents them well.


I received a copy to review. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Doris J Moler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful insider look at police work

Should be required reading for all high school students. Well told, right writing showing the human side of the work and what it takes to do it well.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

This was a very well-written, engaging, and thoughtful read. This memoir by the late author showcases a vibrant and powerful career as a police officer, from his early years handling emotional cases of attempted suicides and anti-mob task forces that formed in the city to hostage situations and medical procedures from on the job injuries that nearly left him unable to walk again.

The author uses his years of expertise to highlight the inner workings of the police department of Chicago, how they handle situations, and how that has evolved over the decades. The personal way the author writes allows the reader to feel connected to the author’s life and stories, while the chapters are formatted to feel like a crime drama unfolding before the reader’s eyes.

The Verdict

A must-read memoir, SARGE! by John DiMaggio is an evenly paced and extensive book. The author’s life and experiences are engaging and draw the reader in fully, showcasing how the police department has evolved over the years while highlighting a full and experienced career of a fine officer. Be sure to grab your copy today!

[James E. Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I met Sgt. DiMaggio he was assigned as a sergeant in the 019th District. Always a gentleman and always pleasant to talk to. Supervisors like him and Sgt Toenings who also came to 019 were a pleasure to work for. There's a lot that the supervisors in the patrol division, especially those merit picks, could learn from these terrific sergeants. Unfortunately there aren't too many today that are like them.

[Leanne S. Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good read. It tells of the triumphs and problems met by policeman everyday and is written factually and also entertaining at the same time. I recommend this book as a way of understanding the ups and downs of being a cop and trying to keep the law while keeping yourself above the depression and problems you see every day. The toll it takes on families and friends.

[Stephen Monjar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to know what it’s like to be not just a cop, but a CHICAGO cop?

This is it. One of Chicago’s finest on the front lines. Chicago is my city, and these cops are the glue that hold it together. Want to know how? Read “SARGE.”

Case closed.

[Stephen F. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story, wonderful cop!

One of the best police biographies I have ever read. Told first person, you the reader are his partner in this great cop's journey through his career. Very realistic. I would be honored to be his friend. Highly recommended!

[Pat McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read about real police work

I really enjoyed the book, thanks for sharing. It is an honor to call you Brother. Thanks Again, Sarge you had an amazing career that all cops should learn from. Dedicated coppers like you make us all proud to serve and protect!!

[Marmalade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this book, loved reading the true accounts and would definitely recommend it.

[Judy Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grateful

So appreciate honesty and integrity. Well written, made you feel like you were right there. Great book and a reminder that policemen are humans, too.

[Beverley Lombardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Timely. Tells true stories from a police officer's side.

[Peggy Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book of an inside view of being a Chicago cop.

[Ben Guccharno · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to know more about cop culture and I got pretty much what I paid for. It’s interesting that cops get paid more than teachers.

[James M · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

One of the best police books around
I have read over 50 similar books and this is the best one

[Darel Krieger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent memoirs! If you like true police stories then this book is definitely for you!

[Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great Detective/cop memoir. There are some memorable cases here, but the best part is the city and the times that DiMaggio lived in--which comes through every page of this posthumous memoir. There are some gaps--one wishes an editor had Sergeant DiMaggio delve a bit more into the endemic corruption of the Department and the impact of notable scandals (several are mentioned in passing). While DiMaggio discusses working the riots after King's assassination, there is no discussion of working the Chicago 1968 Democratic Convention later that year. These criticisms aside, anyone who likes these sorts of books--and Chicago--will find this a fast-paced and interesting read.