Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Billy has been on my mind a lot lately. We grew up together and were best of friends. He was my cousin, but more like a brother. Our lives took us different directions and we lost track of each other after high school, except for the occasional family reunion, but my memories of our friendship still make me smile. I love you Billy and will miss you forever.

Tim Osborn
Cousin

June 2, 2024

...I was Billy's friend...childhood neighbor on Wagner in Beverly Manor...I knew his family, his cousins, and I knew him...I spent the night at his house, and he at mine, and one day he and I taped-up Black Cat firecrackers with electrical tape and he held on just a little too long...yes, I lit that fuse, and it was a serious thing that happened to his thumb, the kind of serious thing that little boys get themselves in to...

...Billy - you were a good neighbor, confidante, friend...yes, I was at your service...no, I will never forget you...

David Smithee
friend

June 23, 2022

So Sad Lots of Prayers For The Family and Friends

Shelly Johnson
Concerned Citizen

February 19, 2022

Rest in peace Patrolman Osborn.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 19, 2021

My heart goes out to Officer Osborn’s family, friends, and fellow officers around the world.

David Haworth
Feather of a current Bloomington Police Department Officer.

February 19, 2021

Its late at night again. I miss you and still will never will forget my first true love. We have 6 grandchildren now. You would be so proud of our family. Love always

Yvonna Kelly
wife

November 19, 2016

Officer Osborn's story was read in Richton Park Police Department's roll call on 6-03-16 to honor him.

Sgt. James Galvan
RPPD (IL)

June 3, 2016

30 years later and your still remembered as a hero. RIP brother.

Trooper State Trooper
AZ DPS

February 19, 2016

RIP Brother. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Bloomington Police Department

February 19, 2016

.I remember the days we played together as kids there in Sunnyland and your dog Bubbles. We did not have a care. I Thank You For your service and pray for your family. Rest in peace cousin. Til we meet again.

David Hamilton
Cousinl

May 24, 2013

I was the Emergency Physician on duty when Officer Osborne was brought into the hospital ER that fateful evening. I wish we could have done something to change the events that led to his death.

It was a senseless shooting. I still feel sorrow for the family of Officer Osborne.

Tom Pliura, M.D.
Le Roy, IL

March 27, 2013

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Osborn. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 21, 2012

I still miss you so much. You are a part of my life every day though. It is because of you that I work where I do, where they train police officers, firefighters, and other public safety personnel how to go home safe to their families. I wish our kids could have grown up together, that we could have gotten older together, that we could have laughed at each other, that we could have shared life's ups and downs together. I see so many things that I know you would have loved, new technology, new training, new ideas. That always comes to mind, "Wow, Bill would have loved that!" I will miss you always, until I see you again.

Robin

Sister of Billy P. Osborn, Bloomington Illinois P.D. (EOW 02/19/86)

March 22, 2012

Billy was my best friend through high school. I first met him in drafting class class. I was not very good at drafting but Billy was there to help me out though the hard things. From then on we were friends. Kept in contact with him for a year or so after high school and attended his wedding. I ran into him again when we tested for the State Police. I joined the service and left the area. I was in Korea when my mom told me of Bills death. I have often thought of him and the loss to his family. He is missed.

Stephen Peak, MSGT, USAF Ret.
High School Friend

June 26, 2011

Dear brother, I miss you every day. You were what held us together. There isn't a day goes by that I don't think of you and wonder what it would have been like if this tragedy hadn't happened. You were the kindest person I knew and you loved your family so very much. Your kids were your life. I love you brother! Your memory will go on.

Carolyn Osborn Sands
Sister

March 23, 2010

To the family and loved ones of Patrolman Billy Paul Osborn:

I wanted to honor and remember Billy today. Although I never had the privilege of meeting him, I feel as if I know him through the loving reflections left by friends. His valor and courage will never be forgotten.

I am so sorry that Billy was robbed of his life, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

To his family, I am so sorry for your loss and know that your life was forever changed by the death of your beloved. I know that he is forever in your hearts. I wish for you that you are able to live the hopes and dreams he has for your life.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Billy gave to his community and the citizens of Illinois, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 19, 1986.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

Anonymous

February 19, 2010

Officer Osborn, you will not be forgotten! R.I.P.

Deputy Sheriff
Livingston County (Il) Sheriff's Ofc.

January 20, 2010

As the oldest remaining police officer of the City of Bloomington, I render my most heart felt condolences to a brother officer.

Patrolman Doug Bicknell
Bloomington PD

April 9, 2009

You will always be remembered by your family and loved ones.

Jean Fahnestock ( Hamilton)
Cousin

April 2, 2009

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

December 26, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND SERVICE. YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 11, 2008

The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 17, 2007

While I was only 11 years old, the day you were shot and the day you passed are carved in my memory forever. But even more so are the memories of your life. I smile when I think of you because I know how many lives you touched and continue to touch with your memory. I only wish you could have enjoyed your wife and children and family for much longer. You were a wonderful man and were truly committed to your family and career. Thank you. I miss you and love you, Uncle Billy.

Diane Osborn
Niece

February 21, 2007

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. REST IN PEACE. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED.

DAUGHTER OF AN OFFICER

February 19, 2007

The Bloomington Police Department conducted ceremonies on 2/19/06, the 20th anniversary of Officer Osborn's death, to remember his service to the department and the citizens of Bloomington. A memorial wreath was placed at City Hall, which used to house the police department. The police chief read a message written for the occasion by Officer Osborn's daughter, who was only 8 years old when she lost her father. Another wreath was placed at Officer Osborn's grave. Officer Osborn will never be forgotten by the men and women of the Bloomington IL Police Department.

Media Relations Specialist Duane L. Moss
Bloomington IL Police Department

February 20, 2006