Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

This week 44 years ago is forever burned in all of our hearts …. Its really hard to watch another family 44 years later this week going through this painful loss … I know it is hard on my friend an her family to watch this all over again … just know they loved you and your missed by us all

Merri Harris
Family friend

March 9, 2023

Patrolman Van Schaik,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your Partner for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chicago. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

March 3, 2019

Today on the 39th anniversary of your sacrifice more than a dozen officers gathered at 1600 hrs, the time of your sacrifice, at the location you were murdered. Many of those officers were not even born at that time. We will never forget the sacrifice of you and your partner.

Detective Thomas Downes

March 3, 2018

The death sentence of you and your friend's killer were commuted by Ryan apparently because of the disturbingly high amount of exonerations in the state.

Citizen

October 9, 2017

Dad – Today is a painful reminder of your absence in our lives for the past 37 years. You will forever be a hero and will never be forgotten! We miss you every day.

Deanna Pegoraro
daughter

March 3, 2016

Thoughts and prayers are with you forever.

Kara Hanley Ford, Daughter of retired CPD

July 2, 2014

I fondly remember Ofc Van Schaik. I worked with him in the 5th District. The nicest person I have ever known.

Deputy Sheriff John McInernet
Miami-Dade Police Dept.

January 13, 2014

I worked with Roger Friday nights for most of 1978 and part of 1979. My Chicago Office for the DHS took me by Bill and his last traffic stop daily. He could have been on-stage doing stand-up comedy, he had the compassion of a Catholic Priest. I will NEVER forget the fabulous times we had together. EVERY TIME I'm in Chicago I turn off Western Avenue and spend time by Beverly Park; sobbing. Mark A. Zakula

Friend and co-worker. Mark Zakula
Chicago Department of Human Services

June 2, 2013

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

Officer 11169

April 27, 2012

rest in peace and may god bless you. we remember you today

Lt.J.Pease
B.P.D

March 3, 2012

Since I retired I've been somewhat sorting out the good and bad days I'd experienced on the job. Saturday March 3, 1979, was the worst, including the days afterwards. Some days have came close...but not like "that day."

When us old rangers get together every other month, I look around the room and I know everyone there remembers that day, but we never talk about it. I believe it was their worst day on the job too.

Billy & Roger, you will be always be in our thoughts and forever in our hearts. See ya on the other side,
RIP my friends. Mags

Ret. Capt. Mike "Mags" Magliano
Chicago Police Department

November 8, 2011

I still remember that night back in 1979 I heard the radio call go out. I cannot fathom what George Ryan was thinking when he commuted your murderers sentence but if there is an after life, I hope he rots in hell . My prayers & thoughts go out to your & Bill's family.

Paramedic K J Redmond

September 30, 2011

The double murder of you and your partner serve as an example how the most routine police work can end in tragedy. When I was a rooke patrolman I served in the district where you were killed and spoke with officers who worked that day. Please know both of you will never be fogotten even after 32 years. Thank you.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

March 10, 2011

Thank you for your bravery, honor, service, and ultimate sacrifice. You will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten! May God bless your family and friends.

Sergeant, Retired
Fayetteville, AR PD

March 18, 2010

You are missed! We speak of you every day! I wear your star as a memorial! Rest In Peace!

Angel Brudnicki
Godfather

July 8, 2009

I miss you,been been 30 year's since you left us.think about you everyday.love you.

john van schaik
nephew

March 17, 2009

Roger's and the Bosak families are in our prayers. We googled and read the Cook County States Attorney filing brief to the Appellate Court on line in this matter. It is a chilling, matter of fact account of the history and of what happened but and not lost is the incredible heroic efforts by one of your fellow officers to bring this offender into custody at great risk to himself. As sure as their is a god in heaven, you partners remain together, safe forever.

Citizen

March 11, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes love or respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. I regret your family was denied justice by Gov. Ryan.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 3, 2009

Three decades may have passed but you have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones. You are a true hero.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

March 3, 2009

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Van Schaik. You are not forgotten.

Detective
Chicago P.D.

Detective
CPD

August 27, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE. YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE. GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU.

GOV. RYAN SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF HIMSELF.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

March 3, 2008

Patrolman Van Schaik,
On today, the 29th anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you to you and your partner for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chicago. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. Like the previous reflections, I couldn't agree more in what I think of the "Politician" who thought more of a cop-killer than the Officer who protects the public.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

March 3, 2008

Thinking of you today and every day. Thank your for your dedicated service to law enforcement and the citizens of Chicago. The individual responsible for bringing all this pain to so many loved ones and friends should have been executed years ago but our Ex Governor repreaved his sentence. Justice is funny, the Ex. Governor is now sitting in a Federal Prison for his crimes.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

March 2, 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

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 28th anniversary of your EOW. You have not been forgotten. Justice in this case was not served because of our Governor and his idea of staying executions. In the case of a Cop Killer, this individual should be put to death. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

March 3, 2007