Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Merry Christmas Phil. We LOVE you. Never forgotten

Brothers in blue

December 25, 2006

It was 20 years on today Phil and the class of 17 Nov. '86 never forgot you or John Mathews. Boy we had some good times "back in the day" remember?

We'll meet again someday. The first one will be on me.

P.O. CPD
Chicago PD

November 17, 2006

My dearest husband,
I gave a speech about you today to Elmhurst police and firefighters training to be honor guards. I was nervous at first but then felt you whispering in my ear to be strong and helpful about duty-death. I think they were touched by what a good man, husband, and father you were because of your associations with other officers. We love you, Bethany.

Bethany O'Reilly
wife

April 29, 2006

To Sgt. Philip O'Reilly, his wife and family and his loved ones:

On this the third anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.

Sgt. O'Reilly, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Sgt. Philip O'Reilly.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Sgt. O'Reilly gave to his community and the citizens of Illinois, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 16, 2005.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 16, 2006

It will be 3 years that you were called away. You have not been forgotten and are a true hero. Keep watch over your family and those still out on patrol. Wrap your wings around those you love who still suffer from broken hearts everyday.

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

Bob Gordon

March 11, 2006

I'll think of you on 3/16. I'll wear the coat. TW

Lt TW
CPD

March 11, 2006

Phil, just wanted to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas. Take care and thanks for watching over all of us.

Andrew Cuomo
Chicago Police Department

December 25, 2005

It is just before Christmas '05 and I am looking at photo of you and your young son. I wish I was working that night on 3/16/03 but I wasn't. I miss the laughs and conversations. I'll never forget talking to you at St Ita's. Your wife is very strong. Rest well, you will not be forgotten.

Lt TW (Ret)
CPD

November 27, 2005

Hey Phil, I really don't know what to say-if you can believe that, but I just wanted you to know that I get to see your star every night I come to work. Being in OPS Command these days, I walk past your star every night and I feel proud, happy and sad all in the step that it takes to walk by it as it hangs in headquarters. The PRIDE-is from working with you on the "Wild West Side" for the years that you were there with us, knowing that we had a coppers copper as a boss to look to when we needed one. The HAPPY-is remembering all the awesome side splitting stories that we shared when the dust settled over in 011 and we had a few minutes to bs. The SAD-well I think that goes without saying and that is just not having you around to share those stories or just knock off a cold one or two-plain and simple-just not having you around-unfortunately covers it. I remember your funeral like it was yesterday, and when I flip through the clippings I have and see Phil Jr. saluting you, I can only imangine how proud of him, and your family, you are. You were, are, and always will be-THE BEST.

P.O. John CHIBE
CPD-Operations Command

November 27, 2005

Phil-
I was thinking of you today and I viewed the video Bethany did for the Chicago Police Memorial. You would be very proud of her. She and the children are doing thier best. Your memory is forever with us all who new and loved you.

Ammie

November 16, 2005

well phil they put your star in the case. Now i am even more compelled to be more like you. Its really hard some times but Im trying. The Memorisl is on the way and i cant wait to see it. If you dont no already it will be in front of soldier field over looking the lake. Now the whole city can see your name and all the other officers who layed there lives down also.
Well ill see you when the time is right, but for now can you keep an eye out just in case

love you..

June 14, 2005

A HERO TO MORE THAN HE KNOWS. (c)2004

Emory - Ephrata, WA
brother Ferry County WA Undersheriff Matthew J. Lane, EOW 5/30/03

April 24, 2005

dear mrs O'reilly i met you last night at a dinner for your husband and mine. god bless you and your whole family.

rpd
rpd

August 19, 2004

I knew Phil as a family friend. He and the family would visit and stay with us up here in Northeastern WI a few times each year. The things that still stand out in my mind are how devoted he was as a father and husband. He was so patient and understanding. I knew he had a very challenging job that required a great deal of discipline and was most likely very stressful. I just admired the man. We all miss you Phil.

Mario

Mario Munoz
Family Friend

June 29, 2004

I often walk my dog through Calvary Cemetery and today (6-22-04) saw a Cubs pennant near one of the graves. Being a Cubs fan myself I walked over to view the inscription on the stone and was saddened to see that it was a Chicago Police officer who had died in the line of duty just last year at a young age. When I came home, I searched online to hopefully learn something about Sgt. O'Reilly's unfortunate passing and was happy to have found this website. It is apparent that he was, and still is, well loved and respected by those who knew him. Having read many of the reflections here, I'm happy that I took the time to learn about him and will make a point of passing by his grave on future walks through Calvary as my way of saying thanks for having served the City so honorably.

Anonymous

June 22, 2004

We were born a month apart, we started law enforcement 3 months apart, we played as children, my cousin. God Bless, you are missed. Condolences to all family members.

Officer Mark Ryan
Brookfield IL Police Dept

May 7, 2004

Rest easy, Brother; you are not forgotten.

Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, In.l

March 16, 2004

God Bless You SGT, You are not forgotten.

011
CPD

February 4, 2004

I am participating in the 2004 Police Unity Tour. It is a bike ride from Virginia Beach, Va to Washington, DC during the National Law Enforcment Memorial week. All the proceeds go directly to the Memorial and the services provided to the surviving family members. This year we are riding in recognition of a fallen officer. Sergeant Philip O'Reilly is my officer and I will represent him to the best of my abilities. It is very unfortunate what happened to Sergeant O'Reilly, but on May 12, 2004, he will ride with his brother officers to the Law Enforcment Memorial.

Second Lieutenant Chris Cochrane
Fairfax County Police Department

January 31, 2004

I met Sgt. O'Reilly at a few watch parties and it always struck me how full of life he was. Dispatching on the midnight shift can sometimes be monotonous and boring but whenever Sgt. O'Reilly came on the radio, people listened. He was always respectful and courteous to us dispatchers and I could tell he was well respected as a boss. Im no longer on the midnight watch or working that zone, but I think of that night often and wish things would've turned out differently. God Bless the O'Reilly family.

Chgo Police Dispatcher Laura Raffae
Office of Emergency Communications

December 31, 2003

To the O'Reilly family...
From the bottom of my heart i want you all to know that i am greatly sorry for what happened to Phil, he was a great man. Always remember that he is still here... to watch over all of us and to protect us. God bless your family and know that you are in many peoples hearts.

October 16, 2003

To the O'Reilly Family,
It's been a while since i have visited this page to pay my repsect to the families of downed officers. At one time the only site I would go to was Adams then one day I realized that many other families shared my pain. When you love a man that loves the badge you realize that you never take for granted what tomorrow holds. My heart goes out to all of you the battle you will par take in is not easy and some days will be one you will wonder if you can handle. But always remember the really great times. And as it always does time and God will help you get through your toughest days. You are all in my thoughts and prayers

Katrina Hickox
girlfriend of Adam eow1-13-03

On behalf of the LEO Academy Class 03-01, I would like to extend my heart felt condolences to the family and colleagues of Sgt. O'Reilly. Our prays go with him.

Law Enforcement Academy Class President
OPD

We are truly saddened at your loss.
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We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
The young ones now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
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Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton (NY) PD

Officer O'Reilly, May your memory live on in the hearts of all law enforement officers. You gave the ultimate sacrifice, and because of that, you will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace my brother, and may God bless you.

Officer John Foster
Panama City Beach Police Department