Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Bodnar,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you 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(Retired)

April 8, 2024

Thank you for your service and rest in peace always knowing that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

April 8, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Bodnar.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 22, 2020

it has been 45 years I love you still
your wife

Gloria Bodnar

April 16, 2019

your are forever remembered and loved. I carry you in my heart.

Gloria Bodnar
spouse

April 8, 2019

My father's cousin. Rest easy brother. Chicago Police 011 Officer Bodnar.

Police officer B Bodnar
Chicago Police

October 14, 2017

It has been 40 years since you and your partner made the ultimate sacrifice as you were perfprmomg yopur duties but the CPD will never forget. Thank you for your service.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

April 19, 2014

Rest in Peace, Officer Bodnar. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 27, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th 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 line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections,


.Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 9, 2012

Dear Bill,
I can't believe almost 40 years have passed since that tragic day when God called you home to be back with Him. I often think of the good times we had growing up, and what it would be like if things were different. You'll always be a hero in my book, and I quite certain we'll be together once again with all the family for 'the good times'. Rest in peace Bill until we meet again, your cousin.....Ron

Ron Gerbar
cousin

March 3, 2012

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 8, 2010

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been a long time since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Bodnar.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 16, 2008

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this day. You have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

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

April 8, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 8, 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

December 30, 2007

Last week the stars you and Tom wore were added to the case at Chicago Police Headquaters where they rightfully belong. Supt. Cline correcly decided and was able to get all on duty officers who died included as line of duty deaths as yours and his without question were. You and Tom RIP-your sacrifices and those of your families are not forgotten in your efforts to keep the peace and preserve order in the city.

citizen

July 2, 2007

I had already sent the reflection but didn't include my
name - so when I checked the other reflections saw that others had. Also, we were trying to get a picture of you & will work on that; maybe on the day we go to your future
grandchild's (Wendy's baby) baby shower!! I can "picture" you in my mind, though, and remember your nice smile & great
personality that showed thru. You WILL be remembered by us!
Love,
Your cousin, Sharon (Bodnar) Erickson

Sharon L. Erickson
cousin

August 30, 2006

My cousin, Bill, was about 5 yrs. younger than I. His dad,
also a police officer, was VERY CLOSE to my dad & came & visited us quite often. He, as well as the rest of our family, were so-o-o proud of young Bill when he became a police officer, too. Then the tragedy happened. We all just couldn't believe it!! I, too, was a young mother of 2 children; and we all still remain close to Bill's children, Wendy & Bill, Jr. along w/ his widow Gloria. I couldn't even begin to imagine the heartbreak they felt. The day of the funeral was so traumatic. It still is vivid in my memory. Not to forget how horrible it was for my Aunt Helen
and Uncle Bill to lose their only son! They grieved for such a very long time. The other family, too, was torn apart by their loss. I remember watching the news on T.V.
& seeing the funeral procession (which my dad had my sister tape & which we just watched once again a few months ago).
Fortunately, most in our family have a strong faith in God &
Jesus as our Savior; therefore, know that Bill was granted eternal life w/ Him. We remembered Bill & my uncle & aunt
(in spirit) at Wendy's wedding just last year. Time does heal but it's nice to be able to voice this rememberance of him & to have a place like this to do so & also for other "lost" & heroic officers. We were proud of Bill and are also of these others. We often take them for granted & should remember to thank those who "serve" while we have the opportunity. God Bless all of you.

Sharon L. Erickson
cousin

August 30, 2006

Dear Bill:

I just read what my niece just wrote to you. I remember that day so vividly. I was in high school when my dad (your
uncle Gaza) told me what happened. We were all so very very sad. When we heard it was going to be on TV, my dad had an idea to get the super 8 movie camera and just tape the TV. I am glad that I did that, because now, we as a family can remember that day and let all of our children know what a great and brave man you were. You are missed by many!!!

God Bless You,
Your cousin,
Shereen

Cousin

August 13, 2006

Dear Cousin Billy....
Thank you for your being so brave. Thank you for serving the greater good. Thank you for being such an inspiration. Today I watched one of the old family videos. Someone took video of the news broadcast of your funeral. Back then there weren't vcr's or dvd's. So they just took that old video camera and pointed it at the TV. You were so brave. Your memory has not been forgotton, nor will it ever be. Billy followed in your footsteps, and I was inspired to follow in them as well for a short time. You are missed.

Carrie

August 10, 2006

We won't let you be forgotten....rest in peace, my brother

Peace OfficersMemorial Foundation of Cook County Illinois

April 20, 2005

Officer Bodnar,
On today, the 31st anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chicago.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

April 8, 2005