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Incident
Police Officer John Boss was killed while chasing a speeding taxicab. Officer Boss and his partner chased a fleeing taxicab west on Madison Street from Lombard Avenue in excess of 50 mph. At Wisconsin Avenue, the cab quickly turned southbound. His partner, who was ahead, braked as he passed Wisconsin Avenue and began to turn around. Unable to stop, Officer Boss struck his partner's motorcycle and both men were thrown to the ground, unconscious. Officer Boss' motorcycle reportedly rolled several times and he was struck in the forehead by the handlebars. He died of his injuries 28 hours later. Officer Boss had served for several years on the police department before volunteering for military duty in WWI. Upon his return to Oak Park, on the recommendation of the chief and his staff, he was reappointed to the police department. Officer Boss was survived by a sister and three brothers. He was buried in Arlington Cemetery in Elmhurst.
Survivors
Officer Boss was survived by a sister and three brothers.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Police Officer Boss gave the Oak Park Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Oak Park community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
John J. Boss served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Accident
Oak Park Police Department has lost 7 officers; 4 of them lost to accidents.
John is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
John is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
John is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1921, 4 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 24th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1921, 68 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 54th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1921, 105 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 15th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 33. Of the 344 lost to accidents in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45.3; the middle age was 37. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 33. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 33. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 8.5% of these deaths in IL; October holds the most, 11.3%. Tuesdays: 11.6%.
April holds 7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
April holds 7% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 57.1% of all 7 deaths at Oak Park Police Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 26.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Oak Park Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Military Service
John J. Boss served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit John J. Boss’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 45-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Oak Park Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
