Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Sergeant James L. Hosna was shot and killed during an armed robbery investigation in the 1400 block of South Halsted Avenue. Sergeant Hosna observed the wanted armed robber enter a drinking establishment and confronted him. The gunman fired three shots before Sergeant Hosna had time to draw his revolver. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the hospital the next day. The suspect, a notorious gangster, claimed self defense and was acquitted of murder. Later he served a sentence for armed robbery and then went on to work for Al Capone. Sergeant Hosna had served with the Chicago Police Department for 11 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-F5837A91- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Sergeant Hosna gave the Chicago Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Sergeant Hosna.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Sergeant James L. Hosna is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In IL, 842 of 1,318 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 63.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Chicago Police Department, 396 of 571 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James L. Hosna's cause is highlighted.
How James L. Hosna Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James L. Hosna is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James L. Hosna was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
570 officers from Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
