Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer William Rosenstreter was shot and killed as he attempted to make an arrest. Officer Rosenstreter, while investigating a disturbance at a drinking establishment, observed an intoxicated man smashing a glass door and attempting to enter. As Officer Rosenstreter detained him, the offender turned around, placed a revolver to the officer's neck and fired. Officer Rosenstreter died shortly after as a result of his injuries. The suspect was arrested and charged with murder. He said he thought Officer Rosenstreter, in plain cloths, was a robber. His trial ended with a hung jury.
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BO-US-IL-64683162- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Rosenstreter served with the Chicago Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Rosenstreter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William J. Rosenstreter is one of 17,559 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 53.9% of all 32,587 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 10 percentage points above the national rate of 53.9%.
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. William J. Rosenstreter's cause is highlighted.
How William J. Rosenstreter Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William J. Rosenstreter is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William J. Rosenstreter was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
570 officers from Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
