Incident
Officer William Osborne was shot and killed while conducting a burglary surveillance at the Fairfield County Courthouse at approximately 1:00 am. He was struck in the leg by a shotgun blast. Officer Osborne had served with the Lancaster Police Department for six years.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Osborne gave the Lancaster Division of Police 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lancaster community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Osborne.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lancaster Division of Police has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1909, 3 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1909, 99 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 52nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1909, 103 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 51. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 51. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 51. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 9.6% of these deaths in OH, more than any other month. Mondays: 14.5%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Lancaster Division of Police, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Lancaster Division of Police has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Lancaster Division of Police are honored on badge.nw.

