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Incident
Patrolman Billy Osborn was shot and killed with his own weapon which was taken from him by a prisoner at 2:00 am. Patrolman Osborn had entered the jail cells at the station and was walking past a cell when an inmate reached through the bars and grabbed his weapon from its holster. In the fight to get the weapon back it discharged, striking Patrolman Osborn in the neck. The prisoner was found guilty but mentally ill and sentenced to 40 years in prison. Patrolman Osborn had served with the Bloomington Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and children.
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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Osborn gave the Bloomington Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Bloomington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Osborn.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bloomington Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Billy is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Billy is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Billy is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1986, 8 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1986, 98 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1986, 112 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 52nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Billy was 28. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Billy had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Billy was 28. 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. Billy had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Billy was 28. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Billy had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 5.8% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Wednesdays: 11.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Bloomington Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 4.8% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Bloomington Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Billy among them.
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
1 officer from Bloomington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
