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Incident
Patrolman Clarence Roseland was shot and killed when he interrupted a kidnapping-robbery in progress. Patrolman Roseland was coming out of a store when he noticed a suspicious man exiting a closed store. As Patrolman Roseland met up with suspect at the front door of the closed store he was ambushed and his pistol was taken by the suspect. Patrolman Roseland was then ordered to walk out of the store by the suspect. The kidnapping victim was able to escape in the meantime and call for help, but when help arrived they found Patrolman Roseland had been shot and killed in a struggle with the suspect. The suspect was later captured after a manhunt, convicted and sentenced to life in prison. His sentence was later reduced to 60 years. On October 11, 1956, he died of injuries he suffered in a 42-foot jump from a cell house tier to the concrete floor below.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Roseland served with the Morris Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Morris community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Roseland.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Morris Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Clarence is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Clarence is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Clarence 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 1935, 9 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1935, 154 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1935, 156 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Clarence was 41. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38.
Clarence was 41. 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.
Clarence was 41. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
February holds 5.8% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Sundays: 15.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Morris Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 50% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Morris Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Clarence among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 59-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Morris Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
