Oak Park Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Tuesday, April 19, 1921
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: 3 years
Badge Number: 310
Cause of Death: Motorcycle crash
Date of Incident: April 17, 1921
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Police Officer John Boss was killed while chasing a speeding taxicab.
Officer Boss and his partner chased a fleeing taxicab west on Madison Street from Lombard Avenue in excess of 50 mph. At Wisconsin Avenue, the cab quickly turned southbound. His partner, who was ahead, braked as he passed Wisconsin Avenue and began to turn around. Unable to stop, Officer Boss struck his partner's motorcycle and both men were thrown to the ground, unconscious. Officer Boss' motorcycle reportedly rolled several times and he was struck in the forehead by the handle bars. He died of his injuries 28 hours later.
Officer Boss had served for several years on the police department before volunteering for military duty in World War I. Upon his return to Oak Park, on the recommendation of the chief and his staff, he was reappointed to the police department.
Officer Boss was survived by a sister and three brothers. He was buried in Arlington Cemetery in Elmhurst.