Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Shanley,
On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chicago. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 14, 2023

Rest in peace Sergeant Shanley.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 14, 2020

Be at peace Sergeant Shanley. We've got the watch from here.

Officer J. Craven
Silver Spring Township Police, PA

August 10, 2019

Sgt. Shanley,
On today, the 84th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chicago. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 14, 2017

I am your oldest granddaughter. You have 4. And you are not forgotten. We think of you often, your son William taught us that. Always respect your elders, especially your family. Your grandsons also think of you often. You have 4 of those 2. Kevin saw that you were included in the memorial by Soldiers Field. We all wish we had known you. You had to be a very special guy. And we know you were a strong believer in family picnics, and we want you to know we still have the Shanley Friends and Family Picnic every summer. Love you Grandpa.

MaryAnn Shanley
Granddaughter

December 15, 2015

Sergeant William Shanley :
It is so sad that the names of John Dillinger is so known. It is your name Sergeant William Shanley that should be known. You are a hero and a man to be looked up to. May you rest in peace and thank you and your family for the ultimate sacrifice. WE are a better people today because you walked among us yesterday.

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 26, 2015

It has been 79 years since your ultimate sacrifice but the CPD will never forget your heroic actions that day. Thank you for your service.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

December 15, 2012

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Shanley. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 27, 2012

You are a true Hero Sir, RIP.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

January 31, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 78th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 14, 2011

The funeral line was long, There's an awful lot of cars, Folks came out of the restaurants, They came out of the bars.
The workers at the construction sites All let their hammers drop. Someone asked. "What is this all for?" And they said, "Aw, just a cop."
Some chuckled at the passing cars. Some shed a silent tear Some people said, "It's stupid," "all these dumb policemen here."
"How come they are not out fighting crime?" "Or in a doughnut shop?" Sure is a lot of trouble, For someone who's just a cop."
They blocked the intersections, They blocked the interstate. People yelled and cursed, "Damn, it's gonna make me late!"
"This is really ridiculous!" "They're makin' us all stop!" "It seems they are sure wastin' time, On someone who's just a cop."
Into the cemetery now, The slow procession comes, The woeful Taps are slowly played. There's loud salutes from guns.
The graveyard workers shake their heads "This service is a flop." "There's lots of good words wasted, On someone who's just a cop"
Yeah, just a cop to most folks. Did his duty every day. Trying to protect us, Till they took his life away.
And when he got to heaven, St. Peter put him at the top. An angel asked him, "Who was that?" And he said, "Aw, just a cop."
His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was rough, And sometimes I've been violent Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't...I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"

May God be with everyone!!!!!!!!!

Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano,TX

April 9, 2009

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
mancahester, nh

December 8, 2007

Know that your sacrifice was not in vain and you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

April 22, 2007

06/06/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Sgt. Shanley.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

June 7, 2004