Assistant Chief of Police William J. O'Leary

Assistant Chief of Police William J. O'Leary

Big Spring Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Tuesday, November 28, 1939

Add to My Heroes

William J. O'Leary

Assistant William Chief O'Leary was shot and killed while struggling with a suspect in front of a grocery store. There were no witnesses to the shooting and suspects were immediately identified. Approximately one month later a prisoner committed suicide and left a note stating he had killed Assistant Chief O'Leary. The note identified the location of the murder weapon, which later was linked to the bullets recovered from Assistant Chief O'Leary's body.

Assistant Chief O'Leary had been with the agency for only five months and was survived by three sons.

Bio

  • Age 43
  • Tour 5 months
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Committed suicide

Most Recent Reflection

View all 3 Reflections

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 72nd 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
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

November 28, 2011

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.