Patrolman Roger W. Van Schaik, Chicago Police Department, Illinois

Patrolman Roger W. Van Schaik

Chicago Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Saturday, March 3, 1979

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Roger W. Van Schaik

Patrolman Roger W. Van Schaik and his partner Officer William Bosak were shot killed in an ambush attack. Officers Van Schaik and Bosak were returning to their squad car when a motorist traveling in the opposite direction stopped along side them. Without warning, the assailant began firing at the officers.

The killer was apprehended, convicted of the murder and sentenced to death. On January 10, 2003, outgoing Governor George Ryan commuted the death sentences of all 167 Illinois death-row inmates, including the death sentence of Officer Van Schaik's murderer, as his last act in office.

Patrolman Van Schaik was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 32
Tour Not available
Badge 14299

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Death sentence commuted

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Most Recent Reflection

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Today on the 39th anniversary of your sacrifice more than a dozen officers gathered at 1600 hrs, the time of your sacrifice, at the location you were murdered. Many of those officers were not even born at that time. We will never forget the sacrifice of you and your partner.

Detective Thomas Downes

March 3, 2018