Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Thursday, February 6, 1919
Add to My HeroesJames L. Hosna
Detective Sergeant James L. Hosna was shot and killed during an armed robbery investigation in the 1400 block of South Halsted Avenue. Sergeant Hosna observed the wanted armed robber enter a drinking establishment and confronted him. The gunman fired three shots before Sergeant Hosna had time to draw his revolver. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the hospital the next day.
The suspect, a notorious gangster, claimed self defense and was acquitted of murder. Later he served a sentence for armed robbery and then went on to work for Al Capone.
Sergeant Hosna had served with the Chicago Police Department for 11 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 37
- Tour 11 years
- Badge 324
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Wednesday, February 5, 1919
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Acquitted
Most Recent Reflection
View all 11 ReflectionsDet. Sgt. Hosna,
On today, the 100th 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.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station
February 6, 2019
Recent LODD Deaths

Officer Byron Don Shields
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: January 20, 2021

Police Officer Martez "Tez" Hughes
Louisville Metro Police Department, KY
EOW: November 19, 2020

Detective Sergeant Stephen R. Desfosses
Norton Police Department, MA
EOW: January 13, 2021

Lieutenant Treva Preston
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: January 15, 2021

Police Officer Jerry Steven Hemphill
Lanier Technical College Police Department, GA
EOW: January 16, 2021

Sergeant J. L. "Buck" Dancy
North Little Rock Police Department, AR
EOW: December 2, 2020

Lieutenant Jeff Bain
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, AL
EOW: January 3, 2021

Correctional Officer David A. Christensen
Washington State Department of Corrections, WA
EOW: December 29, 2020

Lieutenant John Reynolds
Garden Grove Police Department, CA
EOW: January 17, 2021