Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Osthimer,
On today, the 80th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Wabash. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 19, 2023

I remember this happening. It was cold. The police car was returning southbound to the police station at Wabash and Main Street. The shooting occurred in front of the Lincoln statue. The car swerved to the alley on the east side and crashed into a grocery store entrance on the south side of the alley. The shooter jumped out, ran up the hill east in the alley to the next block. He hid in a barn on the alley. The barn belonged to the local veterinarian, who parked his car in the barn. When the Dr. went out to get his car he heard something and notified the police who were searching the neighborhood for the shooter. The police apprehended the shooter. I think policeman Bob Marks and Policeman Fred Aukerman both told me this account. Police search procedures were changed, the shooter had the gun stuck down the front of his pants and it was not found.

James Rex Sims
Born Wabash 1928, Miami grade school, Jr High, Graduated WHS 1946,

June 6, 2018

When I was hired as a patrolman to the Wabash Police Dept in 1953, by Chief Zeno Mallot, he drove me in the squad car to the exact spot where this officer was shot, as he stated that he was the other officer riding with him at that time. I could tell he was very upset, just talking about it. The shooter fled Eastward up an ally across from the Courthouse on Wabash Street hill. He said, the shooter was riding in the back seat, and somehow reached over the seat , taking one of their revolvers, shooting, then running up the ally Eastward. I loved & enjoyed all of those I worked with, back then, and pray for those here today.

George E. Rhoads (86) in Feb.
Retired--from GM

January 26, 2017

NEVER FORGOTTEN! Cops Cycling for Survivors.
www.copscycling4survivors.org

Officer Monica Zahasky

January 19, 2017

I never met my grandfather as he was killed when my father was only 9. I always enjoyed hearing stories of my grandfather and his desire to protect and serve the community he lived in and loved. Thanks to all who make memorials like these possible as they help families heal from loss even generations removed from the tragic events. My family is blessed to know others can learn about officer Osthimer and remember and appreciate his sacrifice.

Michael Osthimer
Grandson

April 19, 2014

Rest in Peace, Officer Osthimer. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 6, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 69th 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.

Time never dimishes respect, not even 69 years.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 19, 2012

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 11, 2008

MY BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. GOD BLESS.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

July 25, 2007

Heroes and the sacrifices they make will never be forgotten. Officer Osthimer, you are a true hero and you are not forgotten.

SPO
Salem,Va

March 12, 2007

Officer Osthimer, no officer should be w/o a reflection on this great website. Thank you for your work & God bless....from a fellow Hoosier.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police

March 3, 2004