It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce the passing of Trustee William “Bill” Osborne. Bill was a valued member of our fire service family, having joined the Peotone Fire Protection District as a volunteer in January 1977. During his 31 years of dedicated service, he earned numerous certifications and attended a variety of classes to better serve his community. He was a certified Firefighter III, Fire Apparatus Engineer, and Hazardous Materials Technician.
Bill played an integral role in the development and advancement of the Peotone Fire Protection District. He was a key participant in the committee that developed and built the current Peotone Station. As the department transitioned from an all-volunteer organization to one with staffing, Bill utilized his skills to create sleeping quarters that allowed for 24-hour coverage. His contributions over the years were countless, and it is true to say that our organization would not be what it is today without the efforts of Bill Osborne. As a leader, Bill was fortunate to have developed many men and women who served under him. He was promoted to Battalion Chief in 2002 and continued to provide leadership and guidance until his retirement on December 1, 2008.
Even after his retirement, Bill’s love for the fire service and the community continued. As the Peotone Fire Protection District evolved, he became a Fire Commissioner, working on hiring practices for full-time employees. He was elected as a trustee for the Peotone Fire Protection District on February 11, 2021, where his commitment to the community and the fire service remained a guiding light for improving the organization he cherished for decades.
Bill was an essential member of the board and played a pivotal role in developing a plan to ensure the community received the service it deserved. He supported the consolidation with the Manhattan Fire Protection District, which enabled the provision of full-time firefighter-paramedics to the community. After the consolidation, Bill continued to serve as a Trustee with the Manhattan Fire Protection District from February 21, 2023, until the time of his passing.
The Manhattan Fire Protection District, the Peotone community, and his fire service family lost a great leader, servant, and friend on Saturday, January 11, 2025. A wise man once said that you must be a great friend to have great friends, and that is how Bill lived. Always willing to lend a hand and help anyone in need, he greeted everyone with a smile. In the fire service, it is taught that you should leave it better than you found it, and Bill embodied this throughout his career, from firefighter to Trustee. Our Fire Department and community have lost an extraordinary leader, and we will miss our friend. His tireless dedication will carve a lasting legacy in the community he served.
Rest in peace, Bill.
Manhattan Fire Protection District
