May 17, 2024
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Local police departments mourn loss of Ottawa officer

By Derek Barichello
The Ottawa fire and police departments remember Ottawa Police officer Brian Sember on Monday, April 4, 2022, with a message and the American flag at half staff.

The Ottawa fire and police departments remember Ottawa Police officer Brian Sember on Monday, April 4, 2022, with a message and the American flag at half staff. (Derek Barichello - dbarichello@shawmedia.com)

Ottawa police officer Brian Sember died Sunday following a brief illness.

Sember was a 23-year veteran of the department, Police Chief Brent Roalson said.

“Brian was more than just an officer, he was a father, a brother, a son and a great friend,” Roalson said Monday morning. “The void left by his untimely passing can never be filled. The Ottawa Police Department appreciates the outpouring of support during this most difficult time.”

Several police departments and agencies posted to social media Sunday, April 3, 2022, mourning the loss of officer Brian Sember, of the Ottawa Police Department.

Several police departments and agencies posted to social media Sunday, April 3, 2022, mourning the loss of officer Brian Sember, of the Ottawa Police Department.

Roalson asked for support of Sember’s family.

“Brian Lee Sember badge #31 is 10-42 from his service to the citizens of Ottawa, but Brian will never be forgotten,” Roalson said.

Local police and fire departments posted Sunday to their Facebook pages mourning the loss of Sember.

Here are some of the posts from the weekend.

The Naplate Police Department posted: “The Naplate Police Department sends condolences to Ottawa Police Department and the family of Brian Sember. A great person, police officer, co-worker and friend. Rest in peace my brother, we have the line from here. God speed!”

Earlville Police Chief Darin Crask posted: “There are no words to express the deep sorrow we have for the Ottawa Police Department (Sunday) experiencing the loss of one of their own. I had the great honor of not only working with Brian Sember for more than 20 years, but even greater, he was a close friend. I solemnly ask everyone reading this to keep ‘Sembo’s’ family, both blood and blue, in your thoughts and prayers.”

Peru police posted: “From all of us at the Peru Police Department, we send our condolences and prayers to the Ottawa Police Department and the family of Brian Sember. Rest in peace Brian, we have the line from here. God speed!”

The city of Marseilles posted: “The city of Marseilles would like to offer our most sincere condolences for the passing of Officer Brian Sember of the Ottawa Police Department. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow officers.”

The La Salle County Sheriff’s Office said: “The La Salle County Sheriff’s Office sends our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Ottawa Police Department and the family of Brian Sember. Brian was great person, police officer, co-worker, and friend to so many. He has touched so many lives. Brian will never be forgotten. Rest In eace brother, we will hold the line from here.”