YORBA LINDA, Calif. — Detective William Osborn was honored Tuesday for his unwavering commitment to his community, his family, and his nearly four-decade career in law enforcement. The memorial service drew colleagues, family, and friends who remembered the dedicated sheriff’s detective, who lost his life in a tragic explosion last month. Osborn, who spent 33 years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, was remembered for his love of family, his New York roots, and an enduring passion for the New York Yankees.
The incident occurred on July 18 at the Biscailuz Regional Training Center in East Los Angeles, where Osborn and two other detectives, Joshua Kelley-Eklund and Victor Lemus, were killed when a grenade they were examining unexpectedly detonated. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating the incident, which is believed to have stemmed from grenades found the previous day in a storage unit in Santa Monica.
Sheriff Robert Luna, who spoke at the service, expressed the profound loss felt by Osborn’s family and friends. He recalled Osborn’s humble demeanor and his dedication to his work. “Bill was someone you could count on, and if you were his friend, you knew it,” Luna said, reflecting on Osborn’s role in the elite Arson-Explosives Detail.
Family members shared fond memories that painted a picture of a devoted father and caring brother. Osborn’s brother, Tom, emotional as he spoke, reminisced about their childhood and how they bonded over professional wrestling, highlighting the playful moments they shared. Osborn’s daughter, Rachael, recalled a recent conversation during a family funeral, where her father demonstrated his selflessness and humility, unaware of the profound impact he had on those around him.
Detective Shannon Valenzuela, Osborn’s wife, shared her heartbreak at his loss, describing their life together and the enriching memories they created with their six children. “Though my heart is heavy, it is also full because of the love and memories he gave us,” she said. Valenzuela added that Osborn’s quiet courage and dedication to his work defined him as a person, emphasizing his unyielding commitment to family and duty.
Graduating from the sheriff’s academy in February 1992, Osborn’s career began in Men’s Central Jail before he transitioned to various roles within the department, eventually becoming a detective in 2001. His work involved recovering stolen vehicles, and he later took on the role of an instructor in emergency vehicle operations. His commitment to his craft led him to focus on arson and explosives investigations, where he became a trusted expert within the department.
The circumstances of the fatal explosion remain under investigation. The sheriff’s department has initiated an internal review to determine how the grenades were handled and what led to the activation of the one explosive device. Following the tragedy, authorities returned to the Santa Monica site for further investigation, executing search warrants in nearby Marina del Rey.
Law enforcement agencies have urged anyone with information about the grenades or the incident to contact them directly. Meanwhile, the legacies of Osborn, Kelley-Eklund, and Lemus will be honored at their upcoming memorial services, as their names are etched into the fabric of their communities and the hearts of those they served.