Billings Police Named Chase Lantz Honorary Officer
The department posthumously honored the 13-year-old following his recent death in a fatal traffic accident.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Awards
The Billings Police Department officially named the late Chase Lantz an honorary officer during a recent City Council meeting. The recognition served to honor the teenager's lifelong dream of serving in law enforcement.
Why it matters
Officials sought to commemorate Lantz, who died after a vehicle collision, for his selfless decision to donate his organs. This act of service prompted the department to acknowledge his commitment to helping others in the community.
Chase Lantz was 13 years old at the time of his passing. The recognition followed his organ donation, which officials highlighted as an extraordinary act of service.
The players
Chase Lantz
He was a 13-year-old resident of Billings who died following a vehicle accident.
Billings Police Department
This is the local law enforcement agency that initiated the honorary officer recognition for the deceased child.
Shawn Mayo
He serves as the Interim Chief of the Billings Police Department and presided over the honorary ceremony.
The details
Interim Chief Shawn Mayo conferred the honorary title during a ceremony held at a Billings City Council meeting. The tribute followed the tragic September 24 incident where Lantz was struck by a vehicle near the intersection of Grand Avenue and Rehberg Lane.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: Chase Lantz was struck and killed by a vehicle.
October 12, 2026: Chase Lantz was named an honorary police officer.
Culture Shift
The department's move follows a pattern established by similar law enforcement programs that use honorary titles to recognize community members. This practice highlights how local agencies are increasingly integrating acts of public service and organ donation into community memorial traditions.
This honorary designation serves as a formal acknowledgement of the child's impact on the local community. Residents may continue to see the department maintain its commitment to public service and community-based recognition initiatives.
The takeaway
The Billings community has come together to honor the life and service of a young resident who aspired to a career in law enforcement. Families facing similar losses often find that public acknowledgement of a loved one's values provides a meaningful way to cope with grief.
Further reading
For more information on community recognition programs, visit the Awards section.
