Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in piece brother. You will always be remembered. Your death was so tragic. You responded to a call when you didn't have to. A true police officer. Look after your brothers who walk the streets here at home and those of us who walk them in far away places.

Sgt. Brandon Bestard
US ARMY

May 30, 2008

Officer Cook your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 29, 2008

Another aniversary is fast approaching and with it comes the nightmares, the tension, the whys?, and the becauses... However, what never changes each day of the year is the thought of you that day, giving your life, laying on that hot asphalt lifeless, two other guys clinging to their lives by a hair.

So many times I have wondered, what if I had been there? What if it had been me who arrived first? What would the outcome be? Family tells me that, it was G-d's will but, I know that already. Just refuse to admit it!

Your funeral was incredible. Cops and civilians came from all around. The Cathedral was full to capacity, people were standing outside the building listening to the sermon. Just like the day you died, it was a gorgeous Spring day, sunny, not a cloud in the skies, hot.

The Bishop who officiated said something that, to this day, even if I am not Catholic, keeps reminding me of the mysteries of life: He told Mary, that, "Before there could be an Easter Sunday, there must be a Good Friday."

I was sitting next to Jack Stevens, we both cried. Steve came from California to attend your burial and that was the last time I ever saw him. He is a teacher now, I believe.

From our Police Academy BLE Class # 6, we all did good. Only one guy got in trouble later in his career, but he was with Corrections. John Redfearn has since passed away. I had to notify him of your death. He broke down crying like a child, just like I and others did.

Rene Bello and I have breakfast every Friday at a Latin Cafe in Coral Way and our TA's Doud and Kahn have since retired also. Our TS Robert Ingram has also passed away. Would you believe that Ingram was the first one I met the first day of my career and, on the last day of work, at the Airport, I happened to run into him also?

What a coincidence. We talked about our academy class and yes, we talked about you Bill. We both wondered if you would have retired also on that day.

Dan Blocker, our classmate, who killed the man who took you from us went on to become a Sergeant at Arms with the Commision, a nice job which he did great. I am not sure if he has retired by now.

I went on to work Traffic-Homicide and spent my last 9 years with the Department at the Airport, making good overtime and enjoying the view and the job. On November 10, 2000, I retired. Now, I am in private business in Real Estate, Mortgage and Home Inspections.

I visit your grave almost every year on May 16. Someone goes there before I get there and lays some flowers on your grave. Someone also, has taken the badge from your grave and I am trying to get the cemitary to replace it.

If you could come to Miami for a day, you would be so amazed! How much it has changed. Eddies' Dive, the Casabella MOtel, the Turf Motel, they are all gone now and some new buildings are now built there, plan 8 they call it, housing for low income people.

Still some things never change. We see some of the same dispair and the same faces we used to 39 years earlier, now older, seniors, and a new generation of misfits and lost souls is taking over. But this time, there are more opportunities for them to improve to their maximum ability. Let's hope they do.

JMH, is totally new. The ER parking lot, the scene of so many of our battles, is totally changed, non-existent with a new facility now in place. In short Bill, things have changed. I am just so sorry that you couldn't be part of that change.

I will never forget New Years' Eve party we double dated in 74. I got stuck with a bummer you did ok jajaja. I love you brother, will never forget you and will always wish I could have been there to prevent what happened, or to hold your hand and comfort you.

Till we meet again, DUCK

Frank Piloto Jr.,

Frank A Piloto Jr., MDPD Retired
Metro Dade Police Department, Retired

April 3, 2008

The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 3, 2007

My friend Billy,

We grew up together in North Miami Beach. Next door neighbors, schoolmates, playmates. We were best friends and even our lives took us in different directions, we always kept up our friendship.

It's hard to believe how much time has past since those days, and since your untimely passing.

For what it's worth I have one child, a wonderful son.

I named him Billy.


Lenny Cooperman

friend

March 26, 2007

Billy,
I still think of you often. You were one of the people I respected while working together at JMH as police service officers. You were quick to help those of us who were new to the job, and in need of seasoned guidance.
I still remember your infectious smile, quit wit, and eagerness to help people.
It's been almost 28 years since your death, and I am close to finishing my law enforcement career. I am grateful every day to be above ground, and I never forget those like you who've paid the ultimate sacrifice. It's so important to get home at the end of the shift.
Rest in peace my friend.
Big Bill

Big Bill
PSO @ Jackson Hospital 1975

March 19, 2007

I think of you often Bill. I only wish things had not gone so wrong that day. Your courage was outstanding as well as your actions to protect your fellow officers.
Rest well my dear friend.

Chief Dale P. Bowlin
Metro-Dade Police Dept. (Retired)

January 27, 2007

Gone but not forgotten. God Bless you and your family.

May 16, 2006

Bill, 27 years have passed, quicker than a blink of the eye. I still recall what happened on this day 27 years ago, just as clear as if it was yesterday. Just wanted you to know that I'm still here and I haven't forgotten. Rest in peace, sir...

Capt. Geoff Jacobs
Snellville, GA. PD

May 16, 2006

Billy, I married a good friend of yours one year and one day after your brutal murder. He remembers you to this day and talks about the good times when you were both growing up. He has never really gotten over your death and thinks of you every time he puts on his uniform.

wife of a leo

August 18, 2005

Bill, As we attended high school and college together, I came to the realization that you were not only one of the nicest people I had ever encountered, but, also years ahead of the crowd in maturity and personal vision. I never dreamed that your path in life would have ended this way 25 years ago. I will admire your bravery forever and rest assured that May 16th will never be forgotten.

Captain Geoff Jacobs
Snellville, Ga. Police Dept.

June 18, 2004

Rest in peace. your bravery will be remembered.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department