Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remember the day Bill Schmedding was killed vividly. Officers from the 2nd Precinct on Vernor St., like myself and Bill would often meet for lunch break at the "Hotel" near the
precinct station south of Michigan Ave. On December 30th the day before Bill was killed at Sams Loan and Pawn Shop, my partner and I and several others were there for lunch. This is where I saw Bill Schmedding for the last time. It was the next day ...New Years Eve that Bill was at the Hotel just around the corner from Sam's. I was later told that Bill was at the Hotel just prior to responding to the "holdup in progress" which cost him his life. Bill was a great guy with a wonderull personality....you couldn't help but like him. Fond memories of those many years gone by (50) to be exact. It was on July 31, 1972 that we suffered another tradgic loss of a 2nd Precinct officer in the line of duty (Gil Stocker). I retired in 1992 and these are some of the painful realities of life but I do not regret because I have been in the company of such wonderul people like Bill and Gil. I am grateful to God and I am a better man today from having known them....we carry these in our hearts forever. RIP guys,,,I will see you later in the "rollcall" of eternity. Peace to all who read this.

Officer Tom Donnelly (retired)
Detroit Police Department 1967 - 1992

September 8, 2022

Officer Schmedding,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Armed Forces. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 31, 2021

I just watched Les gold and his son Seth sound a talk and they talked about this poor officer may he rest in peace but these other two scumbags should have never got out I think it's called the law of parties and they were partie to this terrible crime David in Dublin

David
None

October 4, 2021

I remember Bill very well. We dated In high school, right up until the time he entered the military. I broke up with him because I didn’t think he was mature enough. In my later life I realized I was the one who wasn’t
mature enough.
RIP my dear friend. In my own way I will always love him.

Carol White
High school classmate

March 15, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Schmedding.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 11, 2020

One year ago today, October 3rd, seven police officers and sheriff's deputies, where shot upon while attempting to serve a warrant. This happened in Florence, SC. Unfortunately, one city officer and one deputy died doing their job to protect and serve. This incident, when it happened and today, made me reflect on the officers I knew ,attended funerals of, or read about in Detroit. I was born and raised in Detroit and moved to Florence 35 years ago. Coming from Detroit to this small Southern town, I never thought anything this could happen here. Unfortunately, as we know all too well these days, these incidents can happen anywhere!
As I reflected today, Bill Schmedding came to mind. My dad, who was a Detroit Police Officer for 33 years, knew Bill. My mother was very good friends with his widow Chris. We spent time at their house. I remember when he was shot like it was yesterday, instead of 48 years ago. I remember attending his funeral! And, I remember his widow Chris and children.
Officer Schmedding, thank you for service and for your ultimate sacrifice protecting the citizens of Detroit! Thank you to all law enforcement across the country, who serve and protect. And, like today in Florence, SC, we remember those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice serving and protecting their communities.
I pray for all law enforcement, that as they put on their badge, kiss their loved ones good-bye, that they will return home safely when their shift is over.
This has made me think that when we said good-bye to my dad, that it could have been for the last time. Thankfully, he came home to us. It is not lost on me, those like Bill, did not come home to their families!
Bill and his family were great people. I will remember my parents' friendship with them! Bill Schmedding, "Gone but not forgotten!"

Peggy Hawkins
Friend of the family; Daughter of Retired Lt. Gerald Biscup, 1954-1985

October 3, 2019

Officer Schmedding, I honor you, and your ultimate sacrifice.
Reading these reflections has made a deep impact; I pray healing for all your family, whose sacrifice I also honor.
Your widow later became my step-Mother, a woman of strength and wisdom, and your children my brother and sisters.
May the Lord Jesus reward you richly in His Heavenly Kingdom, and bless with His comfort all of your loved ones you had to leave behind.
Thank you, sir.

Shelley Ann Rohn Wilson
Daughter of Commander Edward A. Rohn, Detroit Police Dept., 1947-74

October 8, 2018

My Father's best friend and partner on the force......our families were like one family with two sets of parents!!! I have so many good memories...and I am still sad..... At least Bill and my Dad are together again causing mischief where ever they go!!! RIP Bill and Ted!

Glenn Davies
Friend and partners son

January 1, 2017

My faithful servant.
You were called upon to serve others.
You were asked to see, what no man should ever have to see.
To go through, what no man should ever have to go through.
But you did so with pride, honor, and integrity.

My faithful servant.
You were called upon to defend those, who could not defend themselves.
To provide justice to those, who did not respect it.
To lay down your life, if the time called for it.
Again, you did not question what was asked of you.
You did it with love, compassion, and loyalty.

My faithful servant.
In times of adversity, you prayed for strength.
In times of triumph, you praised your Lord.
You served your Country, State, and city proud.
Your service will forever be remembered by the many lives you’ve touched.

My faithful servant.
When your service on this earth is finally complete.
I will welcome you home with open arms.
I will embrace you and proclaim,
“Well done thou good and faithful servant.”

RIP my brother, the Lord has taken you home.

Sergeant Barton
Garden City Police Department

December 4, 2016

God Bless all police corps in the world.Regards from Spain. RIP oficcer William Schmedding. My grandpa was coronel from the Guardia Civil spanish´s corps.

Carlos Sánchez de la Puente
Guardia Civil Española

September 18, 2015

I am very sorry for this officers life. Hes a trooper

veronica
mhhs

May 13, 2014

Proud to have known and served with him. One of the finest professionals I have had the privilege to have known. Struggling to come to grips with the fact that this deep and personal tragedy took place 41 years ago. God bless you Schmedds and your family always.

Capt. Glen P. Ley
Detroit Police Department Ret.

December 31, 2013

I also learned of Officer Schmedding's death from Les on Hardcore Pawn. RIP Officer Schmedding.

Patrolman

November 27, 2013

This is the officer killed in the pawn shot that spawned the Hardcore Pawn tv show on True TV. Les Gold, the owner of American Loan and Jewelry talked about this incident last night on their show. He was a boy working in his Dad's pawn shop in Detroit and was in the store when this happened. God bless the memory of this officer.

An LEO supporter

November 5, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the forty-first anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 3, 2012

You served and honored your job like it was the only thing left to live for, with unfortunate events like these your are not alone up there. I am studying to be a police officer and I heard of this tragedy by watching "Hardcore Pawn". No officer is ever forgotten and they deserve a little thank you here and there.....

Britny
College Student CCRI- Warwick

July 26, 2011

You served and honored your job like it was the only thing left to live for, with unfortunate events like these your are not alone up there. I am studying to be a police officer and I heard of this tragedy by watching "Hardcore Pawn". No officer is ever forgotten and they deserve a little thank you here and there.....

Britny
College Student CCRI- Warwick

July 26, 2011

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 28, 2007

"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

November 13, 2007

Grandpa Schmedding... is a hero in the highest regards. Though we've never met physically...he is with me always. I can always count on my angel to be there...looking down on my family and I. You are never forgotten...

Danielle
Granddaughter

February 4, 2007

Your sacrifice is not forgotten. May you rest in peace sir.

Sterling Heights PD, MI

December 31, 2004