Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was 6 years old when Billy was killed. I grew up in Clark and at the age of 22 I became a Clark Police Officer. I worked alongside men that worked with Billy. I saw his picture everyday I reported to wok for the next 26 years. Never forget the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

PTL J. EHLING (Ret)
Clark PD

July 4, 2024

Thinking of Officer Waterson on another Independence Day - A day of celebration. I reflect back on this day in 1971. Your day was filled with thoughts of protecting the community, when the rest of the town was celebrating. My thoughts go to you and your family, and how the meaning of this day instantly changed. As a long time resident of Clark, and on behalf of the whole town this so many years later, know that we all think of you and ensure your legacy lives on.

Clark Resident

Rosario Parisi
Clark resident

July 4, 2023

Rest in peace Patrolman Waterson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 2, 2022

Patrolman Waterson,
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 when you served with the USMC in Vietnam. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO; former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 4, 2021

Honoring, thanking and remembering you always, especially on this anniversary of your heroic and untimely death. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 4, 2021

Rest in Peace Officer Waterson. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with the Waterson Family and the Clark Police Department.

Cpl. Gary Hughes (Retired)
Passaic County Sheriff's Office New Jersey

November 2, 2020

Thank you for your service, both military and police, and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest In Peace always

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 4, 2020

My sister sent me this link. I was so emotionally moved as I read this. My Father was the funeral director who ran Officer Waterson's funeral,(Walter J. Johnson Funeral Home,Clark,NJ). As I was too young at that time to remember much,I do remember the feeling of intense emotion,the level of severity,and the feeling of immense and tragic loss of this Police Officer and United States Marine.
My Dad spoke of The Waterson's and the loss of Bill throughout my life.
God Bless & protect all Law Enforcement,
Im sure you are resting in peace Officer Waterson,
Rest In Peace Daddy (Walter J.Johnson,USMC)

Dianne Johnson Memorial Day 2018
Chambersburg area,PA.

May 28, 2018

It's been 49 years now since Bill and I completed basic training together for our respective police departments and 47 years since his shooting. I have had the honor to attend Police Memorial Week for the last 10 years and each time I have honored his service by placing a memento or wreath by his name.
Remember you are not forgotten. REP brother

PO Peter D Schwarz Sr (ret)
Twp of Union N.J.

April 5, 2018

IN HONORE CASORUM
Our promise; Always honored, never forgotten, forever grateful.

Sgt. T Jake Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

July 4, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 13, 2015

To fully honor our heroes of the present, we must
recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 41rst anniversary year 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

Phylllis Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

December 28, 2012

I never met this gentleman, but I think of him when I pass the place that was once howard johnsons.
I remember the many discussions of him at my aunt Roses house there on broadway. My cousin Barbara was married to Richard Reider who was his partner.
I was a teenager then and was touched by the fact that he was so young when he gave his life. He will always be in my thoughts.

George Wentz

April 26, 2012

bill... i was also one of your classmates in the 24th police training class of union county july, 1969 and we would meet for coffee at the rahway/clark line on slow nights,
always enjoyed talking to you.
god bless you and your family.
jim angeli

Police Officer (retired)
Rahway Police Dept.

March 10, 2012

I googled the name "William Waterson" because my grandfather was William Jennings Waterson and his son and grandson are both William Waterson. I found this "by mistake" but feel I was led here. You look like my grandfather, so I feel we're related some how. I wish your life had not been cut so short. May you rest in peace, having served your country and your community so honorably. God bless you and your family.

Sharon Key
not sure

June 26, 2011

Bill..... As one of your classmates from the 24th Police Training Class of Union Co. (1969) It was my honor this year (2011) to bring to the National Police Memorial a wreath marking the 40th anniversary. Although your gone, you will never be forgotten.

Ret. Police Officer Peter D Schwarz
Twp. Of Union PD, Union, NJ

May 15, 2011

How sad. Although born during the Vietnam War, I was too young to know how badly you were treated upon your return. Now to learn that 25 years AFTER your death, your killer was aquitted seems an absolute double slap in the face! The only thing keeping me from punching my computer screen now is the listing "Deceased" in regards to your assassin. May he rot in hell. Thank you for your service, both to your country and your community. Rest in Peace.

Anonymous

October 16, 2009

Not a day goes by without me thinking about you Jarhead...I will always wish we shared that car that night and I should have been with you....Semper Fi Billy, Always Faithful!!

Ret. Sgt. Robert L. Clark
Clark PD

July 19, 2009

RIP.You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

November 13, 2008

Rest in peace My Brother.

Kevin T Ryan
NJ

July 4, 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

December 11, 2007

Today marks the 36th anniversary of your tragic and senseless murder. Thank you for your bravery, service, and sacrifice. You will NEVER be forgotten, and will FOREVER be a hero!

RET DET SGT
AR

July 4, 2007

God bless you and your family.

Detective
Cranford Police Dept (NJ)

May 18, 2007

I retired from the Secret Service five years ago this week and now work in international security. When I moved back to NJ from MD after my retirement in 2001 I noticed that Officer Waterson was laid to rest close to my folks at Fairview cementary. I wished I had been aware of it earlier. Now, on Saturday mornings for the past five years I run at Nomenhegan park,then routinely visit six special locations. One would know these because I leave as a sign of respect my secret service coin and an American flag lapel pin. I pay my respects and move on until the following week. Yesterday I planted flowers at Officer Waterson's gravesite (hope the family doesn't mind). Interestingly, every now and again, someone takes the lapel pin. I don't actually mind, just hope whoever it is knows the respect it represents for Officer Waterson. So, I just leave another.

Before joining the law enforcement family thirty years ago, first with the Cranford PD then with the Secret Service, I attended Officer Waterson's wake and funeral. It was the first time I saw how resectful the law enforcement family was to one another. I recently ran into Mike Cavalla, Cranford PD (retired) who responded to the shooting on July 4, 1971 and was the last to speak with Officer Waterson. My brother, Jim, was one of the county nvestigators working the case supporting Clark PD and the investigation.

Officer Waterson has long been in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be. He didn't have the long, wonderful career many of us have had. He didn't have children to remember him, to treasure him, he died too young. But, he died a hero and I remember him as such. He became in his short life a mentor to me and others I am sure. And so, out of this respect, I take the few minutes each week now to remember and pray for him. It is not a hard thing for me to do, he did the hard part for those of us who survive. It is his gift to me that I can revel in his courage and faithfulness to duty and his community. Most of us believe that and why his sacrifice, like so many others in our profession, is so meaningful.

God bless Officer Waterson.

Tom Sloan Special Agent in Charge RET
US Secret Service

July 5, 2006

" 35 years Later ".. The pain of your loss is still
felt with in the borders of your HOME TOWN, That you bravely gave your life to protect. Your sacarfice "SHALL
NEVER Be Forgotten. And all future generations of CLARK NEW JERSEY shall know what happen in those early morning
hours of July 4th 1971. "We shall Never forget you ".....
Patrolmen Billy Waterson. Sept 13, 1946 - July 4, 1971.
Township of Clark, New Jersey. U.S.A. age 24 yrs.
KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY , CLARK POLICE, CLARK,N.J.
on July 4th 1971.
Brain Toal
Clark, N.J.

CLMN; 4Th Ward., Brian Toal
Twp of Clark, N.J.

June 22, 2006