Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Whitty,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Richmond. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

July 5, 2024

Wild Bill Whitty and I were fellow police officers, and good friends. I have a photo of Bill and Ronnie Fuller hanging in my home office. I think of these guys often. Rest In Peace Brothers.

Richard Terry patrolman/ homicide det.
Richmond PD

November 10, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered and honored. Rest In Peace always.

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

July 5, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Whitty.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 21, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

July 5, 2018

In the wake of so much violence directed at Law Enforcement and our Communities, I still reflect on the day of Bill's & Ron's passing. Certainly, as we grow older, our memories collect significant dates and July 5th is etched in my mind while recalling vividly what I was doing when we learned of the tragic accident that took his and Ron's life.

I'd like to think that Bill was a friend and at the very least a valued colleague. The "good" Officers always love their job and Bill was a shining example of this commitment to his profession. I remember that on or off duty (Christmas parties), he carried a smile of innocence and can only imagine what he would have continued to accomplish had he fulfilled his career.

My heart and prayers go out to those he left behind, including his RPD family.

Michael Tye (Retired Chief)
Hercules P.D. via Richmond P.D., CA

December 7, 2015

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

My uncle and babysitter when I was little and all around fun guy. Miss him

no rank, Danielle Schaad
niece

February 5, 2015

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Whitty. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 19, 2012

Patrolman Whitty,

Remembering you on this day. Thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.

C. Yarbrough
Citizen

July 5, 2011

On behalf of Richmond PD we thank you for your service and the life that you gave to protect and honor ours.

In May of 2008 a memorial at the police department was dedicated in honor of all of our fallen heroes. We encourage friends and family to pay us a visit any time.

Michelle Milam
Richmond Police Department, Crime Prevention Specialist

June 1, 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 5, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

October 24, 2006

To the family and friends of Officer William C. Whitty, the Richmond Police Department, and most especially to Patrolman Whitty:

It has been twenty-one years since your death, but you are not forgotten. Your valor will be forever remembered and honored. How very sad that you had to die under such tragic circumstances.

It must have been a terrible blow to your department to lose two officers in such a devasting aircraft accident.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service you gave to the community of Richmaond and the citizens of California, and for the supreme sacrifice you and your family made on July 5, 1984 in the line of duty.
Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, PPD eow 4/24/05

August 24, 2005

MY BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. A HERO FOR SURE. YOU SERVED WELL.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

July 5, 2004