Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

RIP Forever Officer Travis Williams. May his soul reside in Heaven. My sincere condolences to his wife and daughter, may they both found peace in their life.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

December 4, 2021

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

December 4, 2021

Rest in peace always and know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

September 23, 2020

It is less than a month away from 45 years since you were taken from us. I think of you often and ask why. You will always be remembered by me and many others. Growing up in Mesquite I always respected police officers and after I met you in 1973, you became one of many role models for me.

Your are still respected, missed, and loved by many.

Retired Captain Mark A. Kilgore
Arizona Department of Correction

August 27, 2019

RIP Officer Williams. May your killer never breathe free air.

Deputy Constable Anonymous Anonymous
31 years of service

April 12, 2018

Rest in Peace Police Officer Travis Ed Williams. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice protecting the citizens of Mesquite and The Great State of Texas.

I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends and those brave souls who have chosen to follow in your footsteps. I also Pray that the scum that murdered you burns forever in the lake of fire!

Amen.

Senior Special Agent Barry Sherwood Ret.
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, TX

September 23, 2016

Uncle Travis,

Although I was only 3 when you were taken from us, I grew up seeing your picture in Aunt Elnora's living room. I would always ask her questions and she would proudly tell me stories.

My Mother, Jo Ann, your cousin, is with you now and along with so many other family members.

I am honored to be part of your blood line with all the stories how the lives you've changed.

The cousin you never knew.

Former Police Officer
Bay City P.D.

March 28, 2016

Remembering Officer Williams

Sally Hamilton (Hawkins)
citizen

December 25, 2015

I am a Mesquite Police officer and will be honoring Officer Williams this evening by reading his name and End of Watch date at a wreath laying ceremony conducted by the 262nd FBI National Academy Class at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

Brandon Borden, Lieutenant
Mesquite Police Department

October 21, 2015

I am a niece of Travis Ed. I was only around 8 or 9 when I lost my uncle but I still remember this as one of the worst things our family had to go through. While I grew up and will be 50 this year I still miss my Uncle. RIP Uncle Travis gone but never forgotten.

Christy Jones
Niece

February 4, 2015

IN HONORE CASORUM
The promise... Always honored, never forgotten.

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

September 23, 2014

Tonight I'm working the district where Officer Williams responded to on the night of his death. The members of the Mesquite Police Department still remember and honor him on this, the 40th anniversary of his death. God Bless Officer Williams and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Officer Daniel Higginson
Mesquite Police Department

September 23, 2014

I am his adopted daughter. He was killed when I was only 2 years old. I grew up wishing I knew him, and wanting so much to live up to his expectations. His brother was a big influence in my life and the best uncle that a girl could want. He kept my dad's memory alive for me.

In turn I have also shown my children the image of a true American hero. Through my father and others like him (ie. soldiers, policemen, firemen, paramedics, this list is long), they know what it means to make a difference in the world in a positive way. Two of them plan to become police officers also. One of them is already in the Mesquite explorers.

I wish he knew the impact he has had on so many lives and how loved he still is today.

Lara Gibson
Daughter

September 24, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 42nd 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. You will always be remembered and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your friends for sharing their devotion in their loving reflections.

Rest In Peace

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

September 23, 2012

I was a police explorer when I was a child of 16 living in Mesquite. I honestly believe that if not for Officer Williams and Sgt. D.O. {Robby} Robertson I would have continued down the path I was on which was serious trouble. These 2 officers took me on ride alongs and instilled in me the difference in good and bad. I grew up practically in Sgt. Robertsons home in later years and made it known to him that I was going to be o.k. I wish so often now that I could relay that fact to Officer Travis Williams. I know know that his talks with me changed my life. R.I.P.my good friend and bless you all in blue.

Russell Kilpatrick civilian
friend

September 22, 2011

God Bless you Officer Williams

A Texas Street Cop #614

Anonymous

May 31, 2010

It is 2010 and the members of the Mesquite Police Department are in a Brand New 4 story building. At the employee entrance to the Police Department stands a Memorial to you "Travis Williams", so that all may know that YOU made the ultimate sacrifice to your chosen profession and the citizens of Mesquite, Texas. The Memorial also stands as a tribute to your professionalism, dedication and heroism to all officers that pass by. I am proud to serve in the same City. Your legacy lives on. Thank you for your service and God Bless.

Detective M.Meek
Mesquite Police Dept

March 18, 2010

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Williams.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 19, 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

February 14, 2008

Dear Officer Williams,

I never knew you, but I remember when you died.

I grew up in Pleasant Grove and graduated from high school there in '72. Our "hang-out" was Town East Mall, so I spent a lot of time in Mesquite. I had just graduated from Eastfield College and was commuting to UT Arlington when you died.

I've since moved to Mesquite -- I love it here -- and I very actively support the Mesquite PD and thank the officers whenever I see them and am able to do so.

Although it's not verbal, I donate to Mesquite PD's Santa Cops every year in your memory.

I remember your bravery and your tragic loss. I pray that your family has found some closure, although I know from my own experiences of loss that you are never far from their thoughts and their hearts.

Neither will the grateful City of Mesquite. It's because of officers like you, sir, that our little city is the wonderful community that it is.

Thank you, Officer Williams, for your ultimate sacrifice. I wish you peace.

You are not forgotten.

LRVirgil, Civilian
Mesquite, Texas - Police Supporter

September 29, 2007

I see your picture everyday when I come to work, and it inspires me to be the best that I can be. Your memory lives on inside each and every one of us at the Mesquite Police Department. God bless you Travis.

Bruce Sales (Communications Operator)
Mesquite Police Dept.

April 9, 2007

What a frightening situation that any of us could go through in an instant. Thank you for your bravery and service to the people of Mesquite.

PSO C.W. Edwards
North Augusta (SC) Dept. of Public Safety

April 5, 2007

You are a true hero. May each of us be able to serve with the honor, integrity and courage you displayed. God bless you and those you left behind.

Sgt. Mike Parker
Mesquite Police Department

June 22, 2006

I met you while I was in high school. I was always impressed by your friendly attitude and you always had time to talk to me. Your ability to shoot was also impressive. Your role model imprressed me throughout the Marines and even now. Almost 32 years later, you are still missed.

Captain Mark Kilgore
AZ Dept of Corrections

May 10, 2006

Dear Williams Family,

I did not have the honor of knowing Travis, but he inspired the following:

Lord,
He was yours to give,
and yours to call home,
please stand by his brothers,
so they don't feel alone,
dry the tears of his family,
so they clearly see:
that he gave his all,
so all could have peace.
Blessed are they,
the children of God,
with heavy hearts,
and honor they trod,
to pay their respects,
to give their salute,
and to ask for your mercy,
on heroes in Blue.

Thank you for his service, his memory lives on in each of us.

Sgt. J. M. Taylor
Mesquite Police Dept.

December 7, 2005