Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I had the privilege of knowing Chief Yant for quite some time. He took over after my Grandfather Lamar Kelly retired as Verona police Chief. Everyone who knew Bill knew he treated everyone the same no matter what. I miss him everyday. I had talked to Bill hours before this terrible tragedy happened. He was going to help me get into Law Enforcement.

Asst. Chief Joseph Beasley
Nettleton Police Dept

August 25, 2024

I remember like it was yesterday when we received the news about the shooting of our Police Chief Yant. It was a sad day in our small city. Deepest condolences to the family and thank you Chief for a job well done. Rest In Peace.

Margaret Baker
Alderwoman City of Verona

September 28, 2023

Rest in peace Chief of Police Yant.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 17, 2022

Its been 33 years since that cold Jan. 6 afternoon that you were murdered for diing yout duty. After all this time I recall responding with numerous officers to locate and apprehend those responsible. Rest in peace Chief and I say condolences to your family fir their loss all these many years. Your service and giving of your life to protect your community and country is not forgotten.

Colonel Michael Berthay, Ret.
Mississippi Highway Patrol

January 6, 2022

Rest in peace hero.

Lt. Jim Russo

August 1, 2018

This is the day after the San Bernardino Ca shootings. I want the Yant family and friends to know that everyone in the Kneisly family dearly appreciates giving his life to save us and many other employees at the Alf Co. He knew the murderers and took it upon himself to chase them down while on their way to commit a mass murder. He is in our prayers and is my personal HERO.

Craig Kneisly
Saved Victim

December 3, 2015

Today is the day after the terrorism that caused 14 deaths is San Bernardino Ca. I want the Yant family to know that you have always been in our prayers. My name is Craig Kneisly and Chief Yant was murdered saving my life and the lives of all the employee's at the Alf Co.

Craig Kneisly

December 3, 2015

You may not be phsyically with us anymore but I know you are in sprit. May God keep you wrapped safely in his arms until we meet again. Gone but most certainly not forgotten.

Love Forever,
Sue

Sue Yant Little
Sister

October 27, 2014

I'll never forget the night the call came in telling us of the shooting. My mother is Billy Yant's twin sister. A lot of lives changed at that moment. He left behind a wife and children that will never understand, as well as "his other half" - my mother - that feels like a part of her is missing. May God bless the Verona, MS Police Dept. that kept my family informed of the events afterwards, and even sent newspaper clippings. They lost a brother as well. Like so many have said before, he died doing what he loved...serving and protecting.
Thank you to all who put on the badge every day and do the same...Stay safe!

Debbie Mullin
Niece

July 21, 2013

I remember it well too.Like Joseph,I too,lived near the site on Palmetto Rd where this shooting took place.I was with JR when I went home after he wanted to shoot off said firecrackers.Such a horrible tragedy for the people who truly knew Billy.He was one of a kind.As a wild child I was constantly getting into trouble and getting picked up and taken home by him,but was never "allowed" to ride in the back seat,having to always sit upfront, as he said "I'm not putting you back there because you don't belong there,and you never will".As a kid at the time I was disappointed. I've never been to jail in my life,and maybe he was right to interject that reading.For the first few years after the shooting I often visited his grave interred in the lee memorial cemetery mausoleum.His death has always haunted me because he was one of the few people I knew of who didn't deserve to go this way! I'm very sure he's with the angels now and smiling at this and I take comfort in knowing that.We miss you Officer Yant:)

AngelOfGlory
Eternal Friend

October 10, 2012

Where to start well some talked bout time with u well I had the least cause I was not even 6rys old yet my birthday was two months away but remember so many times u made me smile, the vacation we took, when u coach the twins ball team and me and momma had to come get u for a big call and the little games u played with empty pack of chew. But i turn 29 Monday it's 23 yrs and it still hurts every day. But think bout it ever time I leave with my lights on goin to a fire or ever time I see a police officer turn on he's lights but any how I love u and miss u oh yeah I miss play with your siren and u driving by the school at recess I just hope I'm half the man u thought I be

James (Eddie) Yant
Verona fire dept and son

March 2, 2012

i remember this shooting, i was just 9 years old at the time, i lived not an 1/8 mile from the church where he was killed, i actually had thrown a firecracker at the shooters vehicle before the shooting, i will never forget that day as long as i live because from where i lived i could see the church, and i saw the officer get shot. it is as fresh in my mind today as is was that day. i will never forget the fallen hero..thank you for your service.

JOSEPH RUSSELL
US Army

July 31, 2011

Billy, You are so missed. I was so proud of you. I looked up to you as my older brother. I am proud of what you stood and died for. Although, I can't help but wonder why???

Sue Yant Little
sister

August 23, 2010

YOU ARE SO DEARLY MISSED. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS EVERYDAY. YOU WAS TAKEN WHEN I WAS SO YOUNG AT TIMES I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY BUT NOW THAT I AM TRAVELING DOWN THE SAME PATH YOU DID I UNDERSTAND. YOU DIED DOING WHAT YOU LOVED AND PROTECTING THE PEOPLE YOU SERVED. I DONT HAVE MANY MEMORIES OF YOU BUT HAVE HEARD ALOT OF STORIES. I ONLY HOPE THAT I CAN BE HALF THE OFFICER AND MAN YOU WERE. I LOVE AND MISS YOU SO VERY MUCH

PFC BILLY JOE YANT
HWHPD/ SON

February 22, 2009

Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement. Thinking of you and your loved ones on this day. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

January 6, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 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 4, 2007

Your time with us was short BUT oh so precious. People told us that the pain, anger, and resentment would ease over time. They were wrong. You are so dearly missed each and every day. I know I will see you again someday and oh the stories to tell. Love ya, Dad.

Anonymous
Family

November 2, 2007

May Our Lord bless you and your loved ones.

January 6, 2007

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

May God grant you eternal peace and bring comfort to your loved ones.

January 6, 2005