Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Lewis,
On today, the 25th 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. Air Force. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 20, 2022

Dad
Today we laid to rest my childhood friend Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic also from your department. Bradley PD.
While mourning the loss of my friend, another hero, I couldn’t help but think of you. My heart was broken for her family as I know far too well exactly what they were going through today. You are greatly missed and will never be forgotten. Rest easy 532 and 514

Kelly
Daughter

January 7, 2022

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

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

December 30, 2021

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. May God bless your family blood and blue.

Maureen Quintal
Hayward CA

October 23, 2021

Rest in peace Sergeant Lewis.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 7, 2021

Sergeant Lewis's story was read in Richton Park Police Department's roll call on 6-13-16 to honor him.

Sgt. James Galvan
RPPD (IL)

June 13, 2016

Sergeant Wil Lewis Family, Friends, and co-workers:

It has been a long time since November 20, 1997, when you made the ultimate sacrifice, while serving the people of Bradley. I was very happy to hear that you are fondly remembered and not forgotten. Thank you for your service to the public, rest in peace brother, your watch has been over for sometime now, your brothers in blue got it covered for you. I hope they continue to remember you, and your enormous sacrifice for the people of Bradley.

We as police officers take risks, suffer inconveniences, receive personal injury and pain, to protect the lives, defend civil liberties, secure the safety of fellow citizens, Police work is one of the more noble and selfless occupations in society. Making a difference in the quality of life is an opportunity that policing provides, and few other professions can offer. We strive to insure that ALL Lives matter, and hold the preservation of human life, above all. However, when a dangerous and violent criminal element threatens the safety of society, Police officers take bold decisive action to stop the threat, and preserve the innocent victims way of life, whomever that victim may be. In Roman times, prior to modern police departments there were the Roman Centurions, they protected Roman society. In modern times, the weak and injured, the meek and lame, the everyday citizen, depend on a modern police department to protect them, and preserve thier way of life. These unselfish public servants are up all night, out in all weather, always on patrol, always looking for criminal activity. because of this omnipresence people can rest easy in thier homes, secure in thier safety. Protected by thier local police department. These brave men and woman are “The New Centurions”.

Commander H. Ross Fuller
Metra Police Department

May 26, 2016

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones today. I wish you could have enjoyed some retirement time as you surely deserved it after a long a dedicated career. You will never be forgotten.

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

November 20, 2012

Miss you grandpa. Can't wait to see you again!
Love you!

Lindsay Drummer
Oldest Granddaughter

August 21, 2012

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Lewis. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 21, 2012

To my former Field Training Officer, Mentor and most of a Dear Friend, may you rest in peace.

To the family of Wil Lewis my heart felt sorrow go's out to you. Wil gave so much and ask for so little. He served with Honor and Pride for a village he loved. God Bless you all.

Deputy Robert Lowey
Kankakee County Sheriffs Police former Bradley Police Officer.

May 25, 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 29, 2007

Rest in Peace Sir

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 29, 2007

Sgt Lewis (Wil)

Your tragic death took place about five years before I came on board Bradley PD. Now, nearing the 10 year anniversary of your End of Watch, as I see the profound impact that your loss has had on some of our officers, I grieve with them, feeling a different type of loss; one that speaks, "I wish that I had known you."

Memorials are hard; particularly yours, as the pain resurfaces that we have lost one of our own.

Memorials are important; not necessarily so that you could be remembered, for I don't believe anyone who had known you or worked beside you will ever forget you, but it's good to pause and reflect on just how much of an impact your life had while you were here.

Memorials have much more meaning than reflection on the past. They can be a time of dedication and drawing together in unity by those whom you left behind. My prayer is that November 20, 2007 will cause this to happen. This too I pray, that Bradley PD, as a front line of protection and service to our community, and as a group of dedicated men and women will be something that you would continue to be proud of.

Chaplain Hank Roso
Bradley, IL PD

November 5, 2007

God bless you Sgt.

DFC. Daniel O'Donnell
Orange County Sheriff's Office (FL)

February 2, 2007

To Sgt. Wilford Ray Lewis, his family and friends, and fellow officers.

On this the eighth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that you are not forgotten. Your valor and dedication will be forever honored.
Rest In Peace, Sgt. Lewis.

May your family continue to be cared for by their law enforcment family and other police survivors.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service Sgt. Lewis gave to his community and the citizens of Illinois, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on November 20, 1997.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

November 20, 2005

Rest now my brother,... we will stand the watch.

3820
ccspd

September 16, 2005

Rest in Peace

Anonymous

December 31, 2003