Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"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 31, 2007

Bill,

I talk to younger officers and brag about how we didn't have P.T. in our academy class. But you and I always went for a jog afterwards to see who could be faster around the track. Ofcourse, the only bad thing was sweating and having to go to work smelling. We challenged each other for fun and you helped keep the class enjoyable. You were the only person I have ever met that worked more than full time hours, went to the academy full time and always had time for his kids. You finished well in the academy class and was an outstanding Police Officer. The community is at a loss with you gone, you are deeply missed.

Chuck Broshious
Lucas County Court Deputies

November 15, 2007

Billy,

It ia hard to believe that so many years have passed. I think of you every day when I go in to work. Your dedication and love of the job keeps me going. It is so ironic that your son and my son are best friends. I wish you were here to see them hanging out together. You are not forgotten and never will be. Thnak you for looking down on us that are still serving, we need the extra look out. You my Brother will not be forgotten.

Sergeant Mike Munoz
Perrysburg Township Police Department

August 1, 2007

Brother Hetrick,
I do not have the words to say other than thank you for your service. I can only offer my prayers for your family and say thank you for service. Rest not because your time is done. GOD SPEED TO YOUR FAMILY. A brother Officer.

Toby Deaton
Brother Officer

July 15, 2007

WAS JULY 10, 2000 A FOGGY DAY......OR WAS IT THE CLOUDS COMING DOWN FROM HEAVEN

March 2, 2007

It has been a very sad and trying week for me. A Officer from Toledo was killed. I thought I would do ok walking into the funeral home but when I seen the same honor guards that guarded you I feel apart. It was so hard, it just brought me back to that day again.I am asked why do I put my self through going to other officers funerals and wanting to get involved in Ohio Cops, I found my reason while at Officer Dressle's funeral. A little girl who was his niece came up to me to ask me some questions and I had the honor to explain some things to her and put her I hope at a little bit of ease.She stole my heart. The dream I had about you the other night was so vivid and real I want it to be real. As a family we have all tried to make sure you are remembered, we are going to work on getting some kind of memorial with the fallen officers of Ottawa county for Port Clinton. It amazes me still to see people's true colors come up in a person's time of need. The ones you would think would be there are no where around and the ones that you never thought would be are the ones that are still standing by me. Another Birthday of yours just past and we all woke with a chill the next morning when Officer Dressel was killed, it was the day after your birthday and foggy just like when you died. We all think of you everyday, not a day goes by that I wish you were still here. I ask that you still keep guiding me where I am supposed to be going, I am listening...
Love you always..
Corrina
PS whoever wrote that poem, its beautiful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart...

CorriBa Hetrick

March 1, 2007

CORRINA,
I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN YOUR BROTHER BILLY! I NEVER MET HIM. I DO RECALL THAT TERRIBLE ACCIDENT NEAR RIEMAN/SR 51.
I FREQUENTLY TAKE SR51 AND EVERY TIME I THINK ABOUT THE TRAGIC LOSS. I PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR BROTHER'S FAMILY AND HOPE THAT SOME HEALING HAS TAKEN PLACE. I BELIEVE I MET YOUR FATHER ONE AFTERNOON AFTER A BALLGAME IN WALBRIDGE. HE WAS AN OFFICER TOO. HE SEEMED LIKE A VERY NICE MAN WHO MISSES HIS SON DEARLY. I CANNOT IMAGINE ALL THE PAIN YOUR FAMILY HAS GONE THROUGH. I PRAY THAT YOU FIND STRENGTH AND CONTINUE TO HOLD YOUR BROTHER'S MEMORIES LIKE A POT OF GOLD AS THEY ARE.
I'M SORRY THAT YOU FEEL HE HAS BEEN FORGOTTEN BUT I ASURE HE HASN'T. IT HAS BEEN VERY SAD HERE AT TPD. WE LOST OUR BROTHER, KEITH DRESSEL, AS I KNOW YOU ARE AWARE. I ALSO KNOW YOUR FAMILY SUFFERED EVERY BIT AS MUCH AS HIS IS RIGHT NOW. I WASN'T ESPECIALLY CLOSE TO KEITH AS MANY OTHERS WERE. IT STILL HIT ME SO HARD. I NEVER BELIEVED SOMEONE WOULD "INTENTIONALLY" TAKE THE LIFE OF A COP. PEOPLE SHOOT DRUG DEALERS, THEY DON'T SHOOT THE POLICE. I HAVE CHASED SEVERAL GUYS WITH LOADED GUNS AND THEY ALWAYS TOSSED THEM. THEY DIDN'T SHOOT ME. YES, WE ALL KNOW THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROFESSION AND ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN, BUT WE RISK OUR LIVES TO PROTECT THE COMMUNITY. WE CHOOSE TO TAKE THE CHANCE-WE RISK OUR LIVES FOR OTHERS. WITH THAT SAID, "I NEVER THOUGTH WE'D LOSE AN OFFICER, ESPECIALLY AT THE HANDS OF ANOTHER; AT THE HANDS OF A CHILD." I ALWAYS KNEW I WOULD GO HOME AT THE END OF MY SHIFT....I USED TO KNOW THAT. THIS TRAGEDY HAS TAKEN AWAY MY SENSE OF SECURITY AND PUT DOUBT IN MY HEAD- WHERE THERE'S NO ROOM FOR DOUBT IN THIS PROFESSION. MY YOUNG SON SAID TO ME THE OTHER DAY, "MOM, I NEVER THOUGHT HOW YOU GO TO WORK BUT MAY NEVER COME HOME AGAIN." I NVER THOUGHT ABOUT THAT EITHER!! YES THAT JILTED ME BIG TIME! I AM A SINGLE MOM.
PLEASE DON'T FEEL THAT ONE OFFICER IS BEING RECOGNIZED MORE THAN THE OTHER. KEITH, BILLY, CLAY TWNSHP, TPD....WE'RE ALL BROTHERS IN BLUE. ALTHOUGH YOUR BROTHER DIED IN AN ACCIDENT AND NOT AT THE HAND OF ANOTHER.....THEY ARE BOTH HERO'S...WHO DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY.....LOVING THEIR JOBS AND BEING THE BEST AT IT!!! I PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY AS WELL AS THE DRESSEL'S.
REMEMBER CORRINA.....YOUR BROTHER IS NOT FORGOTTEN!!!
HE NEVER WILL BE!
BILLY WAS LUCKY TO HAVE SUCH A GREAT SISTER. I CAN SENSE HOW MUCH YOU LOVE AND MISS HIM. YOU ARE LUCKY TO HAVE SHARED A SUCH A SPECIAL BOND. UNFORTUNATELY THERE IS NOT ENOUGH LOVE IN THIS WORLD.

TOLEDO POLICE OFFICER
TOLEDO POLICE DEPARTMENT

March 1, 2007

How do you say good bye
is there ever a right time?
When one so young is lost
do words we ever find?

You're missing first dances
and little girls a growing
Most regretfully, without
ever really knowing...

The hugs that made them secure
the tickles that made them smile
The times you'd hold them on your chest
for more than a little while.

A young son needs his father
to teach him about becoming a man
He has two grandfathers, trying
to fill in as best they can.

His wife loves him more than life
even until this day
There will never be another Billy
Your presence won't fade away.

Who knows the depths of a mother
who's lost her only son?
But believing that when time is over
they'll be rejoined as one.

There are so many parts
missing...for a sister and best friend
She will love you forever Billy,
way beyond the end.

There's been much accomplished
You've truly done your part
By reaching down deep inside
and touching every heart.

God bless your family and you
always and in all ways.

Anonymous

February 28, 2007

Still missing you everyday your in my thoughts...Keep watching over our kids they miss you Its just not fair...You should be a part of their earthly life Steer me in the right direction...Keep watching over us...
All my love T

February 16, 2007

During this season we remember the birth of A Saviour who lived, died making the ultimate sacrifice and who now lives. Let us remember this saviour who lived, died making the ultimate sacrifice and who will live again. Rest In Peace.

D. Paul, Special Agent
FBI

December 20, 2006

Reading all your reflections I can see that you were (and still are) a wonderful person.May you Rest safe with Our Lord and may He continue to comfort and strengthen your loved ones until the chain links again.

July 10, 2006

Six years ago on this date, 8Jul00, I retired from the Genoa
Police Department after serving 30 1/2 years. Two days later, I was awakened by a call that Billy had been killed in an accident in our patrol car while assisting our department. It was a very sad day and the days that followed until his inturnment. Billy was on his way to be-
comming one of our finest. His goal was cut short, but he has left a lasting impression on every one who came in contact with him. Over the years, I have attended many officers burrials, but one no sadder than his. So young, so much time to give to his department and his community her served. Billy Hetrick, I will miss you and on every 10Jul, I will remember your loss and "you will NEVER be forgotten".

Chief Gary E. Truman, Retired
Genoa Police Department

Chief Gary E. Truman/Retired
Genoa Police Department

July 7, 2006

The date of your death caught my eye as I was going to visit my husbands web-page. While my husband and I were celebrating our six years of courtship anniversary on 7/10/00, your life was suddenly coming to an end. Thank you for your service and God bless you Ofc. Hetrick, your family, friends, and co-workers. May you continue to keep watch over everyone from above.

Jennifer Aaron
Wife of Ofc. Duke G. Aaron, III (EOW 07/20/04)

April 25, 2006

Well done, thou good and faithful
servant.

Therefore whoever confesses Jesus
before men, him I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven.

Enter by the narrow gate for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the
way which leads to life and there are few who find it.

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will
be also.

The Gospel of Matthew

March 14, 2006

Well we are comming up on another one of your birthdays.Things sure are not the same with out you. It sucks going through all this without u to complain to. I had a dream the other night that I told Tonya I needed to borrow you since you have never been here at my new place so I was gonna take your urn to my house.... I still think about you everyday and miss you the same as I did 5 and a half years ago
love your sis
Corrina

corrina hetrick

February 2, 2006

Happy 33rd birthday Billy.
Love you always.
Corrina

Corrina Hetrick-Coffman

February 20, 2004

Corrina,

It was nice meeting you in chat the other day. I am sorry for the loss of your brother. From reading his reflections he sounds like a great man and a fine officer. You and all his loved ones should be proud.

Please take care of yourself. I hope someday you find happiness and inner peace. If you ever need anything you know how to find me.

Peace, love, luck, and happiness to you~!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Deputy Sheriff Dennis McElderry's fiancee - EOW (01/01/03)

January 23, 2004

BILLY,
NEVER REALLY GOT TO KNOW YOU AS A GROWN-UP. LAST TIME I SAW YOU, YUO WERE JUST 11.
AFTER READING THE MEMORIALS TO YOU FROM YOUR CO-WORKERS, FRIENDS AND FAMILY, I CAN SEE THAT YOU TURNED OUT TO BE A REALLY GREAT PERSON WHO CARED ABOUT THOSE AROUND HIM.
GOD BLESS YOU, BROTHER. I HOPE THAT WHEREVER YOU ARE, THAT YOU ARE HAPPY.
I'LL PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
SINCERELY,
KHHJR

KHHJR

January 22, 2004

As I leave my reflection for Officer William Jay Hetrick I do so with a heavy heart. I never had the pleasure of knowing you but I am sure your as heartfelt and strong as all the Hetrick's are. We are related by blood and enjoy the same profession of helping others but never had a chance to meet or even know each other existed. May you rest in peace my brother in blue and my family member in life.

God bless. Now you can walk Heaven's beat.

Officer Johns
Georgia Perimeter College Police Department

January 21, 2004

Billy was a great guy and he would do any thing for any one.  I am the son of Chief Roger A. Schultze of Clay Township and i knew him through Roger.  I remember him coming over to my house on new years eve and talking with us about what he thinks is going to happen that night he was so out going and talkitve. When i heard about his death i couldn't believe it. And that made me relize that a person can be takin away when ever and you should be happy with the person because you can be takin away in an instant.

Billy we Miss you

Chad Schultze

My son was killed while on duty July 10 2000. On the same day Billy was killed two other officers also lost there lives. Sheriff William Warren from ill. Officer William Williams from Florida and my son William Hetrick.All were named William. Since they have died there have been 48 more officers who never got to say good by or return home again. What a sadness that occures way to often for the familys of police officers who died while performing there duty.    10-28-2000

Kenny Hetrick
Clay Center police dept

Billy was a good guy and was a good friend of mine

charlie

Charlie Moore
genoa fire dept

Please Don't Mourn my Passing

Just think of me as free

if you choose to remember

Remember me as me

Think about the good times

and all the fun we had

But please don't mourn my Passing

For that would make me sad

I got the big promotion

I am with you now and always

My spirit & soul is freed

We will fight for truth and Justice

Evil take some head

What I got was a promotion

A Search Warrent I no longer Need

You all only thought I could Box

And when it came to lifting

I was real proud of my awards

Till it all come together

And I realized what I could do

with my Brand new set of WINGS

Anonymous

Billy was not only a great police officer but he was a great guy. he would do anything for anybody. him and his wife were the first friends i met through my husband mike. i knew from the day i met him he was a people person. friendly, careing, and easy to get along with. he was always there when we needed his help....moving,helping out when we needed an extra hand, anything anyone needed he was there. i remember going on a fishing charter with him and mike, it was cold, windy, both billy and i get sea sick so we were popping motion sickness pills but we hung in there.he was just a really fun guy and will be so greatly missed. i am so glad i had the privalige of being one of his friends. i had such a nice talk with him on the 4th of july and im so thankful i had the opportunity to let him know he was a great friend of mine and mikes. i thank god everyday i got to tell him so before that tragic day. he is so sadly missed.

kim graalman

Billy  was a good friend of mine. The first day I met him ' He was called to my Uncles field while he was   on  patrol to catch the kid that was riding a dirt bike in the field. I tried to stop the kid by standing in  front of him as he was coming towards me. I almost got run over. Billy finally caught the kid. The kids Dad sold the bike.He was a good listener and always helped me solve my problems.Billys gone now but will never be forgotten  Deep down in my heart. I will always remember his friendly smile. 

Jeff Schimming