Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Bowman, you are not forgotten. God bless you and your family. I am sure the members of the Clackamas Co. SD still miss you. SSA Pierson

SSA Ellen Pierson
US ICE

April 21, 2009

It has been over 8 years now ! Still, it seems like yesterday. I am barely typing this because the pain of loosing you haunts me every day/night. I will share personal moments, only because it makes me feel better, I am in total tears right now, it is hard to type. I have read many of the entry’s here, still, many did not have the "privilege" of knowing you as I did. You were my Partner on SWAT and my Best Friend in life. We were "Ying and Yang, 3D35 & 3D36" my trusted other half. I miss so much of you.....Dam, will it stop....I cry like now, so often, I miss you so much my brother. CCSO has changed so Drasitcally, all the new kids, but my mission is to keep your sprit alive there, till I die. So to you who did not know Bill, I called him Billy because it pissed him off but he let me get away with it. Bill was a tenacious friend, always there,! He madee me think, made me feel, and made me live. I have not shared this yet,... I held Bill in my arms when he was taken from us. I could do nothing. This is what I live with. His eyes were open, blood was everywhere, on me the walls, floor, and I could not save him. Blood, all over me, the look on his face, the fact I could do nothing made me rage. Bill was an EMT it was his nature to try and save life. Yet, he would have tried to save mine, yet as I held him I could do nohing for his. This scene lives within me, it is my curse. I looked in his deep brown eyes and recited our vow, yes, I remember! One year; one hundred years, does not matter, my God, I cry now like yesterday all over again, the scar that never heals. So to all of you Tatictal guys. "WORK HARD, TRAIN HARD? AND PLAY HARD" with your kids..... Until we meet again my Friend...and we will.."To Loved to be forgotten, Courage, Love, Family!!!!"I miss you !! T

Tim Warren
Deputy CCSO

January 13, 2009

RIP.You maybe gone but you will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

November 9, 2008

To the family and loved ones of Deputy William Bowman, his fellow officers, and most especially to Bill:

On this the eighth anniversary week of your tragic death, please know that you are honored and revered today and everyday.

From all the loving reflections left about you, I can see that you were an amazing man and what a grievous loss your loved ones have endured because of your death.

May your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire. You are loved and missed by so many.

Rest in Peace, Bill. A body is but for a lifetime, but spirits and souls are for eternity and yours is forever part of those who call you beloved.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Bill gave to his community and the citizens of Oregon, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 12, 2000.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg Police Dept. eow 4/24/05

Anonymous

September 14, 2008

I just finished a training class last week and thought of you. The safety that was stressed in class was partly due to your death, even these long years later and many states away. We were checked and rechecked over and over again. Even in death you are saving lives.

Deputy M. Bilbrey
Harris Co. Constable Pct. 5

August 21, 2008

Bill,

Mark and I still talk about you. We're all a little older, although not much the wiser. You're missed by many.

Corrie,

Hope there is peace.. We recall those early days at Legacy..

r-medic
Fire

July 2, 2008

Bowman Family,

Some time has passed, but your loss is still, and always be, part of us. I mean that not in a sorrowful way, but a hopeful one. I last spoke of LT Timeus, who told me what had happened on a patrol shift 8 years ago, as we were friends / coworkers at Lake O PD. Terry is now the Chief at a large metropolitan area police department and I am now an officer in a larger department. (Still friends though!)

One thing, however, hasnt changed. Your husband, father, sibling and son has made a daily impression on all of us, be it CCSO, LOPD, WLPD, PPB and all the rest. I still go to work every day downtown with that excitement for a new day on patrol. Thank you for sharing Bill, an amazing and inspirational person in my lifetime. He will always be here with Chief Timeus and Officer Hughes, just two of thousands I am sure....

Officer Brian Hughes
Portland Police Bureau
Central Precinct

Officer Brian Hughes
PPB

May 31, 2008

Bill it has been a long time, but I still think of you every day, Your picture hangs in the squadroom at the jail alongside the funeral program. I drive past the North Precinct and I remember how my sister had my son standing by the road as the miles long funeral procession went past.. and he stood there saluting all of us. You will never be forgotten my friend.

Deputy John Headrick
Clackamas County Sheriffs Department/ Oregon

February 1, 2008

Been awhile my friend but my heart continues to grieve. This is the first year I wasn’t able to make it to your final resting place on September 12. You know how badly I wanted to be there. 2008 and I think about you everyday and struggle every night—the pain never seems to leave. So much died that day—a tragic and senseless way to leave.

You were one of a kind and I’m still “Staying’ Alive” buddy.

Brett

Brett Thackston
Ex-and fellow SWAT Clackamas County Deputy and SWAT team member

January 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

January 10, 2008

Corrie-

I just want you to know that you are in my thoughts a lot. I wonder how you are and know you are doing well at the same time. I miss hearing from you on TOH. I will never forget the day we found out about Bill's death, and hope you know we are all kindred sisters and think of you often. Time passes and life goes on, but you are not forgotten!

Semalee Bilbrey
Wife of Officer and member of TOH

October 18, 2007

10/13/07

Bill and family-

You have not been forgotten.

We were brothers in brown at one time. Sadly, I left the department just months prior to the terrible tragedy that took your life so I was not able to attend your funeral. I stood with other civilians on the sidewalk as the hundreds of emergency vehicles passed by, but I never felt like I had the chance to say goodby.

Finding this site is giving me the chance to say now what I could not say then. Goodby brother.

You will always be remembered.

October 13, 2007

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Clackamas County Sheriff's Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Deputy Bowman deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Deputy Bowman is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina

May 31, 2006

Happy Birthday Bill. We are thinking about you today. You are never far from our thoughts and you are always in our hearts.

Mike

December 22, 2005

Five years have passed, unfortunately it still seems like yesterday and I believe it always will. Never will that day, that moment leave, it will haunt me forever. Not a day passes that you are not in my thoughts. There is still tremendous pain in my heart. I miss you, I remember you, until one day we meet again my friend. (Too Loved to be forgotten).

Deputy
Clackamas County Sheriffs Department

September 12, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers go out to This Officer, as well as the Family, Friends, Department and Community.

This is a loss that will never be forgotten. Hours will turn into days, days turn into weeks, weeks into months and months into years but, the difference that these officers have made will last forever.

We lost Our Deputy Morris Taylor on September 14, 2002. When he joined the other Angels in Blue.

God Bless Our Law Enforcement Officers and Those Who Love Them.

Jack & Tracy Van Dolah
Former LEO/U.S.M.C. & Wife in Sutherlin, Oregon

May 22, 2005

Almost five years have passed and I still think about you everyday. My heart continues to grieve.

Your friend,

Brett
5/7/05

Brett Thackston
ex-Clackamas County Deputy

May 7, 2005

Bowman Family,

On Sept 12, 2000, I was with my wife in our hometown fo Hillsboro, OR. I saw a CCSO SUV headed westbound on Hwy 26, Code 3. Curious, as this agency is to the east of our county, I turned on the radio. I was off duty, but that's what makes us cops, curiosity.

The usual chatter was interuppted by a WCSO Deputy asking dispatch if CCSO needed any assistance, as there was a unit running code west on Hwy 26. The dispatcher asked the deputy to stand by while she checked. She responded a short time later in a short and terse voice that CCSO had a training incident on the coast and that they did not need any assistance, and that several CCSO units would follow. After doing this job for a while you pick up on their inflections, as they are your lifeline. Something was wrong.

I went into work that night for a 4 hour DUII OT shift. I met up with my LT, Terry Timeus, midway through the shift. He was not himself, and I knew something was wrong. Parked car to car, I learned about what had happened at the coast and why CCSO had been headed there Code 3. LT Timeus is an outstanding judge of character, he knew who the good guys were among the good guys. Our conversation revolved around one of those people.

Later that week, I came in to shine my boots and wash my patrol car, during the God Forsaken daylight hours (I work nights). As I am sure Bill can attest to, aside from being with a beautiful family, the daytime hours stink in this job!

I remember the day clearly. New Hope Community Church in Clackamas, OR is a perfect and safe place for LEO to celebrate the life of one of their own. I remember clearly how Dep. Bowman's wife did not want deputies, officers and troopers to attend in their traditional Class A uniform. She requested that we all come as we are on regular duty, Bill would have preferred that.

I remember hearing the musical group "Creed" and their uplifting song "Can you Take me Higher" being played, and the reference to Dep Bowman being excited, everyday, as he started his shift. Every time I hear that song I remember you.

Your sacrifice has made a daily impression on me, and when I go to work everyday, I try to bring your enthusiasm with me.

Brian Hughes
Portland Police Bureau

April 15, 2005

Bill, Happy birthday brother. We all miss you so much. Know that you are in all of our thoughts and prayers this holiday season.

Watch over us all. We know that you are always here for us as our silent cover.You and your sacrifice are not forgotten. MUCH LOVE

December 29, 2004

Brother, may God Bless you and your family, especially during the Christmas season. Thank you for your service...

Patrolman

December 24, 2004

This was most unfortunate, rest easy blue angel.

October 11, 2003

09/12/03 - Bill. 3 years and so much has changed. The world has changed since you took off on your new mission. You must be so very proud of Cory and the girls. It is amazing to watch from the sidelines knowing that you are doing the exact same thing. So on this day, please know, you are NOT forgotten, you ARE missed by so many of us. Keep an eye on us and put in a good word for us ok?

Anonymous

September 12, 2003

Bill was never one to waste a moment.  He was talented in many areas.  He had his hand in everything, and loved to help out anyone who needed his expertise.  He was a hard worker.  His quick wit was renowned, and his humor was often the glue that kept the family gathering entertaining.  Bill, your loss is immensely felt by us all.  We all feel a little less earthly protection with you gone, but we know that you are with us and your children in other ways.  We see your life reflected in the eyes of your children, and although we are sad, we can't help but smile.  

Anonymous

My heart cries for your loss.  I am also a member of a local SWAT Team.  I can't help but think of the sick feeling I had during a training exercise when I heard and felt a tap on the back of my SWAT helmet only to learn that it was the barrel of a fellow members gun hitting my helmet.  Let's all be careful out there...on the street and in training.

Anonymous

Dear Bowman Family,

Even though I had never met Bill, I felt so very close to him during the services this tuesday. It was our saddest day, but so beautiful. That feeling will remain in my heart forever.

My wife and I send you our biggest prayers.

B. Goldsmith
Portland Police Reserve