Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Bill was a role model to me long before he achieved his dream of becoming a police officer. He was constantly protecting and guiding his friends and family, it just came naturally to him. I didn't always want to hear his advice but I always learned a lesson from it. His smile and the light in his eyes will be missed by all who knew him. I'm so grateful to his wife for her faith and peace, reminding us all that although he is gone from this world he is still with us, protecting us, and he would want us to be happy. Sharing her pictures and memories at his memorial helped us all to smile, remembering how he lived. She is an inspiration.

Anonymous

My fallen Comrade, I went to your funeral today and left with a hollow, humbled feeling.

I saw your lovely wife, your family and your brothers and sisters of the job grieve as you were laid to rest in a very honorable display of solidarity.

The procession was miles long and shaded in the strobing blue,red and white lights, a reminder to all those that watched that there are those who are chosen to defend and gaurd, and those who need us.

I saw your SWAT Team-Mates bow and pray at your silent presence. I saw the citizens line the streets, some of them with tears in their eyes and their hands over their hearts as we took you to your resting place. I saw the Honor Guard fire a salute in your honor. I felt the pain welling deep with-in my chest as the service proceeded, knowing it was your final farewell.

I heard the agonzing "Last Call" for you from CCOM , waiting for your reply that we all knew would not be heard with our earthly bodies.

Rest assured my fallen brother, you may be gone from this world, your tour of duty cut short by tragedy, but you will live forever in the hearts and souls of the those of us who
are left here to still continue the battle that you so bravely fought.

God Speed Deputy Bowman...we will meet again.

Anonymous

There you have it.  God must've needed a hero.  A brave hero.  And he takes the strong to lead.  You can only believe in that.

You go out everyday not knowing if you will ever come back.  Rest assured that Officer Bowman is in a place where heros are recognized.  It is only sad that we have come to know his name through tragedy.  May his children know his legend and his story be heard.  He did not die in vain.  God only takes the heros young.

Believe.

Officers Shannon Worley and Thomas Mack
Shreveport PD and Bossier PD, Louisiana

DEAR OFFICER BOWMAN'S FAMILY:

I JUST WANTED TO GIVE MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY TO YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY AND THE POLICE OFFICERS IN HIS DEPARTMENT. I ALWAYS HATE SEEING AN OFFICER HURT OR KILLED AND IT'S JUST SO SAD. I KNOW THESE ARE TROUBLING TIMES,BUT ALWAYS TRY TO REMEBER THE GOOD POINTS AND THE FUN YOU HAD WITH HIM. MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR WHICH HE WORKED FOR.THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING US BILL. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AND I HOPE YOU ARE AT PEACE.

JOHN BATES
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY

I didn't know Sheriff Bowman but I know that God in his infinite wisdom knew that this incident was going to happen before it happened. We need to keep the officer's family in our prayers as well as the officer who fired the fatal bullet. What a tragedy this is but those of us who know Christ know that he works all things together for our good.

We never know when the good Lord will call us home so we need to always be prepared. This is a wake up call for each of us to be right with our God.

Officer Pamela Garland
Evergreen State College Police

Our prayers are with you, your family, and your department.

Fairview Oregon Police Department

My thoughts and prayers to the men and women of Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.  Very special prayers to the family of Deputy Bowman, one only imagine the pain you must be faced with.

It is my hope that through this tragedy that we not forget another victim in this tragedy, the officer who accidentally shot Deputy Bowman...the pain and turmoil that officer is going through must be unimaginable...support this officer and let them know they are still part of our family.

Concerned Citizen

I am sorry to hear about your loss and my heart goes to your family, friends, and agency.  I am currently in the application process for several departments.  I visit this site often to remind me of what I am about to get into.  The heros that are listed on this site will always remain with me as a reminder of those who take on a noble yet often misunderstood profession. 

Concerned Citizen

Our deepest sympathies are with the family of Deputy Bowman as well as the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.

It seems that words escape us at a time like this. He will be remembered in our thoughts and prayers and we are here to support you in any way we can.

Anonymous
Lane County Sheriff's Office

After all this time, I have not forgotten you.

Officer B. Goldsmith
LaCenter PD, Wa. State

My heart is with the family at this time. God bless them.

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Officer Bowman. I see and understand the grief involved in losing a police officer and loved one to a Training exercise. We have just lost our own good man,not only professionally, but personally, to a similar Training accident. His name was Alister C. McGregor, 12-27-2001. It is a horror not worthy of any words. I will say a pray for Mrs. Bowman and the children left behind. I hope that they find comfort and peace in there lives and the strength to carry on.
God Bless You All.

In memory of Alister C. McGregor, EPPD, RI

Anonymous

Bill,

It's been a year and a half since the end of your watch with us. We miss you now, as if you were called home yesterday. The world has changed since you've left us, Bill. It's a far more challenging place to be. Fears that we could only imagine have become reality and the storm isn't over yet. We need heroes, Bill. Men and women with the pride, integrity and dedication to stand against the threat, new and old alike. We need heroes like you, Bill.

Your wife and family have been a blessing to us all. Their strength and courage reflects your image. Your friends have remained focused in their work to keep your memory and your sacrifice an influence for positive change. They, like you, are heroes.

Rest in Peace, my friend.

Anonymous

Bill was a special person I rode with him from time to time and he would always answer all questions and be there both a personal and professional level. We all miss him but he will never be forgotten. Much love you all his family and close friends.

Kidd