Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You will always be missed. We think about you everyday and still cannot believe that you are gone. It is still difficult to understand why this happened to such a great family. Please keep watching over all of us!

Anonymous

April 17, 2004

You know I had my first oral interview on my way to becoming a police officer. I had in my inside jacket pocket what I carry daily that keeps you close to me besides my own thoughts. I know you know about that. I wasn't too nervous, but it was some what akward. Sitting there in a warm room with two captains and two lieutenants- while one asked me a question, one starred at me, one was writing whatever down, the other with his feet up smiling, and being videotaped at the same time didn't help either. I think anyone else would had went insane. I know it's all a head game and at first I gave them answers that I thought they wanted to hear, but then I finally got comfortable and was myself after a gesture was made about Shea's mom. You would of been laughing too. Who knows though, if Plainfield wants me, I'll be hired. But if not, I'll move on to the next one. I did a decent job considering it was my first oral with any department. As we know, you can only control things so much until it's out of your hands and God takes care of the rest. If it's meant to be, then I will be hired by someone.(Especially if they know what would be good for their department.) Haaa-Haaa!
Things are great here. Well, it's life and I am as happy as I can be. I am breathing, I have the most awesome person in my life that is my best-closest friend that I have ever had. She is so amazing. If I didn't have her, well- she's a really great person. Beth will be teaching starting next fall-WOW!!!!
Mom sold the house on Flintstone-which is really good but at the same time sort of weird-you know. I still talk to her every day. Dee- Dee and Ryan are doing well as you probably can see. He makes her happy and the same with her making him happy. Life is great. I just wish that everyone could realize that. It goes so-so fast. It's hard to keep track of time.
It's still pretty hard sometimes without all of you guys here. Matter of fact during that oral the other day, one of the guys asked me if what happened with you would affect me being a police officer. I knew before 3 words were out of his mouth that that question was coming. I told him not at all. You know it's been about 3 1/2 years, and I could see right after that happened, and I said something about Todd, then I said I could go on my drive home. He understood. I guess we'll see. Not everybody sees things how people see things after you've lost a few people in your life time.. You know, their not as opened minded at all. And I'm not better then the next person at all what so ever, but I guess just like anything else, until certain things have happened in your life, you just take advantage of whatever and you just don't have the same outlooks. It ALWAYS takes something to happen in someone's life no matter what it may be, for them to realize things. I take advantage of what's here, who's involved in my life, keep God close, and live every day. Plus that's all I need to do.
Dude, Jessica and Emily are something else. They are amazing. I love talking to them and being with them when I can. Jessica is so proper and brillant. And ask for little monkey girl, well she doesn't like to be called monkey but too bad- she's the funniest little girl that I have ever met. They are growing into young ladies that are lucky to have Dee-Dee as their mother and Ryan raising them. Ofcourse no one can take your place, but you know. I believe he is the best for Dee-Dee, plus if he makes her happy- then great. And ask for Fields, well she still got "5" on it like she always had. She's so koo.
Continue to watch over all of us as I know you will. I will see you guys when I get there, and make sure you save those seats on the beach for all of us to sit there and enjoy heaven together. We are so lucky to have what we have here on earth, but I also know it's NOT EVEN CLOSE or COMPARABLE to what you guys are ENJOYING RIGHT NOW. That water has to be clearer then it is here. I can wait, but at the same time I can't. I will see you guys there. Buffet is still bumping and Bill you would LOVE Kenny Chesney's music. Like me, you could have realted to his music so much.


I love you guys,
-Andrew-

February 29, 2004

Bill - As I sit here at my desk, Officer Matt Smith, is talking to my class about D.A.R.E. I can hardly stand to look at him, as he stands there dressed in the same uniform you wore - B class - I think you called it. He told the kids he had been on the department for four years - I remember when he first came on!

Time is flying by. You would be so proud of Jess and Emily. Andrew also continues to be a great Uncle to them. You'd be proud of Ryan too. Only you, Amy, and I can understand what I mean. You told her many times that if something ever happened to you that you wanted me to remarry and be loved. I know you're looking down on us smiling, while you sit in your part of heaven - it's on a beach isn't it?

love always,

dd

February 25, 2004

Missed more than ever!....

Anonymous

February 21, 2004

So much has happened in the time that you have been gone. I know that you are with us and watcing over us everyday. Things have never been the same since your death. We miss you and think of you everyday. Your girls are growing and thriving into beautiful young ladies. They will always be reminded of you.

A new year is upon us and the Orange Army is about to take over Beech Grove. You would be proud of your fellow officers. They work everyday to make Beech Grove the kind of town you would be proud of. Sometimes it is very difficult, but I believe, at least for my husband, that there is a renewed since of purpose and a belief that they can and will make a difference. He carries you with him always.

As diffucult as this has been, I believe that you would be proud of the "different normal" that everyone has now. Please always watchover everyone and keep them safe.

Forward Together.

Anonymous

January 8, 2004

I don't think Bill Toney ever quit smiling while he was at the academy. He was living his dream, and he was a credit to law enforcement.
Toney, you will be always missed, and never forgotten.
Rest easy, Brother, you are not forgotten.

Sgt. Barbara Beland
Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, IN

January 4, 2004

You are missed!....12/31/03

Anonymous

December 31, 2003

As every day passes and we are all faced with different things in our way, time is the only thing that seems to heal any kind of pain anyone holds. I can truely say there is not ever a second that a thought doesn't go through my mind about our losses. The one thing people can not do though is mix their emotions with other's emotions. They don't match and it doesn't help any situation. It only hurts even more. Time goes SO FAST and then it's over. It's over like nothing was even here to begin with. We have to hold on to what we have here and try to be as happy as possible. I love you guys and I miss you so much, especially this time of the year. I am starting my journey at the end of January, so be with me.

-Andrew-

"It takes just as much time to see the good side of life as it does the bad."
-Jimmy Buffet-

December 18, 2003

It is so crazy how much you are missed day in and day out. It has been 3 years now and still not a day goes by that you are not talked about and thought about endlessly, and it will be that way forever! Your family loves you and words can not explain how much they miss you. Rest in Peace as we know you are!

Anonymous

December 17, 2003

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, September 29, 2003 we dedicated the shift to the memory of P.O. William Toney who died on this date three years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Officer Toney's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

September 29, 2003

3 years Bill...it's still so hard to believe what has happened!....you are gone but will never be forgotten!

Anonymous

September 29, 2003

I cannot believe it has been three years already. Time flies and with time things happen. It's not been easy and I haven't expected it to be either. However, more things have happened in the last three years than what I thought was possible. I should never underestimate God and the things He throws at us and honestly I try not to.

I miss you Bill and everyone else who has been taken from our family in the last 11 years. It hasn't seemed fair at all and it never will. Happy Birthday Bill. I love you.

September 29, 2003

I can't even begin to explain how quick this life goes. It just seems like yesterday every thing was fine here and everyone was happy. But just like every thing else, things change, and it seems for the most part they change for the worst. But on the other, I am with the one person that I have prayed for, that I have longed for, and the one person that makes me cry every time I tell her how I feel about her. I am saying this because I wish you guys could of have the chance to meet her. She puts me at ease and calms every nerve running through my body. God sent her to me at the perfect time in my life to heal all of my pains and sorrows. All of my memories of anything that has ever happened in my life that have been bad- she has taken them and erased them so to say, and I can't believe how awesome it feels to have that someone that you KNOW you are going to spend the rest of your life with. I know God had a part in it like I said- but I also know that you guys know what type of person that I would fall for. Thank you. Plus she's hot and all four of us know that we all go for girls like that. (HAA-HAA!!!!!!!!)
I will see you guys when I get there obviously. I miss you guys and I love you so much.

#99 -Andrew- #8

September 27, 2003

I still have not forgotten that awful evening of September 29, 2000, when Officer Toney was killed. And, yes, I am sure he is walking the streets of heaven, while his memory walks the streets of Beech Grove. There's just something different about the town now. I felt it the day after his death. I can't really describe it. But the town has changed. There's a quietness; a solemness that was never here before. I will never forget that awful day, because it changed our town forever. I can still see Officer Toney, standing in the Speedway gas station eating donuts and drinking coffee. I can still here his voice as he talked to me. That's the strength of his first impression.
He was a good man. And I'm sure he's a terrific angel. How could he be anything less?

Susan M. Gratton
citizen of Beech Grove, Indiana

I know in my heart Bill was doing the one job that he truly loved to do. It is very hard to get over his death, when you see his wife and kids alot.He is missed by all that knew him. I pray that he is walking the streets of heaven now.

Steve Smith

What a terrible tragedy to befall a young officer who holds so much promise for the future. I did not know Officer Toney but know why he did the job he loved. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and co-workers. You are all in my prayers. Godspeed, William

Officer Donna C. Hillier
Purdue University Calumet Police Department, IN

Bill, we miss you more and more with each passing day.

Cpl Michael DeHart
Marion County Sheriff

BILL TONEY WAS NOT ONLY A COWORKER, HE WAS A VERY CLOSE FRIEND.  I TRAINED AND WORKED WITH BILL BEFORE I LEFT AND WENT TO ANOTHER AGENCY. BILL WAS AN EXCELLENT FRIEND.  ON MANY OF THOSE SLOW NIGHTS WE WERE WORKING, WE WOULD "SIGNAL 8" AND TALK ABOUT LIFE, FAMILY, KIDS, GROWING OLD, AND HIS FAVORITE, JIMMY BUFFETT.  NOT A DAY HAS GONE BY THAT I DO NOT THINK ABOUT BILL OR HIS FAMILY.  IN THE SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME THAT BILL AND I KNEW EACH OTHER, I CONSIDERED BILL A "BIG" BROTHER.  AND FOR HIS BEAUTIFUL WIFE AND WONDERFUL KIDS, I ASPIRE TO BE AS GOOD AS HUSBAND AND FATHER THAT HE WAS TO HIS WIFE AND KIDS. I, ALONG WITH MANY OTHERS, TRULY MISS BILL.  I KNOW HE IS WATCHING OVER ALL OF US, ALL OF THE TIME.  BILL, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN...

QUIETLY MAKING NOISE,

SPECIAL AGENT JASON CHAPMAN
UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE

Hero...

The only word that anyone should hear when someone says your name. Thank you for all you did in your short tour of duty on this earth. May God be with your family and friends forever and a day.

     Brothers In Arms

Wishard Medics

William "Bill" Toney was a classmate of mine at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (98-134)and also a fellow squad member.  Bill was always quick with a joke and always tried to lend a helping hand to any who needed it.  Bill will be missed by those from his class as well as others that knew him.  I wish to extend thanks to the citizens of Beech Grove for thier thoughtfullness towards Officer Toney's family in thier time of need.

Steve Vallance
Auburn Police Dept

May God be a Father to your children and a husband to your wife.

Rest In Peace

Darin L. Paul, Special Agent
FBI Detroit Division

To my brothers and sisters in Beech Grove,--heart felt pain . To the family, my deepest regrets. We here in Fort Wayne lost one of ours on 10-5.

God Bless and rest in peace brother,

sergeant brian burton
fort wayne,in

Since I've had a few friends die in the line of duty I've become ever more concerned for the families of those Officers who give their life.  I truly feel that brotherhood with all Law Enforcement Officers and shed a tear each time one is killed.  Brother William, you can rest well now and still watch over your family.  From what I've read you were one heck of a guy.  I'm sure your wife and kids know how much you love them.  To your co-workers, remember, although Williams death is senseless, know he gave it his all.  Call it rhetoric if you want, but I'm sure he is in Heaven with God and still sees and hears each of you.  Find it in your heart to go on and remember him with respect and dedication to the job you still have to do.  We are the unsung hero's. Learn, train and live that way.  God bless each of you and my prayers are with Mrs. Toney and the kids.  God and daddy will watch after you.  God's speed brother William, say hi to our other brothers.

Sergeant Leigh Persky
Montgomery County Sheriff, Alabama

I had the honor of meeting Officer William Toney on three separate ocassions, all of them at the Speedway gas station in Beech Grove, Indiana, where I used to work.  He always treated me nice, like another human being, and once he even called me by my first name.  That was a nice touch.  I was very affected by his death, as it happened not too far away from my own residence.  I considered him a friend, even though I barely knew him.  I wish I had known him better.  I, too, paid my respects at the funeral home, and I also was present as the procession moved down Main Street.  I have cried for him and for his family, and I am not ashamed.  He was a real human being and a real cop.  He told me once how he wanted to be a cop in Florida, but I guess he's a cop in Heaven now.  He also told me how he missed his father.  He'll miss his father no more, but we will surely miss him.  He will be remembered in me forever.

Susan M. Gratton
Beech Grove citizen

It is written, "Blessed are the peacekeepers." Yet once again, as with Ofc. Toney's loss and the losses of so many others in law enforcement, we must recognize that bearing the sword in the defense of the innocent isn't easy.

Lt. S. I. Drake
Indianapolis Police Department