Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

July 13, 2002

Dear Billy,

You've been gone 8 months today . . . . . seems utterly impossible. Memories of you and the events of November 13th that horrified us all are ever-fresh and uppermost in our minds. It's still very hard to believe that it's all any more than an extremely bad dream. We think of you, we talk about you, and we grieve for you; we have come to accept that these will be a part of our daily activities from now on.

Today is moving day for Prissy and Kaley (one more "13th" anniversary). We know you're watching proudly, and we know you know how desperately they miss you--especially today. We ALL miss you so much, Billy; the maddening frustration that so many of us carry within us as a result of your senseless death will never leave us.

We hope you're thoroughly enjoying your glorious new assignments. Please keep the watch from there, and we'll do the best we can here. It'll be good to see you again, 762. Take care.

Love,

Susan & Louis Prater
Friends

762,
I was talking about you today with Marcum. We were on Ashgrove and we went by a house that you and I answered an alarm at together. We went in an open door and began searching. We had been searching this monster of a house for at least 15 minutes when you checked a large closet while I was watching our back trail in the hallway. You came out into the hallway with your eyes as big as saucers! I asked you what was wrong and you just motioned to continue searching. After completing the search you told me to follow you. You led me to that same closet and showed me the biggest diamond ring I had ever seen laying on the shelf. It must have been an inch in diameter! There must have been at least 20 rings and I don't know how much other stuff laying there. You said," I want you to see this stuff so we can both say it was still here when we secure this place." I remember about the time we went out front, the homeowner pulled up. She said she just ran to the store and did not lock the house because she had the alarm set. You told her that someone could have easily walked in and stole that big diamond ring and she replied," Oh well, I don't wear it anyway, it's just too heavy."
We both joked later that we would never have problems like that on a lawmans salary!

I think of you every day. All the crazy calls we answered together, all the times we just sat around talking about the things that John Q. Public did, how we would never be UNDERworked and OVERpaid. We had many great times that I will never forget.

Keep an eye on us 762!
Love,775

Trp. John Ballard
Kentucky Horse Park Police

Billy,
As I write this I am thinking not of my sadness but of some great memories that I have of you. You were truly one of a kind. It is still very difficult to deal with, but all I have to do is to think of some of the "calls" I gave to you and some of them really get me going. Mostly, I am just leaving you a message that not a day goes by that I don't think of you. You were an outstanding officer, but more important you were my friend and I really miss you.
May God continue to bless your family and friends.


Mickey Houston
Jessamine County 911

Mickey Houston
Jessamine County 911

Billy,

I got up this morning and sat down at the computer and looked up the ODMP web site. I have been thinking of you since the 4th. We had a parade in Paris on the 4th to honor Law Enforcement. I did not go. I just didn't feel like it. It was enough to remember a friend in my own way. I did work that night. Boy, was that fun. Right off the bat we had a fight call. I hope you were there looking out for me and the other officers. It was 200 people to 8 officers. We got lucky and they decided that after we arrested one of them the rest would go home. As you quest it was over something stupid. The rest of the night was fireworks calls up til about 3 a.m.. Then we had a domestic. That is always a good thing to top off the night with. A drunk son and mother fighting. But,I quess it was not too bad of a evening. Over the night I did think of you and Prissy and Little Bit. I know it was hard on them. It being the first 4th without you. Well,I quess I had better go now. Billy,I want you to know that everybody was thinking about you and we were all sad that you could not be here in person. We do know that you were here in spirit. We hope you had a great time at the firework show in Heaven. Please continue to look out for us.

Ofc.James P Primm
Paris Police Dept.

HAPPY 4th of July, Billy! I woke up with you on my mind today and then after reading the papers saluting our local heroes I knew I had to leave you a message. I cannot help but imagine what the 4th of July must be like in Heaven. The awesome fireworks displays you will be seeing from all over the place might just take your breath away. All of those are for you, Billy, and for all of the other heroes snatched from us in the last few months. Wherever I am and whatever fireworks I am watching today, Billy, I will salute you (and the others) in my heart with each snap, crackle and pop. Fly high, 762, and thanks again for being one of Jessamine County's finest. Today, and every day, you are in our hearts and on our minds.

Melody
"GOD BLESS THE USA"
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

07/02/02
Hey Billy,
Just another note to check in and say hi. I had in-service with Casey last week. And of course you came up in the conversation. We shared some stories and talked about what a great person you are. It was an extremely difficult class because Sam Catron's brother was in there with us. There was a lot of down time so we got to talk about things. Say hello to Sam and Chuck for me if you would.
I'm sorry that I haven't written on here a lot. I still haven't seen Prissy yet. I just don't know what to say or do. I will try though.
Casey was showing me something in his car and I looked up on his sun visor and there was one of your picture badges. He said he had to have you right there with him. I know you're with me but I would like to get one of those badges so others know too.
I'll talk to you later buddy. Tell everyone hello for me and keep watching over us down here.

Ofc. Bo Morga
Versailles Police Dept.

July 2, 2002
Bill - Yet another holiday is upon us they call this Independence Day. Another family get together and I still find myself looking around for you. I have been by the cemetery and Prissy did a awesome job with your tombstone, its beautiful. Watched Ms Sparkles the other night and we went upstairs to the playstation game. She got a handle of the controls and I heard your sigh, "Hahhhhhhhhh, then "thanks Karen". Your welcome. As if you got to touch Kaley. She is sooooo you and Prissy too. Don't worry Nanny, your Mom, Marcy and I are spoiling her, in a GOOD way. Oh and you don't have to worry about her holding her own, she does!!! And those looks she gives we know your in there too!!!

We miss you, and love you!

Karen Parido
Billy's Aunt

7/2/02

Billy,

It's been a while since I've written, though you are in my thoughts every day. It's strange, but I have gotten to know you better since your senseless death. Where ever I go it doesn't take long for the conversation to turn to you. With the addition of new officers to my department, I have met others that knew you. I had in-service in Richmond last week and several guys there knew you. It seems that everyone has a "Billy" story to tell. You knew everyone and everyone loved you.

We had some great times together and it still makes me mad that those times ended for no reason. But never doubt that we miss you terribly and will always remember what a great friend you were to us all.

Officer Tracy Day
FCPS Dept. of Law Enforcement

June 30, 2002

Dear Billy,

I went to the cemetery this morning to see your headstone for the first time; it's a beautiful tribute to the outstanding person and law enforcement officer you were, and to the sacrifice you made for the safety of us all. However, it's absolutely heartbreaking to stand before the tangible evidence of your shocking and senseless death; this journey doesn't seem to be getting much easier for any of us.

As we think of you and miss you, it will be a comfort to have that beautiful place to visit--to sit on the bench and reflect upon how willingly and unselfishly you lay down your life at such a tender age; to stand before the handsome and dignified memorial to your life and to your unflinching dedication to your chosen profession; to touch your deeply engraved name and remember, and wonder what might have been . . . . .

We know that you're aware of our ever-present sadness, of the almost unbearable ache in so many hearts since 11-13-01, and of our constant hope that the pain will soon ease a little. There are just so many reminders of how much you loved life and of how senselessly you died that it's difficult to gauge much progress most days. The shock and the pain remain frighteningly fresh. We're grateful that you're wrapped in the eternal safety of God's arms and that we'll get to see you again someday and make sense of all this. Until then, please put in a good word for your sad and struggling family and friends.

With love and gratitude,

Susan Prater
Friend

My dear Billy--You left us so suddenly and made us realize how short life can be. Your beloved Prissy has been a friend for many years and I know the pain she is in right now. I just want you to know what a beautiful little girl you have and tell you she is your mirror image. I visit you quite often as you are close to my daughter. Your headstone is very pretty,and it is a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. You are with God now and will be waiting for the rest of us to join you. You will live forever in our hearts.

Elsie Columbia

Billy, I stood there with tears in my eyes, it makes the reality of your death permanent. It is a beautiful tribute to your life, and Prissy couldn't have done a better job of putting it together. I love the bench, you are still with us in spirit, every day I put this uniform on I think of you, and feel better knowing you have my back.... 169
Isaiah 40:31

Billy,
Well my friend, Prissy has done it again she has honored you in such a beautiful way. I finally went to see your headstone and wow it is so you. I was very sad when I saw it because it made it so real to me but I was also very proud because it stands for who you are. You were such a brave and honorable person and would do anything to help others, just as you did on that terrible day. I want to thank you for being such a wonderful person and friend and for blessing us with Little Bit. You and Prissy really did it right by her, she is so beautiful and she has a little of both of you in her. She has both of your looks with the combination of your personality and Prissy's attitude (we had all better watch out!!!!) I am so blessed to have Prissy as my best friend and Kaley as my God daughter and I hope that you know that Keith and I will always be a part of their lives. I have one special favor to ask you Billy, Prissy is really going through a tough time right now will you please let her know that everything will be ok and to always listen to her heart. Well I guess I will go for now my friend. We love and miss you very much. Love Deb

Debbie Stevens

Billy,
Prissy could not have done a better job Honoring you and your life on your head stone. It was hard seeing it. It make things so real.
I think of you every time I put my uniform on and hope I can make a difference in someones life like you did so many times. I think of you every time I play with Kaley. My eyes light up when she`s around you would be so proud of her.
I`m sorry I`m not to good with words as you know.

Sgt.
Fayette S.O.

Dear Billy, I know that it has been a long time since that day. I have never wrote you, nor have never met you. However, I feel like I do know you by all the reflections that I have read in your honor. Just wanted you to know that you are in my prayers, and keep those streets of gold safe, brother!
Mike McPherson
West Liberty P.D.
West Liberty, KY

Patrolman Mike McPherson
West Liberty Police Dept>

BILLY WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AND HONORED. I AS ONE OF HIS CO-WORKERS (INDIRECTLY) AM STILL VERY MUCH STUNNED/SHOCKED AT THIS WHOLE SENSELESS ACT. I AM DEEPLY SADDENED BY THIS TRAGEDY, AND FOREVER WILL BE. NO I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO SAY, BUT MY HEART DOES GO OUT TO ALL OF THE FAMILY ,FRIENDS,AND CO-WORKERS(INDIRECTLY & DIRECTLY). EVERYONE HAS BEEN DEEPLY AFFECTED BY THIS, AND EVERYONE HURTS FROM IT, AND I KNOW THAT NO ONE WILL EVER FORGET IT. BILLY WILL ALWAYS BE HONORED, EVEN IF WE DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY TO SOMEONE, OR IF WE DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL.

PRISSY & KALEY
I DID NOT KNOW YOUR HUSBAND PERSONALLY BUT I FEEL AS IF I KNOW HIM FROM THE WONDERFUL THINGS I HEAR ABOUT HIM IN DISPATCH. I HAVE ONLY BEEN IN DISPATCH SINCE JANUARY AND HAVE NOT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET YOU ALL. BILLY WAS AN AMAZING PERSON. I KNOW THIS FROM EVERYTHING THAT I HEAR. I ONLY WISH THAT I COULD HAVE KNOWN HIM. PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU ALL ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AND I THINK OF BILLY, CHUCK AND SAMMY WHEN I WALK THROUGH THE DISPATCH DOOR. EVEN THOUGH I DO NOT KNOW YOU ALL, I FEEL AS IF I DO, AND YOU ALL ARE NOT FAR FROM MY MIND. I KNOW I SOUND AS IF I AM BABBLING BUT I GUESS I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I AM TRULY SORRY.
PATTY BAKER

PATTY
CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS

Hey baby

Today is the 19th of June and your headstone was put up today. It is so you, I hope that it makes you proud. I did the best that I could in designing it.
I love you and miss you so much. Not one day/minute goes by that you don't run in and out of my head. I think everybody is doing pretty good. Don't talk to many of your friends, co-workers and others think that they are going on, not that they have forgotten but that they still don't know what to say or even want to. Don't know? Still feel as if..........I know they can't forget......I just want you to live on forever....

I love you
Prissy

HEY BILLY....
THIS IS A LATE HAPPY FATHER'DAY. I DON'T HAVE INTERNET @ HOME(AND DON'T WANT IT) BUT ANYWAY, I WAS THINKING OF YOU ON FATHERS DAY, AND I KNOW YOU WERE UP THERE SMILING AS YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN IF YOU WERE HERE. I MISS HEARING THE STORIES THAT MADE YOU SO PROUD....

YOU'LL ALWAYS BE THOUGHT OF , AND ALWAYS MISSED.

Anonymous

Hey Billy, thought about you on Father's Day, I know you were smiling down on Prissy and Kaley. Prissy served at dinner(FOP)the other night, I think it helps keep her connected. You must be really proud of her, she is quite the trooper.I guess you know how much she loved the album, I hope it someday helps Kaley gain some understanding of how much you meant in the lives of those you touched. I framed two 8 X 10's from 11-17-01, they remind me everyday to value friendships, keep in touch, and to never take tomorrow for granted. You are missed so much by so many, Billy. Tell my grandmothers I said hello.

Isaiah 40:31

Just wanted to wish you a Happy Daddy's Day.... This would only been our second one with littlebit. I do hope you know that you were the most loveable, caring, special, one of a kind daddy that a little girl could have. Even though she only got it for 6 months, I will always tell her everything.

I love you always
Prissy

Hey Billy, I owe you a BIG one! Susan P and I had been on a road trip up toward Louisville today to take some stuff to a little girl who has been taken away from her mother, I admit I was going a little too fast, and a policeman in Woodford County pulled me over! I was also not wearing my seatbelt. Of course my heart sank as he walked up to give me a ticket. We chatted for a minute and then all at once he just very nicely said "Buckle up and drive slow" and walked back to his car. Susan and I immediately decided you must have been looking out for us since we had been trying to do a good deed for a little girl. Lo and behold, after telling Mickey the guy's name, he says that you had indeed worked with this officer in Fayette County and were good friends with him. So....we were right, you were looking out for us! We laughed as we imagined you telling him, "Ahh, let 'em go this time, they're pretty good ol' girls" or something like that. We really weren't a bit surprised because we've always known you're smiling down on us. Thanks, Billy.

Melody
"I Can't Drive 55"

Hey baby
After seven months I finally saw you for a second last night. It was a biter sweet. It was so good to see you but very hard also. The funny thing is you were in uniform. You always looked damn good in that uniform too. Please come see me more, I do like seeing you again. And if you can.....Help me.

I love you always
Prissy

7 months today 762, since we began this heartbreaking journey without you. We think of you often, we laugh awhile and then we cry. You are sorely missed by so many. I keep one of your memorial buttons close by to remind myself every day of what you gave - you know the old saying "all gave some and some gave all" -- YOU, MY FRIEND, GAVE ALL and you will never be forgotten. Fly high 762.

June 13, 2002

Dear Billy,

Seven months you've been gone . . . . it just can't be . . . SHOULDN'T be. It all still seems so surreal, this constant waiting for you to reappear, writing to you on a computer. You're never more than a split-second from our minds; we'll never be the same after November 13, 2001. Most days it still seems very fresh; I went to Marcy's one day last week and cried all the way. The sadness just doesn't dissipate, and the tears won't stop.

You must have a constant smile on your face looking down on Kaley as she grows and develops. She is a BUSY little person! Climbs and jabbers like a monkey, and looks EXACTLY like you! She and Prissy will be moving to the new house soon; hope you can help make that transition a little easier for them.

We just can't begin to tell you how much you're missed, Billy. Thinking of how violently and swiftly and senselessly you were taken from us is a constant source of excruciating pain for us all. We've all said "If only . . " about ten million times in these 7 months. It's maddeningly frustrating to want so badly to undo the events of that day.

We hope you're flying high and having a great time! We look forward to seeing you again, and we'd appreciate your keeping an eye on us amidst all this earthly turmoil. We miss you and love you -

Susan and Louis Prater
Friends

Deputy Walls,

Of all the reflections that I've read on the ODMP, the ones for you and Capt. Morgan are indeed the saddest of all. You guys are so very blessed to have the family and friends that you do. What beautiful gifts from God. Not a day goes by that I don't give thanks to God for my wife and son. I hope to meet you, Capt. Morgan and Sheriff Sam Catron from Pulaski County one day in Heaven. God Bless.

Jon
Cincinnati, Ohio

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