Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Billy,
I was cleaning up my office the other day and I found one of your business cards when you were with WPD. I found out about this site just recently, and wanted to tell you how things are going. I've spoken to some of the guys and they say that Prissy and Kaley are doing well. I haven't been able to call Prissy yet because I can't hold it together. I hope that we can get our kids together. Brennen loves babys. I miss you, Billy. You, Chuck, and Darb's Dad take care of one another.

Kaley,
Your dad is the one who talked me into coming to JSO to work. If I were to write a book about my adventures(and misadventures)in this profession, my time with your dad in Jessamine Co. would have to make up the majority of the stories. After six years of this, I have met a whole lot of good people, but your father was truly one of a kind. I look forward to sharing stories with you. I hope to write or talk with you soon....

former Unit 771

Ofc David M. Patterson
Transylvania University Department of Public Safety

Merry Christmas, Billy...I still cry when I come to this site, I know through friends that Prissy is a real trooper, but I also know how alone it must be for her, I do the only thing I can right now, PRAY, everyday and during the day. Billy, you were always an inspiration to me at UKPD, all the rule of fives I went through, and you kept saying, "we gotta keep trying"...it's kinda weird, but I feel your presence over all of us, like a guardian angel...I talked to Darby's mom last week, put a little extra in for him, I can't imagine....it's 2002 now, I wonder how long we will all be here....In Him,jvj Isaiah 40:31

J.V. Jackson
FCPS-DLE

To Kaley: Never for one minute ever doubt that you were the apple of your daddy's eye! As best as I could tell, his feet never touched the floor after he married your mom and then had such a beautiful bouncing baby girl who looked so much like him it was unreal! I've never seen a prouder daddy in my life!!

Although your daddy won't be here on earth watching you grow up he will always be in your heart and in the hearts of those who knew him and loved him! He was quite a guy, your dad, and I know he is watching over you from his new home in Heaven. Always remember how much he loves you and sometimes when the days get really tough just close your eyes and I'll just bet you can feel him giving you a GREAT BIG HUG all the way from Heaven. Your daddy was special enough that I really believe he'll be able to do that.

As he's watching you grow, I can just see that big ol' smile plastered on his face, and he's telling everyone in Heaven "That's my girl!!!!" His love for you and your mom will go on forever....and ever....

FRIEND

Kaley,
Well baby girl I don't know where to start. I have known your mommy and daddy for 6 years. I actually knew your daddy a little while before your mommy. I met them both at the Fayette Co. Sheriff's office when I was dispatching. Your daddy had the best personality of all the people that I worked with, he was so funny and would love to make us all laugh. I was one of his favorites to pick on because, well you see, when I get laughing really hard I make a snorting noise. Your daddy just thought that was the funniest thing and he swore to me and everyone in communications that he was going to make me snort over the air one day. Well I am sad to say that he succeeded only once, yes that is correct he mad me laugh and snort slightly over the air one time. We had the best times and I will never ever forget them or your daddy. When your mom started working there we connected and became best friends very quickly. She and your dad were alot a like and they both knew in their hearts that they were meant to be together. Now that brings me to you (I will tell you the rest of the story when you get old enough). I got to witness first hand on two occasions how much your mom and dad loved each other and you. I was the Matron of Honor in their wedding and I was in the delivery room when you were born (I will apologize now for a couple of the pictures I took but I couldn't see through my tears). I got to see how happy your parents were to have you bless their lives. I will always have the memory of when your daddy first held you in his arms and had tears streaming down his face, he was so proud of you. I will also have the memory of the love that your parents shared as they cried together and just held each other with you in their arms. There is so much I could set and write to you but I just wanted to share these memories because they are the most precious to me and I hope that they will be for you too. Every time I look at you I see your daddy and when you smile it just melts my heart. I hope that you can feel all the love that everyone has for you baby girl and just know that your daddy is always smiling down on you from Heaven. I will go for now pumpkin but just know that Uncle Keith and Aunt Debbie will always be here for you and your mommy and we love you both very much.

Aunt Debbie

Debbie Stevens
Fayette County Sheriff's Office

TO KALEY,
THERE IS SO MUCH THAT I CAN SAY ABOUT YOUR DADDY, AND I'VE ONLY KNOWN HIM FOR ALMOST 4 YRS. I CAN REMEMBER WHEN I FIRST MET HIM, HE WAS SO GUNG-HO W/WILCHER, SO EXCITED ABOUT VEHICLE SEARCHES, AND RAIDING THE PARTIES. I GOT EXCITED JUST BY THEIR EXCITEMENT,(AND I JUST DISPATCH THE CALLS--I'M NOT ACTUALLY OUT THERE)
WHEN HE DECIDED TO PROPOSE TO YOUR MOMMY, HE WAS SO EXCITED,SO HAPPY. HE CAME IN HERE AND TOLD US HIS PLANS ON HOW HE WOULD PROPOSE, BUT HE WAS SO ANXIOUS, THAT HE ASKED HER EARLY AND DIDN'T GET TO GO THROUGH WITH HIS INITIAL PLANS. BUT THEY WERE BOTH HAPPY, AND EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT ON THE WAY IT DID GO.
YOUR DADDY DID A LOT TO HELP PEOPLE. HE GOT AGGRAVATED AT THINGS, BUT HE NEVER LET THE PEOPLE HE WAS HELPING KNOW ABOUT IT. IT WAS HIS JOB TO HELP THEM AND HE DID IT WITH PRIDE, AND EXCELLENCE. SOMETIMES HE DID THINGS THAT HE DIDN'T ACTUALLY HAVE TO DO, BUT HE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT A WOMAN & HER CHILDREN, WHO WERE BEING ABUSED BY THE HUSBAND AND FATHER, WERE NO LONGER ABUSED. HE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE OLDER COUPLE WHO LIVED OUT IN THE COUNTY, WHOSE HOUSE HAD BEEN BURGLARIZED, GOT THE HELP THEY NEEDED--AND HELP CATCH THE BAD GUYS.
THERE ARE SO MANY WONDERFUL THINGS HE STOOD FOR, AND YOU SHOULD BE VERY PROUD.
WHEN YOUR DADDY FOUND OUT THAT HIM & MOMMY WERE GOING TO HAVE YOU HE WAS SO THRILLED. HE SMILED FROM EAR TO EAR FOR MONTHS. WHEN MOMMY WENT INTO LABOR, HE SAID "WE'RE IN LABOR" HE WAS INVOLVED AS MUCH AS IF YOU WERE IN HIS BELLY.
I'M SURE YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE AN EMPTY SPACE INSIDE FOR YOUR DADDY-NOT ACTUALLY KNOWING HIM PHYSICALLY, BUT HE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU SPIRITUALLY, AND I'M SURE AS YOU GROW YOU'LL KNOW THAT. RIGHT NOW, YOU ARE THE SPITTING IMAGE OF HIM, AND I HOPE THAT THAT IMAGE WILL STAY WITH YOU AS YOU GROW. HE HAD A LOT OF HOPES AND DREAMS FOR YOU, HE WANTED ONLY THE BEST FOR HIS BABY GIRL.
I KNOW IT'S BEEN SAID THAT ONCE YOU GO TO HEAVEN, YOU'RE ALWAYS HAPPY--BUT THAT IS SO HARD TO BELIEVE,DON'T GET ME WRONG,I DO BELIEVE IT, BUT IT'S HARD. YOUR DADDY WAS SOOOOO HAPPY HERE. HE HAD EVERYTHING HE WANTED, AND I CAN'T HELP BUT BELIEVE THAT HE'S UP THERE WITH A LOT OF SADNESS AS WELL AS YOU WILL BE, AND YOUR MOMMY, FAMILY AND HIS FRIENDS ARE NOW. HE'S LOOKING DOWN ON HIS LIFE THAT HE DOESN'T GET TO BE A PART OF---MAKE THE BEST OF IT FOR HIM...MAKE HIM PROUD ..CONTINUE TO MAKE HIM HAPPY.

ALL THE WONDERFUL THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN SAID ARE TRUE.
YOUR DADDY, BILLY WALLS(762) WAS A WONDERFUL MAN. HE HAD A BIG HEART, HE WAS SMART, HE WAS FUNNY,HE LIKED TO TALK A LOT AND HE WAS SO PROUD OF HIS FAMILY. YOU AND MOMMY HAVE BEEN LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN LOVED THE WAY YOU WERE/ARE.
GOD BLESS YOU AND MOMMY.

Anonymous

To the family of Deputy Sheriff Billy Ray Walls, Just wanted to let you know we dedicated the 83rd Session of the Southwestern Illinois Police Academy to Deputy Sheriff Billy Ray Walls. During their graduation on 11-16-01 I read the details of how heroic and noble Deputy Sheriff Billy Ray Walls was in defending freedom and standing up for what was right! I assure you every gradute of the Police Academy and 600 other civilians at the graduation were all thankful that Bill Walls was a great Deputy Sheriff and stood up justice! Take care, family of Deputy Sheriff Billy Ray Walls, as you are loved around the world.

Assistant Director (Sgt) Steve Johnson
Southwestern Illinois Police Academy

Hey sweetie---
I had some company over, we played "uno", ate and listened to some music. It feels strange without you by myside. Everybody has been great by when they are with me I still feel alone and when they leave with their loved ones....I know that I don't have you and that makes my heart hurt even more. Kaley is crawling (trying to get up and walk) around and pulling up on things. She is your child....that means she already has some bumps.

God I miss you baby. I look around the house and see you in everything. I just want to heard the velcor on the vest, the radio when you would forget to turn it off, and you telling me about the silly things that happened on duty. I miss things that I took for granted when you were here. Just little things that I want to hear, feel, and see again.

To all the friends and family that come to this site, if you would, for Kaley (and myself) Please write a letter to her. Tell her about her daddy. About what he was about, what he did and the fun times that you all had with him. Thank you in advance.

Baby I love you and will talk to you soon

Prissy

Billy,
Eight weeks have gone by since that tragic day on River Road. I remember when I first came to work for the Sheriff, I had been there about a week, you and I were at East Jessamine High School standing watch because of the recent bomb threats. I was sitting in my cruiser and you walked up to my window and said, "Have you got a map? There are some things that I need to show you".
I didn't have a map yet so you walked over to your car and got your map. I remember plain as day you saying, (pointing on the map with your pen) "This is Brumfield Lane, you can't cross it if the water is up, you see there is a creek running across it about here" as you marked it on the map with your pen. "And this is Magee Lane #1 and this is Magee Lane #2, as you can see they are on opposite sides of the county, so make sure you ask dispatch which one it is before you travel 20 miles in the wrong direction", also marking them on the map. "And this is River Road #1 and this is River Road #2, you can tell them apart because River Road #1 has three digit addresses and River Road #2 has four digit addresses, these are also 'dead spots' in the county, meaning you can't get out on your radio", marking several other 'dead spots' on the map. If you remember we sat there talking about "hot spots" and places people went to party. You said one of your favorites was lock and dam #8. I beleive you said "You can really slay them down there on a warm summer night", as you smiled ear to ear. Then you looked at that map very closely for a couple of minutes and didn't say anything, and then you handed me that map and told me to keep it.

It was a short time later while working with you that I realized why you studied that map so closely and didn't say anything for a few minutes. You were making sure that the map was perfect and you didn't miss telling me anything, because you knew that my safety and performance would be affected by that map and our conversation. Anyone could just look at you and tell that you strived to be perfect in everything that you did.

On November 13, 2001 when I got the news, I wished that I had never heard of River Road #2, because that is where you gave it your all,- a place that took my friend. As I think about it again, I have decided that I am glad that I had heard of River Road, because it was you that told me about it and if you had not told me about it, I would never had met such a great friend.

We had that conversation in the first week of June 1999 and I still have that map and I still have some great memories and I will always cherish them both.

I miss you 762.
775

Trp. John Ballard
Kentucky Horse Park Police

Hey baby
It's 2002, and your not here to bring it in with Kaley and myself. We are at David and Tracy's, we were going to come over here cause they have kids...Remember... I love you so much and miss you more then words can express. I have got new flags to put up......Happy New Year. the ball just dropped, but I guess you have the best view....I love you
Prissy

HAPPY NEW YEAR, BILLY! You'll know where to go now that Mr. Darby is there with you and Chuck! :) There won't be much of a New Year celebration around here this year because our hearts are broken but I know you guys are happy and patrolling those golden streets in Heaven and that makes it a little easier to bear.

FRIEND

12-30-01

Dear Billy,

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve, and you are so much on our minds. We can't stop thinking or talking about the events of November 13th, we can't stop grieving, and we just can't believe you're gone.

We went to church this morning and saw Shawn Darby, his wife, and his mother--just 24 hours after burying his father. The sadness just seems to get sadder, and our tears cannot stop. We know you're glad to have Larry Darby there with you, and we look forward to being able to make some sense of all this when God calls us Home. In the meantime, please keep watch over us all and know that you will never be forgotten. May 2002 be a better year for all of us. We miss you.

Susan & Louis Prater, Friends

Dear Mrs. Walls, I know that this all seems like it is not real and I wish I had the words to tell you that it is all going to be better one day. I look back at the past year and am still in shock over our loss. I will tell you that what gets me through each day are looking at my children and seeing their daddy look back at me, or remembering things we did together or his laugh. You too will see smiles again and find joy. God bless you and I hope to meet you in Washington DC for Police Week hosted by C.O.P.S.

Cathy Hill, Widow
Deputy Barrett Hill
HCSD
12/4/00
Phil 4:13

Cathy Hill, Widow

Billy
i went to see Prissy and Kaley on monday(Christmas Eve).
i had a really hard time in doing so. Billy it was hard for me the day you were taken and Sammy looked up at me and said"Billy didn't make it." but yet again on sat night i faced anither hhard task. Coding "Daddy Darby." Billy please tell him i will follow thru with my promise. anyway back to the reason i went to see Prissy. i gave her a card with donations in it. Billy i admire Prissy so much she looked good considering the circumstances. i can't believe how much Kaley has grown. I asked Prissy about Kaley's hair.I remember when she was first born how happy you were.Billy she looks more and more like you every day. Well i have to go my little one is getting fussy.(sick with ear infection/strep)

411 ems/65 dispatch
amanda

AMANDA PLOWMAN
JESSAMINE CO EMS

XMAS was here and gone it just was not the same.
I kept waiting for you to come to play me another game.
We all laughed and cried but the tears will never stop.
Until one day we are all join you at the mountian top.
Your baby girl is beautiful she goos and smiles alot.
Everytime she looks at me you will never be forgot.

I Miss you I Love you

Uncle Jeff

jeff

To live in the hearts of our loved ones, is to not die at all. Godspeed Brother

Anonymous

B.W.
My dad is with you know. Please help him out the first couple of days. he really loved you and Chuck. Know you have have someone to tell you where to go. We miss you. We bought your baby a doll I hope she loves. Your wife is the best. Thanks for your help!

Darby

Billy,
Today is Christmas and you have been gone for 7 weeks to the day. I think about you every day, but you have been on my mind constantly for the past few days. I am always wondering was there anything that could have been done to prevent you being taken from Prissy and Kaley? Maybe if I had not left and went to work for the Horse Park the month before, then it would have probably been me with Sammy and Chuck and you still would be here with your family. I am so sorry. It should have been me.

Merry Christmas 762.

Trp. John Ballard
Kentucky Horse Park Police

Billy your daughter is growing fast. She is trying to walk now. Your wife is so strong you would be so proud. Thank you for the honor of working with you. Priscilla thank you for sharing part of your christmas eve. I will always be there if you need anything. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH.

Lt. Tim Dries
FCSO

Hey baby-
It’s Christmas Eve, I have no sprit, merry or anything else to give right now. I really miss you bad. I feel as if there is a big chunk of me buried with you. Kaley is still asleep, and I’m going to start cooking in a few. I’ve told the guys to come by and eat if they want. Beach is going to be here about noon, couldn’t pass up (free) food. :) I can’t bear to make your favorite, broccoli casserole. And maybe this year we wont have the exploding yams!! I got a couple things for Kaley, put something in her stocking, mine is empty, this is the first time I haven’t gone to buy that “sniff” and put in your stocking (even though I asked you not to dip).
This has not been a good end of the year for any of us. Kaley was the highlight of this year. And then it seems that everything went to down hill from there. Darb’s dad is not doing so good right now. Keep a close watch over him. We have all been through enough this year.
The Sheriff has been great to me. So has the other guys. I think that they are a little leery about coming to see me though. They do call and make sure that I’m doing. I can understand. It would be hard, they don’t know what to say, hell I don’t know what to say half the time and you know that I always can talk. :)
Baby I miss you greatly and hope that I’m making you proud. From where I stand, I’m just……alone……. Kaley does miss her daddy, when she see the uniform she gets so excited, then when the person holds her you can tell she is like this is not my daddy. She looks around for you a lot. Just always remember that I love you and will tell Kaley everything…..EVERYTHING.

Prissy

"My First Christmas in Heaven"

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below with tiny lights, like Heavens, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas Choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy the voices bring,
For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart
But I am not so far away
and we really aren't apart
So be happy for me, dear ones,
You know I hold you dear
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year

I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above
I sent you each a memory of my undying love
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told
Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do
For I can't count the blessings or love he has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear
Remember that I am spending my first Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.


MERRY CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN,762!

Mickey, Melody & Joe

HEY BILLY.....3 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS...LAST YEAR I REMEMBER HEARING YOUR PLANS FOR PRISCILLA'S GIFT.. YOU WERE SO EXCITED ABOUT HOW HAPPY SHE'D BE...I MISS THAT-HEARING YOUR STORIES, YOUR PLANS..IT WAS SOOO NICE SEEING SOMEONE TRULY HAPPY WITH THEIR LIFE(IN EVERY ASPECT) WELL, HERE'S SOMETHING ELSE YOU'LL BE HAPPY TO KNOW-YOUR BUDDY FROM WILMORE IS JOINING THE SHERIFF'S DEPT.(REMEMBER- WE USE TO TALK ABOUT WANTING HIM OVER HERE?) I JUST FOUND OUT, YOU PROBABLY ALREADY KNEW. THANKS FOR ALWAYS TELLING ME WHAT A GOOD JOB I DO, IT WAS REALLY NICE HEARING IT--YOU WERE ONE OF THE FIRST TO EVER COMPLIMENT MY WORK, AND BRAG ON IT. WE ALL MISS YOU SO MUCH. I KNOW YOUR SPIRIT IS STILL HERE, AND I THINK THAT'S WHAT COMFORTS US ALL(AT LEAST IT DOES FOR ME)

YOU'RE SADLY MISSED

Anonymous

Billy,
It has taken me awhile to be able to write you again. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of you. I have been spending most of my time with Prissy and Kaley and I want you to know how proud I am of Prissy. She is a very strong young lady and we owe alot of that to you. Billy you completed Prissy and I got to witness first hand the love that you two had for each other. I will never forget the joy that I experienced when you and Prissy let me share two of the most precious times of your lives, when you were married and when Kaley was born. I will always cherish the memory of how proud you were of Kaley. When you first held her in your arms with tears streaming down your face I knew than that she had already won your heart. I will always keep you in my heart and share all my memories of you with Kaley. I miss hearing you in the back ground when I am on the phone with Prissy calling out "Debbie,Debbie,Debbie". I would always tell Pris to tell you to hush and now I just want to hear it again. Well I guess I will go for now my friend, but please know that Prissy is not only my best friend but she is my family and I will always be here for her and Kaley. You are truly missed. Love Deb

Debbie Stevens
Fayette County Sheriff's Office

Billy,
You would think that five weeks is a long time, but it only seems like yesterday that you were snatched away from us in the blink of an eye. I hope it gets easier.

Christmas will be here shortly. I am planning on calling Prissy tomorrow. The Horse Park is busy with all the Christmas light traffic. I will be glad when that is over.
I would bet that it is beautiful looking down from up there upon all the Christmas lights all over the world. That must really be something to see. One of these days you can show me where to see the best view of them.

Take care Brother and I will talk to you soon.
Missing you 762.
775

Trp. John Ballard
Kentucky Horse Park Police

Billy,

It has been a month since your passing.It has taken me this long to write something because you are the second friend that I have lost to a in the line of duty death.I thought that when Gene(Sheriff Cyrus)was killed in 1992 that(I hoped)he would be the last and only friend(law enforcement)I would ever lose.I was wrong!Now in 2001 I have lost another friend.Billy,you should be here.You are one of the best law enforcement officers I know.It is not fair that you had to leave.It has been said that God must have been recruiting(and looking for the best) and that he recruited you.We all know that you are walking the golden streets doing what you did best,Enforcing the law.I want you to know that Prissy and Kaley are being taken care of.You will never have to worry about that.All you brothers and sisters in law enforcement will see to that.Kaley will remember what a great daddy she had and what a great deputy he was.Also Prissy will be looked after.She is doing better then I thought.It must come from you being there with her.
Billy,you were a good friend to have and to know.You were one of the best deputies I have had the privilege to work with.You are very much missed by everyone.I hope we will see each other again.Possibly working the same beat on those golden streets.You are safe now my friend.Please,look after the rest of us.We need someone like you looking out for us up in heaven.May God bless you and keep you.


Ofc.James P Primm #517
Paris Police Department
(fromer Fayette Co.S.O.)

Ofc.James P. Primm
Paris Police Department

I want to express my sympathies to Deputy Walls’ family and friends. I did not know Billy but I know several L.E.O.’s who did. This horrific incident occurred just 10 after beginning my training at the D.O.C.J.T. facilities in Richmond.

Having never served for either a military or a policing agency, “brotherhood” was something I shared with only my closest of friends. The incident did not really hit home with me until recently. I have realized that after spending only about five weeks with class 312 and the comers and goers of other classes, that “brotherhood” does not mean that you have to have things in common with or even get along with people to sense a bond. The bond comes from knowing that we are all here because we want to help people and that we want to try to make things better. Law Enforcement is not an occupation people enter because of the money or even the wonderful shifts we work. It is more of a way of life than an actual job. Hopefully we can go home everyday and know that we made a difference in our society and we get the personal satisfaction of knowing we get to do it again tomorrow.

I was sitting here reading through these reflections and began wondering what people would write about me if I end up on this web site. I can only hope that people have as many good things to say about me as they do Billy. Priscilla, I admire you for having the strength to write something to your husband in such a short time from his passing. I am sure he is grateful to you and I know he will continue to watch over you and your daughter. I know it will not be easy, but try to continue to be strong and help your daughter learn who her daddy was.

Billy, you are missed! Even by those who never knew you.

Recruit Jeremy Russell Class 312
Ashland Police Department