Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Betty,

I enjoyed our short conversation in Washington DC during National Police Week; your love for William is very evident when you speak of him. Words can not express the sorrow I felt as you told me of the events that have unfolded since his passing. God be with you and your family, you are in my prayers.

Chief Brian E. Barrs
Newington, Georgia

May 17, 2007

Hey Honey~ I had a terrible day yesterday thinking about you,my heart still aches for you and it doesn't get any better. I know you would be telling me don't cry and make myself so upset but I just CANNOT help it. I miss you so,so much. No One could possibly know what I go through somedays in my heart and head!So many times I just want to curl up in a ball and just cry and be so angry with this world and the law and how people can get away with taking someone that you dearly love and then be allowed to walk the streets again in just a few short years? How is that fair to me when I must spend my remaining life loving someone I can NEVER have again in this life? I pray so many times that my journey here won't be a long one because I long to be with you again! I tell Valarie all the time if the Lord is ready to call me I'm ready to go, I just want to be with you, to hold you and love you like I use to.I long for the day when I can see heaven and see you again, then my pain will be gone, but not until them. Please always remember I love you and I miss you in my life something terrible.Take care baby I love you!

Betty A. Bell

April 29, 2007

To the family of Officer Bell,
It is unbelieveable how tragic the effects of losing a loved one can be. I feel compelled to leave a message for Officer Bell because I remember the event while living in Summerville in 2002 and that some of the people I worked with knew him and talked of how great a person he was. Thank you so much Officer Bell for your sacrifice, though it will never be warranted to lose such a wonderful sounding person. I attended the funeral of a fallen law enforcement friend a few years ago, and I can recall that the procession was about 4 miles long...and literally hundreds if not a thousand attended. I can only assume your passing was such an event as I described, and in this it is a great honor to know how much you are appreciated.
To your daughter, it is amazing to see your dedication to your father. Now that I have two wonderful children of my own and a wonderful wife, I am reminded to live my life to the best of my ability...as I am sure your father did. The words of comfort that I bring to mind in situations such as this and also happen to be the South Carolina state motto..."Dum Spiro Spero", Latin for "While I breathe, I hope."
...God's Blessings to you and yours from a fellow law enforcement brother.

R.J. Waltman
US Secret Service

March 27, 2007

Again, daddy...be with them. Such a tragedy; what a senseless, cruel world we live in.

I love you. I'm thinking about their families and remembering how those moments felt. So sad. I miss you very much, daddy.

All my love,
Nin

Your Daughter
XOXOXO

March 25, 2007

Hi, Daddy! It has been awhile since I have written. Its not that I dont want to, Its that I find it unbelieveably painful to do. I miss you so much, and I just wish you were here to hold me, to tell me that I am beautiful because I am like you. I would give the world to hear your voice again. Just to hear you say that you love me! I dont want to believe that you are gone. I look into my babies eyes and get so sad that they wont know you, or that I cant hear you giggle and cackle at the new things they do to drive me insane, but would make you so happy! Peyton is 3 now and boy is he something! He is so smart and so tiny. Noone can tell him anything. Hes sassy! You cant help but think hes a doll. And Dechlan is just a beefy, tender hearted boy! Valarie, Mom and I got the boys hair cut, and when dechs hair was cut..he looked so much like you. Its such a blessing but so heart breaking. Valarie made me cry a couple months ago, Dech has a folded down ear, and she said she couldnt help but think his ear got that way from you holding him against your chest while we were waiting for him to be born. We have made sure the boys know who you are. Peyton tells me daily, "Dats poppop, he in hebin" as he points to your picture. And Jason is such a good husband, and daddy...He tries to make you proud. The last thing you said to him was..take care of my girl or else. And hes doing just that, taking care of us. I always told you I wanted to grow up and marry a man just like you, and in many ways, I have. He's hard working, and will work until worn out to provide for us. Just like you would! I love you so much, daddy! I miss you, it tears me apart to not have you here! I dreamed about you the other night. You were in the boat, and I was on the shore..and the boat was drifting away from me, and I kept trying to run to you. And I couldnt reach you. I woke up crying. I just wanted to reach you. And couldnt..I was mad at myself for not trying hard enough. I am going to go now. I love you! Please just watch over your brothers and sisters in blue! And watch over all of us. We love you, daddy!

xoxoxo
your princess

Gail Bell Santavicca
daughter

March 17, 2007

I've been thinking about you William.

Johnny O
SPD

March 15, 2007

Be with him, daddy. Be with Doug and his friends who are out there tonight. I pray that God especially touches his family.

I love you, Daddy, with all of my heart.

Your Daughter, Nin XOXOXO

March 9, 2007

I hate to hear that someone else has been through the same thing as me....any officer that is killed is a very tragic loss! God Bless your family and friends...and all other officers that you served with - everything happens for a reason, God takes his children when he has a better job for them!

CAREY HAMBLIN
PATROLMAN JEREMY CARRUTH'S SISTER EOW: 2/20/03

February 25, 2007

Hey WB just wanted to say I miss you BRO.

J. Moyer

January 10, 2007

Daddy,
Just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday. You were in my thoughts today all day. We took the boys to see your flowers, and Wm. Cole said he wanted to sing happy birthday to you, so he did...and then he ran all over the place laughing and giggling. I hope you they made you smile today, daddy, when you saw them laughing and singing. I am so thankful that you knew them and that I named Wm Cole after you while you were here. It means so much to me now; they're both pieces of you.

I love you very much, daddy.

Always,
Nin

Your Daughter
Nin, XOXO

January 4, 2007

Hey Sweetie~
Happy Birthday!! When I went to bed lastnight you where my last thought before turning in for the night and my very first thought this morning! I went on my porch and looked up to the beatiful sky with it's many star's and found one that was ever so shining and I knew that one was you, I sang Happy Birthday to you in Heaven and I could see you sparkle down on me and say Thanks Baby with that beautiful smile you have. I love and miss you and always will until the day I can be with you again! Please take care and know you are " SPECIAL" TO ME ! I LOVE YOU !!

Betty A. Bell

January 3, 2007

Daddy,
I just wanted to stop by tonight to tell you that I love you and miss you dearly. My heart will never stop hurting!! Dad, thank you for being my sweet, tender, beautiful daddy. Your love meant more to me than you could ever know.

I love you, daddy, and I always will!!

Always,
Your girl
Nin
XOXOXO

Valarie Bell Wright
His Daughter

November 19, 2006

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 4th anniversary of your end of watch. I know the tears still flow from their broken hearts. There are no words I can offer that will ease their pain or bring you back to them except that I know what they feel in their hearts and they are not alone. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You will never be forgotten as you are a true hero and heroes never die.

Peom by Richard Fife:

No person is ever truly alone.
Those who live no more,
Whom we loved,
Echo still within our thoughts,
Our words, our hearts.
And what they did,
And who they were,
Becomes a part of all that we are,
Forever.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

November 18, 2006

Hey Baby~ As I try to write this I find myself missing you so,so very much! The date you where taken from me is approaching once again and it's not any easier, the pain I feel is still there. I've been told by many that it will ease but truly it has not. It seems worst at times, when my heart is truly longing and breaking to see you and hold you once again, and I know I must wait, because we will be together again one day. I had Gail's boy's this weekend and the very 1st thing out of Peyton's mouth when he woke up was that's pop-pop nanna! How hard it is to see them grow without you.I know that if you where still here those 4 boys would have you laughing and playing until you had to ask them to quit, which you never would. You where that kind of a pop-pop, father and husband and friend.I miss you baby, and love you with all my heart.Take care my love until we meet again. All my heart and soul belong to you.

Betty A. Bell

November 16, 2006

Hey daddy,

Tanner came home today singing one of your favorite songs. Tomorrow is Veteran's day and his class was picked to sing it at their school assembly. Of all songs to have his class sing....the Marine Corps Hymn.

Well anyway, he came home and began singing it. And I thought it was so cute that I had to call Doug's dad and let him hear it. He thought it was really cute that he knew it. As soon as I hung up with him though, I started to cry because I couldn't call you to let you hear it. :( Oh, daddy I know that you would get the biggest chuckle out of that. I can only imagine--hearing you laughing and the huge smile you'd have. You'd get the biggest kick out of that, and I'm sure the very first thing you'd say would be "ooo-rahh!" I told Tanner that his pop-pop in heaven was a (IS a) Marine, too, and would have loved to hear him sing. It's moments like this that make me miss you infinitely more than ever--seeing how my kids are missing out on you. They would think that you were just the coolest!! And I know without a doubt that they would still be your pride and joy!! Without a doubt. When he walked away, I hope you heard me say that that song was for you, too, dad. If you were here then you would've been the very first person he sang it to.

Daddy, I really, really miss you. I do. I am sad for all that Tanner and Wm Cole don't have because you're gone and I'm sad that you can't enjoy them either. It's just not fair!

I need to go. I hate days like today and moments like this.

I love you, daddy--with all of my heart. And Doug and the boys love you very much as well!!! We're so proud daddy. Happy Veteran's Day!

ALL MY LOVE...
Nin
XOXOXO

Valarie Bell Wright
His Daughter

November 9, 2006

Ok, Dad...I know I just left you a post on here, but the weirdest thing just happened. Cole came around the corner wearing a baseball hat, a pencil behind his ear, and a ruler sticking out of his pocket. I was in awe!! I had to shake my head a couple of times to make sure I was looking at what I was looking at. I know that he has no idea that you walked around looking like that for half of your life! (every time I smell saw dust or fresh cut wood I get tears in my eyes...as dumb as that sounds. THAT smell on your clothes is dad!)

Dad, it was so beautiful to see him like that!! If only I could see you like that again. :( But, I have Cole, and he reminds me so much of you, daddy. I am so blessed to have a piece of you here. Thank you, dad!

All my love,
Nin

His Daughter
XOXOXO

November 4, 2006

Hi Daddy,
I just wanted to write a quick note to tell you about Cole. He's named after you AND he looks like you. Yesterday I was getting him ready for school, and when he turned around and looked at me, he looked just like you. I immediately started crying, and it made him scared. Doug was downstairs and didn't know what was wrong, but when I turned Cole around to him, he saw it too and knew why I was upset. It was amazing, dad!! It should be a blessing that he looks like you, and it is. But it is also a sad reminder that you're gone.

I'm very proud of him, daddy. I can't wait to see how much he looks like you as a man. Don't know if my heart will be able to take it or not.

Everything here is going well. Tanner made all A's on his report card. Cole is...well, he's Cole. You'd really, really love him at this age. He's so much fun. He'd love to be wrestling with you on the floor and playing. I know you miss that too!! Gail and her family are good. Gail's working again a few hours a week to gain some sanity. :) We went to the fair with them last night and Peyton got to ride on the rides for the first time. He is SOOOO beautiful!! He had a blast! He just thought he was Mr. Big Stuff. Gail thought he'd be scared...whatever!!! By the end of the night we couldn't keep his little butt off of them. I wish you could see all of the boys. Gail's two are so beautiful!!! Peyton is just so dainty and Dech is just a monster. Good Lord that child is fat! I'm pretty sure he weighs more than Peyton. Peyton takes after Jason's side of the family and poor Dech is ALL BELL!!! He's just build solid and stocky! But MAN, is he cute! When I look at him I just see my sister all over him. It's remarkable how much they look alike. You'd get a kick out of him, too. He's very shy like Gail, but boy when he gets out of his shell he sure does clobber Peyton and run right over him. :) As for mom, well she's is alright; it's getting hard again. Went on a cruise with a girlfriend, fixing up her house, doing well at work. She's ok...unless it has something to do with you and then she just breaks down. :( She has been working hard on this parole board issue. VERY HARD!! She's unbelievable; in one day she sent that thing out to every department in the lower half of the state. Speaking of work, she was working one day and met someone who is a North Charleston police officer and knew you. He posted something on here actually, which was really nice of him. It's so amazing how many lives you touched and we didn't even know it. Mom was telling him about you and how much she missed you and then he said that he knew you and that you touched his life, too. What a small world! A few months before that, Doug and a couple of the guys from your team were working one night and ran into someone that you use to hang out with right before you died. Doug was speaking to someone else and was called over to meet someone who knew "William". We didn't even know this guy existed but this guy knew your whole story so we realized that you really must have spoken with him. We were so happy to hear those things--affirmation. Doug knew I'd want to hear it right away so he called me while he was there to tell me what you told this man about your life and about everyone. Thank you for saying what you did about me and Gail and everyone. :) I really needed to hear that, and I know that Mom and Gail appreciated it too! It makes me miss you so much hearing how proud you were of me and Gail. You were really proud to be our dad. And daddy, we are so proud of you too!! And even though I was surprised that you spoke with this man, I'm glad that you did because hearing how much you loved me was beautiful and it also helps me to accept you being gone--you're at peace. I also met a girl who knew you from work. She said that your death really affected her and that you meant a lot to her. Apparently she was having some hard times and you gave her advice that she really needed. She looked up to you. It's amazing how many people loved you and were affected by you. God must have wanted us to meet these people because they all just seemed to appear out of nowhere. I hope you know how much you mean to us all!!!

I can't believe it's been four years, dad. I just don't want to accept that. This pain is overwhelming at times and nothing makes it better. I tried watching your tapes again but seeing you walking around and laughing just destroys me!! UGH!! It destroys me. Daddy, I love you so much!!! Thank you for loving me and for being so proud of me. I love(d) being your daughter too!!! And I am so proud of you, dad. You were the best man I've ever known!!!

Well, dad...I need to go. I love you more than anything, daddy--always!!

Love,
Your Daughter,
Nin
XOXOXO

His Daughter
XOXOXOXO

November 4, 2006

Hey Daddy,

Hope you were there with Doug last week when he was in the French Quarter; he stopped at our place and called me--we were both crying. While we were on the phone, I had to tell him the whole story about that day and what you did for me and how special you made me feel. You were that special to me, too. I just miss you so much, daddy. Thank you for that. It is something I will never forget.

Thank you for being our very special dad and friend; Gail and I could never thank you enough.

I WILL always love you, daddy--Always.

Your Daughter,
Nin X0X0X0

October 11, 2006

HEY WILLIAM, WE DIDN'T KNOW EACHOTHER THAT WELL. WE ONLY MET A COUPLE OF TIMES. I HAD JUST GOT HIRED A MONTH BEFORE THAT NIGHT.I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW, THAT NIGHT I WILL NEVER FORGET. WHEN THE OTHER OFFICER PUT OUT THAT CALL ON THE RADIO, THAT EVERY OFFICER IS AFFRAID OF HEARING,( DISPATCH I NEEED OFFICER ASSISTANCE! I HAVE TWO OFFICERS DOWN!)I GOT TO YOU AS QUICK AS I COULD. I BROKE THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PATROL CAR THAT NIGHT TRYING TO GET TO YOU.WHEN I GOT THERE, GOD HAD ALREADY TAKEN YOU HOME. I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I LIVE ACCROSS THE STREET WHERE YOUR MEMORIAL IS ON 17-A. NOT A DAY GOES BY WHEN I PASS IT COMING HOME THAT I DON'T THINK ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED. THAT NIGHT REALLY MADE ME APPRECIATE MY LIFE MORE AND PUT THINGS INTO PROSPECTIVE. WHEN WE AS OFFICERS GET IN THIS LINE OF DUTY WE WONDER SOMETIMES, HOW WILL WE DIE. WE SEEM TO THINK THAT WE WOULD PROBALLY DIE BY GETTING SHOT, OR A CAR CHASE, OR OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE BECAUSE OF OUR EATING HABBITS. BUT NOT BY SHOWING KINDNESS. EVERYONE WHO IS A POLICE OFFICER KNOWS THAT WE LIVE DAY TO DAY IN THIS LINE OF WORK. WE KNOW THAT WHEN WE START OUR TOUR OF DUTY AND WE SEE OUR FAMILY, IT COULD BE FOR THE LAST TIME. I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU WERE LOVED BY MANY PEOPLE. EVENTHOUGH YOU ARE NOT HERE PHYSICALLY, THERE IS NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT SHE DOES NOT THINK ABOUT YOU. SHE TRULLY LOVED YOU AND SHE ALWAYS WILL. I STILL HAVE YOU PIN AND I WILL ALWAYS KEEP IT WITH ME.NOT AS A REMINDER OF YOU DEATH, BUT TO REMIND ME OF WHY I BECAME A POLICE OFFICER. TO SERVE AND PROTECT EVEN IF IT MEANS GIVING OUR LIFE. FOR PEOPLE TO BE SAFER AND TO SHOW KINDNESS, AND TO UPHOLD THE LAW.YOU DID NOT DIE IN VAIN MY FRIEND,YOU TAUGHT US HOW TO APPRECIATE LIFE AND LOVE ONEANOTHER. EVERTIME I DO A TRAFFIC STOP OR I ASSIST A MOTORIST, YOU ARE ALWAYS WITH ME. YOU WOULD BE VERY PROUD OF DOUG, HE IS A SGT NOW AND I THINK HE IS ELIGIBLE FOR LT.HE IS TAKING VERY GOOD CARE OF YOUR FAMILY. WELL I HOPE I GET TO TALK TO YOU AGAIN SOMEDAY. KEEP SMILIING! BROTHER IN BLUE,
PHILLIP ALGER

PHILLIP ALGER
NORTH CHARLESTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

August 30, 2006

Well Honey ~ I did it! I took the cruise you always wanted me to have and it was wonderful. My first night in my cabin a nice king size bed I put my hand over my heart and said well dad (my name for you)I'm here I took our crusie. And I say our cruise because that is what it was, because you where there with me.I love you baby and I will never forget our lives love and memories together because each one is very special to me. Take care baby and I'll see you in time (soon). I love you honey!

Your Lady of Love
Betty A. Bell

August 24, 2006

Hi, Daddy.

Ughh. This site, the grave, the accident scene...they just hurt to go to lately--deeply. This hurts.

I know that you know how much I love you every day, but I just wanted to say it again--I love you, daddy!!

The other night we had dinner at Ciscos and, as we were walking out, Cole picked up a toothpick and put it in his mouth. He was getting in the car and Doug said, "Oh my God. He looks like your dad." I turned around and got tears in my eyes seeing how much he really did look like you. It's amazing. You've been gone 3 1/2 years and it hurts worse than any physical pain, but yet it heals me and helps me to look at these boys--especially Cole and D--and see you. They're the only pieces of you left in this world (except for me and Gail, of course), and I am so thankful to have them to remind me of you. Gail's little one looks exactly like you at times, and it's eery--but it's nice. Most of the time he'll look at me and I just see Gail. But then he'll give me a stare or he'll smile really big, and I get shivers inside seeing you in him. I love those shivers! They're freaky--like you've seen a ghost or something--but they're really wonderful! I babysat Peyton and D a few weeks ago, and the whole weekend that kid had me on the verge of tears. I just seeing my beautiful daddy in these beautiful boys. Mom sees it in Dechlan, too, and it makes her smile. But she gets really weirded-out by Cole. She'll be fine and then all of a sudden she'll really catch a glimpse of you in his face and it'll make her cry. She will hold him and say to me quietly, "Your daddy's all in him." And she's right. His smile---ugh! It drove me nuts for so long--that sort of grit-your teeth smile--until I realized that it was just like yours. I am so thankful to God for giving us these pieces of you. Daddy, I know you didn't make them or decide how they were going to look but God did, and he must have wanted us to always have a reminder of you. I know that Gail really appreciates having her son look like you, too. It's hard on her, but she wouldn't change it. She cries all the time about it. Both of us are praying that our two boys grow up and look like you did as a man. I don't know if Mom would be able to handle it, though. But I know that one day it'll be wonderful to see these men that look so much like you and to be able to hold them and close my eyes and remember hugging you. Man, daddy, I miss you SO MUCH!!!!

I love you, Daddy. I love you with all of my heart. We'll take care of your boys--all 4. :) I don't ever think there will be a granddaughter, though if Doug has his way you will. I just don't think God meant for me or Gail to have girls. It's weird how God works. You wanted mom to have a son so bad, but God gave you 2 daughters instead. He must loved you very much and planned this all along that your two girls would give you four boys. :) God finally answered your prayers. I only wish you were here to really show them what kind of man and pop-pop you are. They would get the biggest kick out of their pop-pop right now, especially the two oldest. Thank God for Tanner's elephant memory. He'll be able to tell the others.)

Speaking of Tanner....he started school this week. We're so proud of him. I know you would be, too (I know you are, actually). He's such a smart, beautiful boy.

I start school again soon, too. What a smart kid you and mom had, huh? :) BRAIN. I can't wait until I get to see those degrees hanging on my wall. Our family name proudly on them--finally! I know you're proud. Keep watching, though, because I'm gonna make you even more proud. :)

Well, daddy...I love you. I hope you know how much we miss you. We REALLY, REALLY do. Stay near us and wait for us. Watch over us. I am so proud of you, dad. Very proud.

I love you, daddy!!

Your baby girl--always.

Your Daughter
NIN XOXOXOXO

August 9, 2006

Officer Bell you are a hero. You were highlited on the ODMP as I was checking it this afternoon. You are definitely loved and missed by your family. You were quite a police officer and father. Thank you for serving your fellowman. May God bless you. Rest in peace my brother. May God continue to bless your loved ones.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

June 21, 2006

Daddy,
You know my heart...and that says it all. I miss you more than words. Happy Father's Day, daddy.

I love you, daddy.

All my love,
Your girl

Your Daughter
Nin XOXOXO

June 18, 2006

Hey Dad...
I don't know what it is about this time of the year, but--like clockwork--the pain just becomes overwhelming. I'm thinking it's got something to do with Police week and then the other think that I just can't mention or it'll kill me!

Mom and I are crying at the drop of a hat lately. Mom and I were at Belks yesterday and a song came on about someone dying yet still being here and having a forever love. That's all it took; Mom and I both sat in the car crying for a few minutes and then mom stayed in the car.:(

At Tanner's t-ball game last Saturday, there was a grandfather there cheering his grandson and I coudn't help but to think of you and what you're missing. I just became so sad for the boys (and for me...I wont' be able to see how proud they make you anymore. :( ). I started to cry imaging you being there, how proud you'd be and how you'd brag. I know that you would've been at all of his games if you didn't have to work, and it just makes me so sad and angry that they don't have a grandparent who will be there for them. UGH! Mom would come but she works on Saturdays right now. Thank God that they don't notice these things yet. I told Mom that I KNOW that you'd be there for them, and she agreed, saying you wouldn't miss it if you could help it. :(

I was talking to Mom last night about graduation, how I want to save a seat for you. It's a while off so I still have time to make a decision. :) She told me that you'll be there--you wouldn't be anywhere else!! You'll be there and be proud just like you were for Gail's wedding, and I know that somehow you'll let me know...just like you did at Gail's wedding. I can't imagine doing this for you (and mom and me and our family) and you not being there; I know you're going to be so proud.....your little girl. I was talking to mom about my GPA the other day (What I hope it'll be this semester). I told her that if I could just pull an A on my final in religion and English that I'd make 4 A's this semester; she smiled and said, "Your daddy DID always call you BRAIN." :) Yep, you did. My funny, funny dad!

I think it's the time of the year that's making us get this emotional; police week will be here at the end of next week, and of course, mom and I are going. We decided at the last minute to take Tanner, so if you could...help airfare go down a few hundred dollars. :) I just can't believe how suddenly this sadness has come this year. One day fine and then all of a sudden...this sadness. We've been preparing for police week for a while (mom for months), and yet it's still such a shock right now. But, I couldn't imagine being anywhere else. It's so sad seeing your name but then I know how hard you worked for that and how PROUD you are. We are all SO proud. UGH!!! I love you, daddy. UGH!!

I need to go...I'm getting upset. I thought I could do this right now, but I can't.

I'm on my way to student teach at the high school....wish me luck (and watch over me :)

ALL MY LOVE,
YOUR DAUGHTER
Nin
XOXOXO

His Daughter
XOXOXOXOXO

May 1, 2006

Hey Daddy....

Just taking a little break from studying for my finals to tell you that I love you!! I love you and miss you SO much.

My love always,
Your daughter
Nin
XOXOXOXOXO

His Daughter
XOXOXO

April 27, 2006