Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Bruce,

I am sitting up thinking about tomorrow which has now turned into today. Today is the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial. I saw today that a deputy from Kenosha County just lost his life. He as you was fighting the good fight. A coward chose to act in a manor which took the deputy’s life. Now the deputy’s family like yours has to endure the loss of their hero. I sit here and listen to the songs that were played at your funeral. The songs don’t fill the void that everyone feels.

We all know all know you’re up there watching over us. Your guidance is the closet thing we can have to your presence. I wish things were different, that I didn’t have to say things to you in writing. I am a realist though. I just heard, “I can only imagine”, by Mercy Me. The song was ending on the radio station as I was hitting the “seek”, feature on my radio. The radio announcer then said, “The right song at the right time”. The announcement was so true. The radio announcement was during a day in which I was frustrated. The song acted as you did. The song brought me back down and made me look at the positive things that were going on. It showed me as you always did not to dwell on the negative. Thank you for living your life as an example to all. You showed everyone that a smile on your face and love in your heart is the way to live. I sit back now and reflect. I never saw you feeling or acting negative. I can’t say I know very many people that live that way. You are the exception. You still manage to show me that everyday is a blessing not to take life for granted. Your example shows me life is very meaningful. You showed me to live everyday as if it was the last. I thank you for the life examples you gave even if it was not your intention.

I always say the same thing that is the truth, “You are still missed everyday”. I have not yet had a day in which I did not think of you or miss you. I thank you for being such an inspirational person in my life. The world changes daily and leaves one to wonder what the future holds. I feel that you still give me guidance and show me that doing the right thing is still the best policy. I always had the Catholic Church in my life. You have brought to life the examples that bible versus preach. You showed the right priorities in live that everyone should have. I hope the ones that you affected don’t lose sight.

Thank You!!!!!!

Friend
Police Officer

May 18, 2007

Last Thanksgiving I got called to start early, at 4AM. I had alot to be thankfull for, for one having being blessed with your freindship and that of your family. I decided to visit your gravesite rightaway. After several minutes of quiet reflection, something caught my eye. I looked up into the darkness and saw a skunk running at me. Bruce, if anyone would pull a stunt like that it would be you. Glad to see you have not lost your sense of humor. We still miss you like it happend yesterday.

Karl

January 25, 2007

BRUCE--As I sit here on Christmas thinking of you like I do everyday, I can't help but think of the laughs we had in years past. We thought about watching some of the videotapes of past Christmases but decided they would be inappropriate for the kids!!!! It sure doesn't get much easier w/time and we all have our sad days when we think of you and the fact that we can't see or talk to you.
Merry Christmas--I miss you. Mike

MIKE WILLIAMS
BROTHER

December 25, 2006

You and your lovely wife and children are in my thoughts and prayers as they begin another year without your physical presence. I still remember the day you were killed because I was in Green Lake that day. As I took a walk, I saw a number of police officers blocking the road and knew something serious and, perhaps, dangerous was happening. Later, I heard that you had been killed. Heroes live forever and I shall never forget you or that day in 2003. Rest in peace.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

November 3, 2006

Well, I wasn't going to visit this site this year...I almost made it. It's like therapy. AND YOU!! I can hear you laughing at that so knock it off!! You would yell at us all for crying over you still. Everything about your life was an example to the rest of us. Miss you. Still listening to my birthday CD wishing just everything could be different. Thank you for being so much to so many. You remain a role model to us all. Thank you.

October 22, 2006

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 3rd anniversary of your end of watch. You have not been forgotten as you are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. I know the daily pain your loved ones feel as I walk in their shoes, wrap your wings around them and help them today and every day.

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

October 19, 2006

The distance between Heaven and earth is no greater than one thought.

G-d Bless.

October 19, 2006

Still feeling the emptiness. It is a quiet day in the neighborhood. We wish you peace in knowing time is moving us forward. We are now living for more adventures in the future, but only with you guiding us in our hearts. May this day get easier for your wife, daughters, parents and siblings.

---friends

October 19, 2006

Hard to believe that you have been gone for three years Bruce. You and your family are in our daily prayers and thoughts. Thank you for keeping your fellow officers safe at work while they are protecting others. You are their guardian angel!!
God Bless you!!

October 19, 2006

Bruce,

I can't believe it is now 3 years since you were taken from us. The pain sometimes feels as if it were just yesterday. We think about you everyday. I told Ben just one day this week that I will have to get out videos to show him of the special Uncle he never had a chance to really know. We talk about you often so he is hearing of our memeories of you. Continue to watch over us.

John, Michele, Emily, Katie & Ben

October 19, 2006

Bruce,

Fall is upon us again! I come here often just to remember you, and all others that have given what you have. I still miss seeing you around, and just saying "HI." I still think about law enforcement regularly.Your memory makes me want to do it that much more. The world needs heroes. I hope your doing well Bruce. We will talk later.

Joel Kuklinski
Friend

October 18, 2006

Bruce,

Sarah, Alesha, and I went to your grave tonight because we won't make it the 19th. I can't believe it's been three years. Alesha brought back emotions that only a 8 year old can with her questions. I think back to how blessed we were to be your friend and know your family. You were the ultimate example of how to be a son, brother, husband, Dad, and fellow officer.

After your death I prayed for you. Now I feel that when I pray, I'm praying with you; for Val, your kids, your siblings, your parents, and your friends. I know that you want nothing more than for us than to continue on and make you proud.

Bruce, I can't believe you have been gone three years. You will be always missed, always remembered, and NEVER FORGOTTEN.

Karl

October 17, 2006

The air is getting cooler, the leaves are changing their colors, and the calendar says it's October. As always our thoughts are with you and your family...but even more so this month.
God bless you Bruce!

October 6, 2006

Happy Birthday Bruce!
We think of you often. We miss your corny sense of humor. You are forever in our hearts. Please continue to watch over us.

John, Michele, Emily, Katie and Ben

August 8, 2006

GOOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY KEEP WATCH OVER US AS WE CONTINUE THE TOUR IN YOUR NAME AND ALL THE MANY OTHERS THAT HAS WENT ON TO PATROL AND WATCH OVER THE STREETS OF HEAVEN.
YOUR SISTER IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
JACKSON CO SO

INVESTIGATOR
JACKSON CO SO

August 3, 2006

Bruce,

When I was a kid I visited Washington D.C. numerous times with my parents and relatives. During one of our trips my parents wanted to see that National Building Museum. My parents wanted to go to the National Building Museum because they enjoyed watching, “Christmas In Washington”, on television. My parents always felt the National Building Museum in which the show was held is a beautiful building. So, we walked there to view it for ourselves.

While we approached the building we walked through an area that my mom recognized as the National Law Enforcement Memorial. At the time I was in eighth grade or so and I had no real appreciation of what the wall stood for. At that time I had no vision of being a police officer and was just merely respectful to the fact that police officers had given their lives to protect people. We had visited the Vietnam Memorial Wall during our trip. I had a childhood friend whose uncle was killed in Vietnam. His uncle was on that wall and that was the closest thing I had to understanding the significance of sacrifice being recognized on a memorial wall.

During our time at the National Law Enforcement Wall, my mom recalled a DNR Conservation Warden from Wisconsin that had been killed in the line of duty. We located his name and my parents told me what they could recall of his death. From what I can recall it involved a DNR Warden who was shot for no other reason than he was doing his job. We took a moment to view the wall and continued on our way.

Earlier this month I was able to head back to Washington D.C. This time my trip had a GREAT deal of meaning. I traveled to D.C. to pay respect to a friend who had given, “The Ultimate Sacrifice”. On the first day of our trip we took the five mile trek from Georgetown to the National Mall on foot. I of course felt it was a much shorter walk than it was in reality. We arrived and did some sightseeing and picture taking along the way to our destination of the National Law Enforcement Memorial. My fiancé was accompanying me on the trip and it was her first time in Washington.

As we walked the National Mall we saw officers from all over the country. In addition we saw a ton of squad cars. I knew we were getting close. As we were within the last couple blocks I got very emotional and recalled my previous trip to the wall. I felt horrible that I had not given and the officers on the wall a true appreciation in the past. I wiped my eyes telling my fiancé that I never imagined I would have someone I knew on the wall, let alone someone that I had such a great deal of respect for. We came to the wall and were directed to your name by a Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Deputy. The Deputy was writing fallen officers wall locations on National Law Enforcement name rubbing paper. I looked at your location and felt it was another twist of irony. Your location as that of your badge number 42. I rubbed your name as everyone seems to do and truly had an appreciation for what you, your family, and everyone that you had contact with had to endure for your name to make it on the wall. We took in other sites during our trip and somehow also managed to make it back to the wall.

The next night we returned for the candlelight vigil. It was an amazing feeling to be amongst so many other people dealing with the same loss day after day. I got to wear my uniform and properly stood at attention when Wisconsin’s roll call for 2005 was announced. We left the ceremony and I talked with a few officers here and there. When we got to the Metro we were standing by a U.S. Forestry Officer in his honor guard attire. I overheard a random guy at the stop inquiring with the officer what all the various police officers were doing in the area. The officer explained the National Law Enforcement Week and the gentleman informed the officer he was visiting with his family from Wisconsin. The gentleman then looked back and stated that he recognized my city patch as being from an agency in Wisconsin. I then addressed the gentleman inquiring what area he was from. The man informed me he was from Kohler, WI. I attempted to name swap people I knew from the area, he was unfamiliar with exact people just last names. My small talk was dwindling fast and I was more eager to catch the next train.

As a means to keep the conversation going I informed the gentleman of my significance of the trip and asked if they had heard about your death. They advised the actually have a cottage in Green Lake. In addition they were present after your death. As they traveled down that road through the area they saw officers laying in the ditch with rifles and felt they needed to get out of the area. They attempted to find someway to get out and head home. When they got turned around they drove by the Green Lake/ Brooklyn Fire Department observing an ambulance crew loading a subject inside. The irony once again comes into place in the fact that I was one of the “crew”. The problem was I unlike most members of the ambulance had been on so many hairy calls with you and NEVER envisioned I would be in that situation. I can’t even fathom the odds of that chance encounter. There is no doubt in my mind that you had intervention in that contact.

I guess I’ve said what I wanted to say and included some personal thoughts. I some how end up repeating my self in stating your still missed everyday. Maybe that is not such a bad thing though. It is for me like everyone else that knew you a way to continuously pay respect to you everyday with out having to visit your gravesite or your name on the National and Wisconsin Memorial Wall. You are never forgotten and “HEROS LIVE FOREVER”

Police Officer Wisconsin
Friend

May 29, 2006

Bruce,
We have just ended National Law Enforcement Week. Yesterday was the State Memorial recognition. I thought that maybe since this was the 3rd yr for us attending that it may have been easier but it wasn't. You are missed dearly by us. I thought of you tonite at church as they played the song" No Greater Love"(hatha man than to lay down is life for a friend) They played it last week also so we have thought of you quite often. You would have been proud of Kiersten a few weeks ago as she made her 1st communion. She was beautiful and so proud. Emily graduates from 8th grade in 10 days and although you won't be there physically, we know that your spirit will be with us as always. You are gone but will never be forgotten!!

Michele

May 20, 2006

Bruce, I never met you or any of your family. But I met your brother playing pool tonight on yahoo and he told me about you. To me you were what everyone should strive to be. You were a great American that gave the ultimate sacrifice for the good of others. My prayers are with your family. They will always be able to share with the people that God puts in their lives about what a real hero you were. I am sorry I never got to meet you.

David Edmonds

March 18, 2006

Bruce,

This holiday season has brought up many emotions. During my car rides your in my thoughts. I stopped at your gravesite to tell you those thoughts. I just got some encouraging news for the "New Year". I'm convinced you had some role in my new direction. Thanks setting an example for me to live life by. Words just never seem to say enough.

Thank you and may God continue to bless you and your family. As many before have said, "you are still missed everyday".

December 30, 2005

Merry Christmas Bruce. We miss you and love you always.

Valerie

December 25, 2005

You are still missed - every day!

October 20, 2005

2 years ago today Deputy Williams ended his race of life to a faceless coward whose name we wish to know no more. Deputy Williams will always be remembered for the hero that he is. We will always mourn his loss and forever be inspired by they way he lived.

Chief of Police / Olen M. Young
Wauneta PD Nebraska

October 19, 2005

To the family and friends of Deputy Bruce Williams and his fellow officers with the Green Lake County Sheriff's Office, and most especially to Bruce.

It has been two years since you were so unjustly taken from your loved ones.
Your valor and bravery are not forgotten.

May his loved ones continue to be embraced the caring and comfort of their law enforcement family, and other police survivors.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Deputy Williams gave to his community and the citizens of Wisconsin and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 19, 2003.

Phyllis Loya,mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

October 19, 2005

Bruce ~ It is hard to believe that two years ago today you were taken from us! We think and pray for you all of the time. Continue watching over all of your family and friends. We miss you!!

October 19, 2005

May God continue to bless you and your loved ones and give you strength to carry on on this very difficult anniversary.
My thoughts and prayers are with you always, but especially today.

Linda Lamm - LEO Wife and Sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

October 19, 2005