Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deepest sympathies to Deputy William Davis' family, friends and co workers, he will forever be missed. Cherished memories will never be forgotten. God Bless Deputy William Davis and thank you for all you have done.

LEO wife
Sioux Falls, SD

December 5, 2003

May god bless your family and comfort them in their time of grief. Thank you for the years of service you gave to the citizens of your community. You will be missed, and I will remember you from my early days of law enforcement in South Dakota. Rest in peace brother.

Police Officer Rob Forster
Overland Park, KS PD

December 4, 2003

Bill was my oldest son, and I am very proud of him. He loved his job, and would have been eligible for retirement next year.

We never parted or ended our phone conversations without saying "I love you." Bill was probably the most thoughtful and generous person I knew, and he was the same way with his friends.

I'm sure I will miss him for the rest of my life.

Ann Gertsen
Mother

December 4, 2003

My deepest condolences to your family, friends, and to your present and past co-workers. I pray that their suffering is tempered by the knowledge that you were a wonderful friend, beloved son, and honorable fellow officer. Rest in peace, Brother Davis.

Officer Jeremiah Johnson
Brookings Police Department (SD)

November 28, 2003

I still expect you to come through the door at work and say HI. It still does not seem possible that you are not with us any more.
When you called for a 59 I waited & waited for you to answer my response. Then, the next thing I heard was Officer down. We need help.
You know we all loved you one day and were very upset with you the next, but we are all family so thats ok for us to do.
I still wait to give you that 59.
For a couple nights on the radio we did put out 52-1K is at his Eternal 10-42. God Bless you Bill you will be remembered and your story will be told to Generations following.
Patrol On My Friend
10-4 52-1K

52-1
A Moody County Dispatcher

Dispatcher Lonnie Gruneich
Moody County Sheriff's Office

November 28, 2003

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Deputy Davis.

While I did not have the privilege to have known him, I am certain that he has earned his seat in heaven. Rest in Peace my friend, those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin, blue line.

Anonymous

November 27, 2003

The following will personalize Bill Davis. It was written by Bill's brother Paul Gertsen, then read at the funeral. Permission was granted to print on Bill Davis's Memorial Page.

Whenever I saw a funeral like this on TV, I would always admire its beaty and purpose, and yet, knowing what Bill did for a living, there was always a part of me that hoped I never had to take part in one. And yet, here we are.
To those officers whose duty and honor compels them to be here, we offer our deepest thanks. Even though we cannot thank each of you individually, please rest in the knowledge that your presence here will never be forgotten. Never.
To the citizens of Moody County and Flandreau, who interacted with Bill on a daily basis thank you for coming. I know how small towns work, and I know that one life can touch many. Without a doubt you have many good stories about Bill, and I wish I could hear them all.
To those local EMT, Fire and Police officers in attendance, than you for the way you worked so professionally with my brother. You all have very difficult jobs, and I know you watch out for one another. I'm sure you were there for Bill many when when he needed your help.
To the Moody County Sheriff's Office-we cannot express our thanks at your handling of this situation. I know that my brother didn't get along with everybody, all the time, but I know there isn't a person in the department that wouldn't be there if Bill needed them. And I don't have to tell you that Bill would've been there for each and every one of you. He was good at his job and I wish he could have done it with all of you-just a little bit longer.
To Bill's friends, neighbors and loved ones, I don't think I have to tell you what we've lost. We all know. I pray that you will find peace in the coming weeks and months ahead.
Bill was a law enforcement officer with over 20 years of experience. He understood the risks fo this job.
The Book of Ecclesiastes tells us that: "The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brillant or favor to the learned, but time and change happen to them all."
I think every officer here understands about time....And chance. I know Bill did.

So let us not be angry or bitter, but let us remember Bill as the man he was, and always will be, in our hearts.
When Bill was in high school at Aberdeen Central, he was on the Chess Club. I know....awfully nerdy. When he was in the Navy, he became quite a good bowler, with an average around 225, if I remember correctly. He also like to ride his Norton motorcycle around the island of Puerto Rico, where he was stationed. And if you're wondering if Bill drove then like you remember him driving, the answer is yes.
Bill traveled around the world on the USS Colombus. He especially enjoyed hiking the entire width of the country of Andorra, right between France and Spain.. Bill, hiking the mountains? Who knew?
When Bill got out of the Navy, he attended Northern State College in Aberdeen. He almost completed his degree, but dropped out, very near completion. He dropped out, I'm pretty sure, because of a broken heart. He never finished his degree, but anyone who knew him can tell you just how intelligent Bill was.
To quickly summarize Bill's 22 years in Flandreau, let me just say that he was a gun shootin', science fiction reading, airplane likin', cat hatin', dog lovin', politically motivated compaigner, moster computer user, Monty Python laughin', big screen TV football watching, flashlight giving, Minnesota Vikings hating, WW II expert who loved to bake his own bread. Now how can we afford to lose a man like that?
On the way to Flandreau, my wife asked me if I had a favorite memory of Bill. There are many memories, but please let me share my favorite one with you. It was the summer of 1968, and I was 6 years old. Bill had returned home to Aberdeen for the first time since joining the Navy. We got in the station wagon and he took me to the A & W on the west side of town. As we sat there in the car, talking with the radio on, in the warm, still, South Dakota night, drinking our root beers and putting them on that orange tray that hangs from the window, I was looking around at the rambunctious teenage crowd at the drive in. I remember looking up at Bill, and thinking he was the coolest guy in the world for taking me here, with all these "older" kids, so I could be hip and groovy like they were. That moment forever cemented our relationship in my mind. After that, he was always my big brother, and I never, ever stopped being proud of him.
Let me conclude by saying to those who knew him, Bill was cheerful, dependable and very, very patient. Probably one of the most patient men I've ever known. I'll give you one example of his patience. Bill loved to watch Eric Maxon play baseball. Bill must have seen Eric play 75 to 100 games. Mostly in Sioux Falls, but in other towns, too. For years, Bill supported Eric, while he played baseball. The thing of it is,.... Bill never liked baseball. He almost hated it. But over and over, he did what he felt had to be done never complaining, always giving of himself. If you want to know about William Paul Davis, the man, look no further.
He was giving in his service to Flandreau, Moody County, and the state of South Dakota. He was giving to his friends and family. He was giving to his mother and was diligent in his care for her. And in the end, he gave his life.
He is my brother, and I will miss him greatly. I will not forget.

You know, I used to think we had a very small family. There were many Thanksgivings and Christmases when there were only the 3 of us around the table.
But as I look around today, I just want to say, "Mom, there isn't a table in the world that could hold our family now."

Pastor
Volunteer Chaplain, Moody Cty

November 16, 2003

It saddens me greatly to here of such a sensless tragedy. To many times we deal with this sort of situation on the street and too many times this is the end result. I hope that people will see this incident and comply more readily to our officers. My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends. Rest in peace my brother.

T.G.Vincent patrolman
asheboro police

November 16, 2003

Thank You for your many years of service. rest in peace for we have the watch now.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.

November 14, 2003

You spend your life protecting us from the everyday harms; not once looking over your shoulder to protect yourself. You fell in the line of duty, all because you were doing your job. We were all blessed to have known you and shared a laugh. The roads of Moody County will never be the same, but I know you will forever be looking down from heaven watching over our men keeping them safe. Thank you so much for the time you served here in this world, but thank you too for the good you are still doing. 52-1K, you will be missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace.

LJC

November 13, 2003

52-1k, thats how I knew you. I only knew you for 8 months, but enjoyed every time I got to talk with you. You never failed to suprise me with your sense of humor or your very blunt coments. You will be missed. Your watch ended on November 3rd, but started again in a better place. I know you are watching over us not only as a friend, but as a fellow Officer commited to "doing the job." You are missed and thought of daily, 52-1k!!

Officer Roland
Flandreau Police Department

November 13, 2003

We all go out everyday and do our job with little thought about what may happen in our shift. We do our job without thought, and without reward. We are there for everything people may need, but this time, Willie P, we are there for you.

Police Officer

November 13, 2003

Deputy Davis was one of my Best-Friends. We had been friends for over twenty years. He was a part of my life and a part of my family. Anytime a friend was needed, he was there! When I was in the hospital, he was there! when I needed someone to talk too, he was there! He spent his life helping and protecting people. He did his job serving the public with dignaty and pride. To all his family and friends, "May God Bless All of You" and, "I thank God for making Bill Davis a part of my life. "Thank You" to all of you who have left reflections. I miss him.
Walter and Susan Adney

Former Chief Deputy
Moody County Sheriff's Department

November 12, 2003

And the driver STILL argured about the ticket after the event!
Well, you know something that he doesn't, Jesus Loves you, so do we!

REt Officer RB Wade
Richmond,VA Police

November 11, 2003

We are truly saddened at Bill's loss.
--------------------------------------
We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
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Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton (NY) PD

November 11, 2003

DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF DS WILLIAM DAVIS.

Anonymous

November 11, 2003

My deepest sympathy to Bill's family and his co-workers at the Moody County Sheriff's Department. Bill was an excellent officer and a genuine pleasure to know. He touched many lives and he'll live on in our hearts and our memories. We will miss you Willy.

Captain Chuck Pulford
Madison PD, Madison, SD

November 11, 2003

GOD bless the family, friends, brothers and sisters of this angel...
We know your loss all too well, and I offer my most sincere blessings.
GOD speed brother...keep us safe from up above, and we'll take it from here.

-Ofc. Shannon McBride

Patrol
Lower Gwynedd PD, Montgomery Cty, PA

November 10, 2003

Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Detective
Lacey Police Deparment, Washington State

November 10, 2003

May God bless your family at this difficult time.

Mother
Deputy Kevin Sherwood, EOW 10/09/03

November 10, 2003

I am thinking of you and your family along with your friends and fellow Officers. Thank you for a job well done.

Officer Julie Schmidt
Louisville Metro Police Dept. Louisville, KY

November 10, 2003

To my fellow Brother:

May you rest in peace. We all know that you will guide us and protect us from above. Your memory will live on forever. My prayers go out to you and your family. May God Bless you and your family.

Special Agent
Department of Homeland Security

November 9, 2003

It's hard to write this but I feel that I need to - to say thank you, Bill, for
covering my back. I have worked PRN as a paramedic in Moody County
for a little over 4 years but knew Bill for 10. Bill covered my back and
helped in any way he could on many of the ambulance calls whether it
was opening the back door of the ambulance or making sure the scene
was safe before we went in, whatever needed to be done. Bill, you
were a quiet, imposing presence that will be sorely missed!!

Christ Jesus
Source of Life,
Spirit of All Healing,
Bless those who serve
Direct and guide us.

Remembering
that each of us
will take our turns
in darkness and in light,
let us be light
for one another
when the darkness falls.

Gentle our hands.
Soften our eyes.
Open a window
in our hearts
so that Your Grace
and loving kindness
may shine through.

Make of our attention
a safe shelter
for healing
in mind and heart,
spirit and body.

Renew us always
in Your Love.
Amen.

You gave all and walked more than your share in darkness. Now it's
your turn to walk in the light!

Donna Olafson, Paramedic

November 9, 2003

Deputy W. Davis may you rest in peace and God be with you and your family and friends. Please keep the coffee warm for all uf your brothers in blue and we will join you one day in paridise.

Patrol Officer Chris J. Rohner
Licking Memorial Hospital Police Dept Newark, Ohio

November 9, 2003

Bill, I had the pleasure of working with you for 10 years. I always welcomed your input, and was thankful for your knowledge and experience. You were one of a kind. I miss you greatly and will never forget you. I wish that my children had the opportunity to get to know you, so that when I tell them stories about the type calls we went to, and some of your unique ways of doing things they would better understand. There will never be another 52-1K.

Reserve Officer Kaven Swearingen
Minnehaha County Police Reserve

November 8, 2003