Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Happy Birthday Bill!

Gia
Sister of Special Agent Tom Wyatt

March 12, 2010

Bill,

Another birthday for you, another tough day. Still wish I could call you.

I heard "Fire & Rain" by James Taylor today, and the line - "But I always thought that I'd see you again" - says it all.

I'm gonna stick with that thought until I DO see you again.


paul

Anonymous

March 12, 2010

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on Christmas. Continue to keep watch over all of them, you have not been forgotten.

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

December 24, 2009

Thinking of you now at this time of year when we're sending out packages. Remembering you and the way that you made your preparations, too. You liked to give gifts!!!

Paul still gives to you in the only way he can. He's defending, protecting and loving you by working to help other law enforcement family members. (No doubt that as an older brother - and a deputy - you'd have a few tips and pointers for him.)

We have faith. We have hope. We have love. We have the peace of the promise fulfilled.

In memory of Bill, a very Merry Christmas to his law enforcement friends and family!

Laurie

December 17, 2009

On this the sixth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered for the service you gave to your community, and for the supreme sacrifice you and your family made on November 3, 2003.

To your loved ones: the hurt of losing a loved one forever goes away...the pain and pride are forever. The brotherly love resonates in Paul's reflections. I pray for your solace.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

Anonymous

November 6, 2009

THE DAY passed. Nothing soothes an aching heart. I remember so well the graceful cadence of your stride, the straightness of your stance, the ease with which you smiled. I remember a day of sunlight, a calm breeze and us in the middle of nowhere, carried away in our plinking only to realize we were nearly out of gas. The frivolity of trying to figure out the most fuel efficient speed and yet not really caring if we did run out. If life is a walk and you have merely gone ahead then my heart bids me hasten on watching for the shadow of your figure.....keep the motor running to pick me up at the walk's end. K

Anonymous

November 4, 2009

My Brother by Raymond A. Foss

He was there too,
marching by,
just ten feet from my spot
beyond arm’s reach
solemn, marching in his blues
my brother
taking his turn
joined with the ranks
the honor guards, the men
and women in blue
marching honoring him
solidarity in the marching
the brotherhood
the thin blue line

For you, Pauly.
Bill's patch is next to my brother's on my office wall. I think of him often.

A sixth anniversary may not be as difficult as a first, but still not an easy day to get through.

Anonymous

November 3, 2009

I am grateful for this site where I can stop by and look at your picture and think about you.
We continue to make the acquaintance of so many people that we wouldn't otherwise. Sometimes I'll be somewhere (where I likely wouldn't be if you had not died in the line of duty)and I'll be talking to someone (who I wouldn't be in a position to speak with if you hadn't died in the line of duty)and I just have to ponder it...
We remember you in many ways.

Laurie

November 3, 2009

Bill,

I wish you knew how many people know about you - and even some of the true quirks of your personality.

Sometimes I wonder if you would LIKE all of the people that know about you, but my guess is you would. I know you would appreciate the fact that they honor the fallen, as you always did.

Six years ago today, you breathed your last breath, but there is much of you that lives on. Lots of people carry around just a little bit of Bill, which is the amazing thing.

I'll see what I can do to make sure the pieces go even farther.

Love you and miss you and would give anything to talk to you one more time.


paul

Anonymous

November 3, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on Police Officer Memorial Day, celebrated today. You have not been forgotten because true heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and close friends.

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

May 15, 2009

Had to stop here just to say that we celebrated your birthday again this year. And why not, anyway? Yep, you've got that right,... pizza and cheesecake. Matt and Teala were in town and so we celebrated together. With a gentle clink of glasses we toasted you: "To Bill!"

Laurie

March 18, 2009

Hi Bill,

All the memories came flowing back this weekend, when we heard of another Deputy's end of watch.
I know that you and your Mother are very happy to once again be together. You both talked of each other often.
I still miss our working together.

Lonnie

Lonnie/Dispatcher
Moody County Sheriffs Office

March 17, 2009

Bill,

Happy Birthday

I think you'd be surprised how many people you've never met know it's your birthday.

No card or phone calls anymore, just me typing words into a box.
But it will have to do.


Miss you.


paul

Anonymous

March 12, 2009

Happy Birthday Bill!
Our thoughts are of you today and our prayers are with Paul.

Gia Nelson
Sister of Special Agent Tom Wyatt

March 12, 2009

Bill,
Unfortunately, do to the distance between Oelwein and Moody County, I have lost touch with with many of my friends and former co-workers. The most vivid memory I have, is shortly after I started working with the Sheriffs Office. You were touring me around the county and pointing out the trouble areas. When went to your house and you made us something to eat and proceeded to show me some of your collections. There was a phrase that you said to me and has stuck with me since, "We are not here to arrest everyone, we are here to solve problems". Those words have carried me through my career and I share them with every new rookie that I train. I know that you will be riding with the unseasoned officers being that little voice in their head keeping them safe. Rest in peace.

Jesse L Paul

Jesse L Paul
Oelwein Police, IA / former co-worker

January 28, 2009

As a big brother, you would be sooo proud of what your little brother is doing so that your life and the lives
of countless others who have given their lives in the line of duty will never be forgotten.
Because of you, he has been blessed with a vision to make things happen.
Though I didn't know you, it was the common bond of losing my loved one in the line of duty that has blessed me with the friendship of your brother, Paul.
There is no doubt that the man you were and what you lived for now lives on through you brother.
Thank you for your sacrifice.
We will NEVER forget.

Lynn

COPS survivor-Lynn
Friend of your brother/COPS/Probation Agent

November 11, 2008

Even though I didn't have the honor of meeting you, I feel like I know you through the stories and reflections. I have this feeling we would have gotten along wonderfully! I wish I could try a slice of your homemade pizza and drink a beer with you. I'm sorry you aren't here with your family and friends, but just know that you are remembered and honored every single day, even by people like me, who didn't get to meet you. But you do live on...and I know that one day your loved ones will see you again. Until that day, know that they are cared for and loved, and that you are remembered.

Anonymous

November 11, 2008

We marked the day and counted the years that have passed and pondered whether it felt like 5 years had gone by. The conclusion was that there was definitely 5 years of wear and tear on us, but that otherwise your death seems more recent.

2008 was another tough year, but looking at your photo I'm reminded that you wouldn't abide any pity parties. Instead, in your way, you'd just do something to keep us on our feet and moving forward.

I was thinking back to November 3, 2003, and the days following, and wishing I could ask you about the duck. The funniest scenario I can imagine is if your answer would be, "What duck?" I guess it will just have to be a little joke that you left behind for us.

We had a lot of support again this year from many of your friends - now our friends. Also, many of your extended law enforcement family have been there to support us with their presence or a word of encouragement...and we've done our best to support them, too. We are thankful for all of the interactions.

On my mind: "...with God all things are possible..." Matthew 19:26

Laurie

November 4, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this fifth anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

November 4, 2008

Bill,

We had a very nice 5th Anniversary Memorial Service for you at the courthouse yesterday. A nice crowd of friends, co-workers, and other local law enforcement. You would be proud of the work Stan has done on your behalf.

Even 5 years later, the memory of you, and the way you lived, still touches those that remain behind.

You were only one officer in a long line of those that have fallen before you, and those that have fallen since. But you are much more than just One.
You are Many.

And 5 years later - even though it seems like yesterday - your legacy lives on. I've seen it for myself, and I know.
People that you never met, now think about you and remember your sacrifice.
That kind of respect does not belong to the unworthy, but only to those who have earned it.


So today - it is about love and respect.


paul

Anonymous

November 3, 2008

Thinking of you and your loved ones and close friends on this day. Continue to keep watch over all of them and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and have not been forgotten.

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

November 3, 2008

Bill,

Today is 5 years since all our lives were changed forever. I can still remember that day like it was yesterday and it still hurts. Yesterday was a memorial service in Flandreau and Matt and I went. It was nice of them to do it. I continue to go to I-29 were your Think Why Die Sign is and leave flowers in May. I can say one good thing has come from all of this and that is meeting Paul and Laurie and developing a lifelong friendship with them. Bill, you are a Hero to me and many others and you will never be forgotten. Thank you for all you did for us and all you still do.

Rest in Peace
Teala

Anonymous

November 3, 2008

It doesn't seem that five years have passed. I was drawn to look at your reflection page today and didn't realize until I pulled it one of the reasons. I think of you often especially when I make the long trek home Liberty, MO, to North Dakota as I head right up I29.

I shed a tear for you today. You were part of my first public safety family and will never be forgotten!

Donna O
KCKCC

October 31, 2008

Thank you for years of service and dedication. You are deeply missed by family, friends and co-workers. May you rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

June 11, 2008

Bill,

If all goes well, we will be in PR in a few days. I know you never made it back, so please consider this a "fill-in" for your goal.

I will think about you while we are there, and everything you did on the island, and how much you enjoyed the freedom of the time you spent there.
Maybe I'll spot a Ghost Rider on your old Norton motorcycle.
(I wonder if that one ever made it off the island?)


Your birthday is a tough day. I hope you know how much you are missed, and how much I miss being able to talk to mom about it.

Happy Birthday.


paul

March 12, 2008