Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was the officer that went down hard while chasing the suspect. I'll never forget the smile on Bill's face when I walked up to Bill out of breath. I think I heard him mumbling something about "rookie's". That was a classic Bill story, and one that gets brought up often. We had a lot of good laughs with Bill back in those days.

Terry Evans
Brown County Sheriff's Office

March 27, 2006

Bill,

Your birthday - March 12 - means something a lot different to me now than it used to.
It used to mean a card and a phone call.

Now it's become a day where I look for ways to fill the hole created by NOT being able to call, or send a card.

Matt and Teala were in town, so we went out for deep dish pizza, (no restaurant pizza can come close to your homemade speciality), and several fine examples of one of your favorite recreational beverages.

Matt told a good story about how one time he and two other officers were chasing a suspect, and how one of them fell down hard running after him, and they were having a hard time catching him,....and you drove up at just the right time, saw the suspect, threw open your car door, and leveled him with it right then and there.
Now THAT'S experience!

I love those stories.


Happy birthday, bro.

paul

March 12, 2006

Bill,

It has been two years since your death and I still think of that day. I have learned a lot about life from your death. I go to the acident sight every year to leave flowers in your memory. You are missed dearly and we will never forget all you did for us.

Teala

November 6, 2005

Hi Bill,

I still think about you, and remember all the fun times we had working in Moody County. It's hard to believe that you've been gone 2 years. I know that you are in a better place. Be assured that you are in our thoughts, and you will not be forgotten.

Reserve Officer Kaven Swearingen
Minnehaha County Police Reserves

Reserve Officer Kaven Swearingen
Minnehaha County Police Reserve

November 5, 2005

To the family and friends of Deputy William Davis, his fellow officers, and most especially to Bill himself:

On this the second anniversary week of your tragic death, we honor and remember you. Rest in Peace, Deputy Davis.

On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Deputy Davis was killed in the line of duty. In reading the reflections, it is obvious he was well-loved by many and well-respected by his peers as reflected in the loving reflections left for him.

May his loved ones continue to be supported by their law enforcement family and other police survivors. Our family grieves with you and for you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service Deputy Davis gave to his community and the citizens of South Dakota, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on November 3, 2003

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

November 4, 2005

Hey Bill,

We miss you.

There's a street in Egan named after you now. Guess which one. (You'd be smiling about that.) A lot of your friends showed up for the dedication in July - and it was right around the 4th, your favorite holiday.

In the past year, I've thought about you and the obstacles and challenges you faced in your life and in your line of work, and it provided me with inspiration to persevere with my own smaller challenges. Thanks for your example.

We hang onto our memories of you. It's easier to smile and laugh about them now.

Laurie

November 3, 2005

Dear Bill,
We never knew each other, but you and our son Tom brought our families together. Now we share the grief, the pride, and the memories of two very special people.
God's love,
Ingrid Wyatt

Ingrid Wyatt
Mother of SA Tom Wyatt

November 3, 2005

Bill,

It's been two years since we've heard your laugh, or gotten email jokes from you.
Two years since we've tasted your homemade cookies and deep dish pizza.
Two years since you've been there to help someone, neighbors or strangers alike, on duty or off.
Two years since the knock on the door, and the phone call.
Two years since I last touched your right hand.
Two years since mom was handed the folded flag, and the hearse doors were shut.

How can your loss seem as though it happened just yesterday, AND still feel like a lifetime ago?

I remember cleaning out your house in the country on a cold, clear night a few days after you were buried. As I was standing alone in the yard, stars overhead, in the middle of a total lunar eclipse, a coyote howled, and that's when I knew you were far, far away from me.

We love you, and miss you.

paul

November 3, 2005

It will be 2 years since you were called away from duty. You have not been forgotten nor will you ever be. You are a true hero. Keep watch over those that think of you every day and all those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

November 2, 2005

Memorial Day Memories

I never dreamed it would be me, my name for all eternity, recorded here at this hallow place, alas, my name, no more my face.
"In the line of duty," I hear them say: my family now the price to pay. My folded flag stained with their tears; we only had those few short years.
The badge no longer on my chest, I sleep now in eternal rest. My sword I pass to those behind, and pray they keep this thought in mind.
I never dreamed it would be me, and with heavy heart and bended knee, I ask for all here from the past: Dear God, let my name be the last.
-unknown-

God Bless!

Donna O. - paramedic

May 28, 2005

Bill,

I thought today, your birthday, would be the right time to reflect on some little known aspects of your personality.
The fact that you were a huge Michael Nesmith fan. For some reason. (I could never figure that one out.)
The fact that your entire kitchen was outfitted with top of the line, restaurant quality cookware, constantly being ordered and upgraded from Williams-Sonoma.
The fact that some nights, when you got off late, you enjoyed grilling a steak in your front yard at 3:00 AM, drinking your beverage of choice, while listening to classical music played on Minnesota Public Radio.


A few years back, you asked me to track down a particular Alice Babbs CD you had heard on MPR. Since she was an older, Swedish jazz vocalist, it was not an easy task. I tried for a few years, but had no luck. I hadn’t planned on giving up, though, as I knew that I would eventually track it down, and one of these years, send it to you for your birthday. You’d be surprised, since you had probably forgotten about it, but I would’ve felt great, because I’d helped you out when you weren’t expecting it.

Just like you had so often done for many of us.

We have to learn to use the gifts we have, here, now, because life is short.


Life is just too short...


Happy birthday, bro.


Paul

March 12, 2005

Godspeed Deputy Davis

Amber

January 27, 2005

To the family my prayers are with you, I know these next couple of days will be just as hard. I'm not looking forward to Clint's. I know that you still miss William everyday, just know that we will never forget him.

Deputy William's look Clint up for me, tell him I sure miss him... Thanks for making this a safer place to live for us.

Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

December 3, 2004

It's been a year since the family tragedy we never wanted to have happen happened. Bill, you were a great brother-in-law. No wait, you were a fantastic brother-in-law. I knew it and appreciated it always, but, of course, I fully expected to have more time with you. I'll miss not being able to visit you at your home, have one of your home-cooked meals (with your generous portions), be amused at your interactions with your mother and brother, and maybe have a little target practice with my favorite family FTO. You were a unique and loving member of my family and I'll always remember the warmth you showed in making me feel welcome and accepted. I know you'd be shocked and awed by the level of honor paid to you in the past year. A lot of love has been shown to your family and to your friends - and between your family and friends, too. I have no doubts that you'd think that was NEAT. I hope there'll come a day when I can tell you all about it. I miss you.

Laurie

Laurie

November 8, 2004

It's been one year and although it has been only one it feels a great deal heavier than that! With eased heartache due to time I now look back on the great moments we had with Bill instead of tragedy and I am comforted by that! He'll live on because of the great stories that are told about him and because you never forget a character like Bill! I am forever thankful for having him in my life and am comforted knowing he is still looking after us!

With great love,
Christopher
ps
Thune won and the gun lover that he was you must know how that must have tickled Bill's heart! miss ya.

November 4, 2004

I have tried many times to submit my reflection about Bill and have never been able to stop the tears long enough to come up with the words to describe the way I really feel. Tomorrow marks the 1 year anniversary of Willie P's death and it is still as hard today and it was then. I have a lot of regrets that I didn't spend as much time with Bill as I should have. It was always in my mind that Willie P would just always be there. My brother in law said it earlier that he was always welcome with our family and we knew that if Willie P was not there that he was working. It is amazing that in life you can take the simplest things for granted everyday and not realize it until it is too late. I know that I have a special connection to him though because my daughter Morgan holds a very special spot in her heart for Uncle Bill. She mentions him often and even tells me that she can see him dancing in the clouds when she looks at the sky. Bill was a man who touched a lot of lives and he will never be forgotton. It is with a very heavy heart that I sit here now and think back to all of the memories that my family has shared with Willie P and know that Cody, Lance, Morgan and Logan will not have the same opportunity. I wish you all the love and peace that you deserve Willie P and I want you to know that you will NEVER be forgotton in our hearts.

Love and prayers for you
Rhonda Kay

November 2, 2004

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A grateful citizen.

September 29, 2004

Bill was my training officer and partner for four years. Bill was a wealth of law enforcement knowlege. Bill had great insight in working for law enforcement administration. If you took the time like I did, you could learn alot form Bill. To work in Moody Co. without Bill for a partner, is almost unbearable. I will greatly miss our freindship and the things we did together off duty.

It is a privilege and honor to be the escort officer for Bill's family at National Police Week.

Brother, you are greatly missed and you will never be forgotten.

Deputy Matthew Wetterling
Moody Co. Sheriff's Department

May 5, 2004

I worked with Bill for a little over two years in Moody County. Bill would have done anything for any of us, as we would have for him.

Bill and myself were dispatched to a shooting in Flandreau. I was the first one on scene and I as I was contemplating my approach to the situation, I wondered how far Bill was away from the scene. I waited for what seemed like an eternity, hiding behind a bush. I decided to make my move towards a group of screaming people, when all of a sudden a patrol car came screeching into the parking lot with it's lights on and Bill jumped out of his car. At the time I found it strange that Bill would drive into the middle of such a chaotic scene.

After a few days, I approached Bill and asked him why he had pulled right into the parking lot, without using a more stealthy approach. Bill stated, "Because I heard you call out there and I knew that you were right in the middle of things."

At the time, we both laughed. The brave thing that Bill did in that instance, was for a friend and co-worker. He would have done the same for any of us.

My heart goes out to all officers and their families killed in the line of duty. For you Bill, it hurts a little more.

You are missed greatly Bill.

Deputy Sheriff Terry Evans
Brown County Sheriffs Office

April 19, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti Ingle (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 6, 2004

Bill,

Today is your birthday, and it’s the first March 12 in probably close to 40 years that I haven’t said “Happy Birthday,” or sent a card, or a gift, or called just see how you were doing. Of course, I can't this year, and every day I wish it wasn't so.
But we will continue on our road, as we must, drawing strength from the One who has a purpose and a plan for everything that happens. From tragedy has come hope, and with that hope, the chance to change hearts and minds. Your work here is finished, but ours has begun anew.

Everything you meant to me, and the ways we will remember you - I’d love to tell you all about it,......today.......if I only could.


In Brotherly Love,

paul

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:31

March 12, 2004

To my friend, my uncle , my guardian,
I can never explain what you meant to me, my family, and those who can conisder you a friend! i suppose I write this for me and all those who know you because of course you would already know what is in our hearts. There is a poem that was submitted on your behalf that I believe will truly explain how we all feel and I have to say for our benefit we couldn't have said it better! i wish I could say I felt better knowing that you were looking over us, but above all this I wish I could wake up tomorrow and tell you how much you meant to all of us and hug you. And even though we may have never got a chance to say it every time, I am sure that when we had shown up for a super bowl, or a time when you baked, or when we stopped in town to visit that you would have understood what you meant to all us! My friend you are sorely missed and like all those who read this, we keep you close to out hearts and are rest assured that you are looking over us and your fellow officers and working with our faher to keep us safe.

sincerely and with a broken heart,
me!
p.s.

Oh that you would bless me indeed,
and enlarge my territory,
that your hand would be with me,
and that would you would keep from evil

February 11, 2004

most people would tell you that law enforcement is a dangerous job. i never listened. I was always afriad when there was a domestic call or when i heard dispatch say use caution with someone. My husband was a little man but his size never mattered to him. He wanted to be a policeman, he wanted to make the small town we lived in a safe place for everyone. i never thought that directing traffic would be the worst thing that he could do. I just want to say to all the officers that read this "To be careful out there and watch out for other drivers and be careful so you can go home to your family" GOD BLESS

Wife of Officer Toby Dirickson
EOW 11-2-03

January 2, 2004

I'M SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR LOSS. MY BROTHER SERGEANT RODNEY LEE DAVIS FROM GREENE COOUNTY, VA WAS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY ON 08/26/03 LEAVING BEHIND A WIFE AND 3 CHILDREN, HIS THIRD SON WAS BORN 2 MONTHS AFTER HE DIED. MY HEART BREAKS FOR YOU ALL. I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL. I WILL KEEP PRAYING FOR YOU ALL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP WILLIAM DAVIS MEMORY ALIVE.

MICHELLE ZUSKIN

December 19, 2003

Bill was a close friend of the family. In fact he was family. During the holidays an invitation was never required. We just knew that Bill would be there ...for the 4th of July... Thanksgiving...we thought he would always be there....The times that Bill couldn't make it, it was because he had to work. And this year he won't be there due to his work.
Bill was particularly close to the Maxon Familly and he considered their children and grandchildren to be his kids and grandkids. My wife is the sister of Debbie Maxon and it was through her husband Donnie that Bill became such a big part of our lives.
Traditons are special and Bill initiated the Super Bowl Party Tradition when he bought his "big screen". Every year Donnie Maxon, myself and our sons Chris, Eric, and CJ would travel the winter roads from Sioux Falls to Fladreau. Somehow the weather would always permit the drive. We always left early and would arrive around noon even though the game didn't start until 5. Chris and Eric would talk the whole way up and wonder if Bill was going to make his famous "thick crust pizzza" or what new gun would Bill have to show us. "Did he get a new computer this year?" The big screen was center stage, and the Coke machine in the bedroom filled with beer was a close second. Bill would spend his time showing CJ how to beat "Duke Nuke Em" without using cheat codes. At half time we would get to shoot the latest in his arsenol collection. And there was the "feast" of Bill's cooking. It was a bachelor's dream palace...a playground for men and boys. Women were not allowed.
I thought that once the boys grew older and met friends in college that the tradition would go away, but it never did. It after all, had become a "Tradition", and Bill was a great uncle to CJ and a second Dad to Chris and Eric.
Before leaving Bill would require us to blow to ensure that we were safe to drive. Last year Chris had to drive home...man we had a good time. On the way home we would talk about the game, but most of the talk was about Bill's place..his latest gun or computer..and his great cooking, and what a great host he was. We loved him so much. He was a giant of a man physically and in heart and in spirit.
Bill never asked anything of me....ever. He was the most generous man I ever met. Bill knew that I liked Lionel trains and had a very small collection. One 4th of July he brought his train for me to see. I went to the valuation guide and told Bill what it was worth. He said, "you keep it". I explained how he could sell the train...but Bill wanted no part of it. He wanted me to have it. About a month later Bill showed up at my door with another piece to the train. I invited him in but he had to get back. He drove all the way across Sioux Falls just to give it to me. That's just the way Bill was.
I am so grateful that he was a part of my family's life. My children have seen generosity and altruism demonstrated in a real person. His passing has inspired me. I want to be more like Bill.....so willing to give and share.
The world is a lttle less round today. Still I am so grateful, so lucky to have been a part of his life.

Jim Wade
Sioux Falls

December 12, 2003