Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey Buddy,

It's been a year since the last LE Memorial. i again will have the Security Forces badge we wore and your picture in my pocket next to my heart. When remebering those in our area that made the ultimate sacrifice you too will be honored and remembered by me. Thank you for watching over us. You are not forgotten.

Your Brother,
Carl

Chief Carl Ritchie
MPPD

May 7, 2013

I served with Bill at RAF Mildenhall in the late 80's. My first time talking to Bill was late one night on Gate 6. It was the rear gate for the base, and nothing much was near you except fields and hedgehogs. Bill would often swing through and check on me and the other young airman. He was always positive and upbeat. You are missed!

Lt. Jack Dunn
Guilford Police, Guilford, CT

May 2, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 21rst anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I thank your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 26, 2013

Bill,

Just stopping by to say Merry Christmas Brother. I think of you often.

Carl

Major Carl Ritchie
Mount Pleasant Police and USAF Security Police

December 20, 2012

Bill,

I am attending a Law Enforcement Memorial today and you will be specifically remembered by me. I will share your image and story with our fellow Brothers and Sisters in uniform. In addition to my PD badge, I will have the Security Forces badge we both wore as well.
Thank you for your service and being our Guardian Angel.

Miss you my friend,

Carl

Captain Carl Ritchie
USAF Security Forces and Mount Pleasant PD

May 10, 2012

Hey Buddy,

I think of you often, especially during the holidays. We went through basic and tech school together and proudly wore the blue beret as we served our country. Then we both got the same calling to be police officers and protect and serve. I had lost contact with you, then saw your name on the wall of fallen officers at the SCCJA. Please know you are more than a name on a wall and missed. Merry Christmas Brother!!!!!!!

Carl

Captain Carl Ritchie
USAF Security Forces and Mount Pleasant Police Department

December 21, 2011

I remember Bill at RAF Mildenhall...He was one of the hardest workers in Flight Training /QC...He was never afraid to step up and lend a hand...Prayers out to his wife and son...I know you'll be checking line badges at the Pearly Gates, Bill...Down here, we are diminished...

GS11 Thomas Dyer
NNSA/OST

October 4, 2011

It was my pleasure to have Bill working for me at RAF Mildenhall. I had an implicit trust in Bill. I remember him walking the Flightline with a Field jacket liner over his BDU's, totally out of regulation, but as he explained to me, it kept him warm without over heating him as he did his checks. How could I argue with his logic? I remember a dedicated husband and tireless professional. I listened to what Bill had to say, and his word was valued by me. I cannot remember when I found out he had been called to his eternal home, but I was devastated and sorry for his family. I have been blessed to have known him. Semper Loyalis Bill!

Lincoln G. McNeil SMsgt, USAF Retired
Weapons Systems Superintendent/Bill's Supervisor

October 4, 2011

I came to know Bill at RAF Mildenhall in the late eithties..We also went to abgd level two..I always enjoyed his company..What a great dude..

mark mumaw usaf retired
friend

March 31, 2009

Hi honey,

I can't believe it has been almost seventeen years. Sometimes it seems like yesterday. Your baby is getting ready to go off to college, if we can afford it. He chose K-State over in Manhattan, Kansas. I've heard it's a good school but out of state tuition is expensive. He want's to get his degree in biology so he can go into forensics. Eventually he wants to be a detective, just like you wanted to be a detective. I can totally see him following in your footsteps.

I still miss you and sometimes cry when no one is looking. I know our life would have been so different if you hadn't died. I hope you are proud of who we hae become. I love you.

Beth Werner
Spouse

August 15, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 16, 2007

Officer Werner,
Today is the sixteenth anniversary of your EOW. We thank you for protecting the state of South Carolina, and for the bravery and committment you had to choose this career. You are always remembered.

Pennsylvania citizen

August 18, 2007

You have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones for they think of you every day. You are a true hero and heroes never die.

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

August 18, 2007

Brother Bill your service to your nation was honorable and noble. You fell as you lived protecting those who could not protect themselves. My brother warrior though you fell before I joined the fraternity that binds all the "Rough men who wait" I know you in spirit and honor your courage and sacrifice. Rest now hero as we keep the watch.

June 20, 2007

To the family and loved ones of Officer William Joseph Werne IV and his fellow officers with the Westminister Police Department:

On this the fifteenth anniversary of Bill's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Bill's professionalism and dedication will never be forgotten.
I also salute his patriotism to our country through his service in the USAF.

In reading the loving reflections left by his wife, friends and co-workers I can see that he was very well respected and is sorely missed.

I hope that God is holding him in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

I am so sorry that Bill was robbed of his life so tragically, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Bill gave to his community and the citizens of South Carolina, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 18, 1991.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 18, 2006

I went through basic training, leadership school and tech school at Lackland AFB with Bill. I had seen his name on the memorial wall at the police academy and wondered if it were the same Bill I had known. Sadly today when I pulled up his memorial and saw him in the uniform we both wore it hit me hard. Thank you for being a part of my life and honorably serving our country.

Captain Carl Ritchie
Mount Pleasant Police Department

June 16, 2006

I served with Bill at RAF Mildenhall England. Bill was always a teacher and a good friend. Over the past 20 years I have often thought of him and am sad to learn that he has been taken from us. Good men like Bill make an impression upon us and he made an impression upon me. My condolences to his family, may your memories stay strong.
"Gone but not forgotten"

Sgt Frank Krause
Tacoma Police Department WA

May 17, 2006

Bill,
It's been nearly 15 years since you were killed and somedays it seems like yesterday. You were truly my best friend, husband, father of our children and you encouraged me beyond belief. I will always love you.

Beth Richards
Wife

May 6, 2006

As a former Air Force member and a current police officer, my heart goes out to the family of Officer William Werner. GOD bless you.

He was a hero.

Officer
A.A. County PD, Maryland

April 11, 2006

I had the privage of serving with Bill, at RAF Mildenhall in the UK back in the late '80s. Bill was a friend, a good man, and one of the best professional Security Police Officers in our squadron.

I can not think of anything he wouldn't have done for his fellow Airman and peers.

I always enjoyed his sense of humor, and his ability to always see the best in all things.

My smpathy to his family.

The world is diffently a sadder place.

COB

SSG Christopher O. Brown
Co A 249th Avn TAC,Oregon Army National Guard

March 21, 2006

Bill our thoughts and our prayers are with you.

Det.Sgt. John E. Dunn
Guilford Police Department

January 17, 2005

Police Officer William J Werner iv.....

Know that you will always be in our thoughts and prays....

Police Officer Marlin Dean Theye
Arnolds Park Police Department - Arnolds Park, Iowa

February 22, 2004

The policeman stood and faced his God,which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?
The policeman squared his shoulders and said.
"No, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge can't always be a Saint."
I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk is rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep...
though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got to steep.
And I never passed a cry for help
though at times I shook with fear,
and sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, but if you don't...I'll understand"
There was a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman.
You've borne you burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
You've done your time in Hell"

G. Houston
South Carolina

September 19, 2003

08-18-03, MAY GOD BLESS. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN MY BROTHER. REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.