Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Williams, it has been 32 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement continues to serve and protect and make life secure for our part of the country. I honor your military and 8 years of law enforcement service to the citizens of Waterbury.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

December 18, 2024

Ofc Williams, I attended your service on Tues., December 22, 1992 while a part-time officer with Trumbull PD. Recently, I came across the Connecticut Post newspaper with a photo of myself and many of the officers who were present on that day to pay their respects to you. The headline read "More than 4,000 officers bid farewell to A Fallen Comrade." I think of this day often as it will remain etched in my mind as being one of the days in my life I will never forget. Sadly, many more officers have sacrificed their lives doing what you, and they gave an oath to do to protect us. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and Waterbury PD.
RIP, Sir.

Paula Lynne Lively
Trumbull PD

July 4, 2024

Thank you for your service Officer Williams !!!!

Sergeant David Dufault (Ret)
Hartford Police Department
Hartford, CT

March 6, 2024

Walt and family, you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you on this December 18, 2023,

Chief (retired) Nick Guerriero
Winchester Police Department

December 18, 2023

Officer Williams, it has been 31 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your military and law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

December 18, 2023

I remember Officer Walter Williams we didn't start of on a good note but ended up on a great note He had arrested me of course I was at fault but I was homeless at the time he saved my life yes he did sometime down the road later and found out how nice of a person he really was and a couple years later just before Christmas he was shot and killed I remember paying my respects the day of his Funeral and felt awful about what had happened and passing by and paying my respects to the family the line was long it was somber he was a honorable man RIP Walter brother in Jesus will always remember you

Dan Heimann

December 23, 2022

Officer Williams,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Air Force. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 18, 2022

I remember this vividly, I was on the job just 4 years myself. I remember attending your funeral. It was not my first and by no means my last. Rest In Peace, brother Walter. You are not forgotten and you did not die in vain. You were on my mind at all encounters I had during the over night hours, or any hour when approaching suspicious people and aware because of you of their unknown potential felonious acts against me and my brother and sister officers. You and Russel Bagshaw were always with me. Never forgotten.

Sgt. Keith Beebe
Stonington, Ct Police

December 18, 2020

I was standing with you in Hamilton Park when the picture above was taken. I stood with your family on the day you were laid to rest. God bless you brother, you have impacted my life forever. Rest in peace!

Ret. Lt. Nick Guerriero
Waterbury Police Dept.

December 18, 2018

As the band prepares for your 25th anniversary, we can only let you know how honored we are to always be a part of your memorial service. More importantly, we are proud to have become an extended member of your family and what an honor it is for us to have been asked by your son Zach to play at his Police Academy graduation later this week. RIP and know we will always be there for you and your family.

Treasurer, Mike Donnarumma
Police Pipes & Drums of Waterbury

December 17, 2017

Remembering you, Officer Williams III, on this day the 24 anniversary of your untimely passing. May you Rest In Peace.

Patrolman Stephen Hall
Dalton Borough Police

December 19, 2016

Today at 0400hrs., the Police Pipes & Drums of Waterbury, (the band which was created following the death of Officer Williams), had the honor to play at the scene of the incident. It is hard to believe that is has been 23 years. Your three sons and your mother were there as well as current and retired members of the Waterbury PD and surrounding towns to honor you, your family and friends. You will never be forgotten.

Members of the
Police Pipes & Drums of Waterbury

December 18, 2015

I was just a young mom living in Waterbury and remember this like it was yesterday. I now have a police officer in my family. I pray for Officer Walter Williams and all those left behind to find a way to live in this world without him in it. He was young, he is an Angel, looking over all of you and all those who wear a badge to protect us. God Bless.

Rosemary DiMaria Ryan
Waterbury Citizen

August 13, 2015

Thinking and remembering you and your family at Christmas time as I have every year

Sgt
simsbury police

December 25, 2014

At the reception, the pipers entered the room, surrounding Walter's son, and began playing. Walter's son was wearing a sweater as I recall. As the pipers played, Officers began placing pins, name tags, and badges on his sweater to the point it became so heavy, they had to take it off of him. It was an honor bestowed upon his son. I hope my Sergeants badge is still on that sweater.

Captain Robert O'Connell (retired)
Hartford Police Department

December 19, 2014

He was a good friend in high school and we always had good times whether we met for ten minutes or ten hours. He will always be missed.

LT Ken Kuhr (ret)
CT DOC & friend

December 18, 2014

Walter you are still remembered by so many. I will never forget passing you going to work at NPD. Always a big smile and a wave. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten brother. God bless.

Patrolman Glenn Wagner (ret)
Naugatuck Police Department

December 17, 2014

Thinking and remembering you and your family at Christmas time as I have every year

Sgt
SPD, CT

December 24, 2013

I can't believe its been 20 years. The tears are coming while I write this. You always made me feel safe at night on those 3AM calls. You were a big brother watching over me. I miss your smile still to this day. I am retired from EMS now and living in Arizona. My heart will always remain downtown Waterbury on the green by the horse waiting for the A1 car to back me up. Your sons are proud of you,the city is proud of you. Rest, enjoy your reward for a job WELL DONE!

Donna Evans-Rupert, Paramedic
Medstar, AMR, Campion & Ambulances

December 31, 2012

I don't just think of you on the anniversary of your sacrifice, I think of you every night when I say goodnight to all my angels.
I will never forget the day you were taken away, too soon!
I will never forget how special you were.
I will never forget how much of a gentleman you always were.
I will never forget what a great cop you were.
I will never forget you!

Off.Susan Coleman (retired)
Waterbury PD.

December 24, 2012

I just attended the 20th memorial for you Walt on the 18th. Whew! I cried like it just happened yesterday. You were what ALL cops should aspire to be! You were always a sharp looking, pro-active officer, never hiding in a Batcave. Don, the best time in my career was when Billy and I worked A-2 next to you and Walt in A-3. I still remember the infectious way we used to crack up laughing every night about whatever. I also remember when you were A-4 and Walt was A-1 and Joe and Jose were A-3 and we all used to back each other up on all of our calls throughout the North End. I miss those times and I miss you guys.

Detective Karin Cerutti (Retired)
Waterbury Police Department

December 19, 2012

I'll never forget the years I worked at Domino's Pizza and you directed the traffic. You made the job so much fun and always cracked jokes...usually at my expense :) After my boyfriend was killed in a car accident in September 1992, you came to his funeral to show your respect. I'll never forget how much it meant for you to be there for me. It still breaks my heart that 3 months later, I was at your funeral. I will never forget you, Woody. I think of you and your family often.

Shawnna McHugh-Barata
friend/co-worker

December 18, 2012

I'll never forget the years I worked at Domino's Pizza and you directed the traffic. You made the job so much fun and always cracked jokes...usually at my expense :) After my boyfriend was killed in a car accident in September 1992, you came to his funeral to show your respect. I'll never forget how much it meant for you to be there for me. It still breaks my heart that 3 months later, I was at your funeral. I will never forget you, Woody. I think of you and your family often.

Shawnna McHugh-Barata
friend/co-worker

December 18, 2012

I remember like it was yesterday Walter. May you always rest in peace. You maybe got but never forgotten my brother.

Patrolman
Waterbury Ct Police Department

December 18, 2012

On this 20th anniversary, I am submitting the following eulogy I gave. I miss you partner.
Walter Thomas Williams III
Walter Thomas Williams III, Husband, Father, Son, Brother-in-law, Veteran, Patriot, Police Officer, Partner, Friend. Walt was all of these things and much more. It is important at this time to remember what Walt was to each and every one of us. To have known Walt and the way he enjoyed life would have been the way he wanted us to remember him.
Walter was a Waterbury area person from birth, having grown up initially in what was known as Fairmont on Colonial Avenue. Many times, he would pass this area and point out his bedroom window and the tree he always climbed. Walt was very proud to have been, and I quote, “Born and Bred” in Waterbury, then years later in his life to be tasked with job of serving and protecting the City of Waterbury. Walt and his family then moved to the National Avenue area, only leaving to serve his enlistment in the Air Force and ultimately to get married. Walt would always talk about his family and how they were a close knit family. He would always speak of his family, the friends he had as he grew up, and the ones he made over the years. Walt would love to talk about his family and what they did on a daily basis.
Walter married Jeannine, who he met for the first time at the “Wolcott Fair”. I mention the particular place, The Wolcott Fair, because Walt was someone who would always remember the small but important details, and turn those significant times into yearly celebrations. Walt would always talk about Jeannine, the two small children, and the one on the way. To Walt, his family was everything in the world. He had a funny way of taking “the home movies” that would bore most people and turning these special times into precious moments for everyone. He would work his shift and yours too if he could to make an extra dollar for one reason and one reason only, his family. We will always recall his message on his answering machine, “I am willing to work extra-anybody else leaves a message”. We would all say to Walt to slow down, but his bottom line was that this was for Jeannine and the children. But there were occasions that Walt did take time away from work. These times were also for his main purpose in life, family and friends.
Walt was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. I thank the lord that I, too, am a veteran of the Air Force because Walt took great pride in having served in the Air Force. He kidded the veterans that served in the other branches of the service but his kidding was in fun, because to have served for the United States was to have loved the United States. That was Walt’s Love.
After the service, Walt became a Waterbury police Officer in the city that he loved and care for. Walt was very proud to be a Waterbury Police Officer. Just by looking at Walt you could tell that he was proud of the oath he took. Not many officers would purchase their own tailored-made uniforms when, in fact, they were provided in a much looser quality. Walter was the image of the ideal police officer, but his commitment did not end with his appearance. He always strived for a higher level of achievement through various police-related programs. Of course, by making himself a better police officer, he could ultimately be helping his family achieve their dream of buying a home in Wolcott.
Walt was the type of police officer who knows right from wrong. To walk the right side of the tracks, he was a knight in shining armor. But to walk the wrong side of the tracks, he was the Big Brother who looked over your shoulder at every turn. He was the type of police officer who would not drive by a problem or find a “hole” to do his shift. He was proud of his family, friends, and the city of Waterbury. He could be heard telling his fellow officers to be careful; there are a lot of crazy people out there.
So it is appropriate to remember Walt, who could not sit still, but could make us all laugh and enjoy life, family, and friends. We can rest assured that where Walt is now has the best Wolcott Fair, York Beach, and seafood.
So I say, Walter Thomas Williams III, Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Brother-in-Law, Veteran, Patriot, Police Officer, Partner, Friend. We love, cherish, and thank you for our memories of you. I love you, partner and best friend.

Donald S. Costa #340

Detective Donald S. Costa ( Retired)
Waterbury Connecticut Police Department

December 17, 2012