Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I have read many reflections of fallen West Palm Beach police officers over the past 56 years since my father, William (Bill) Fletcher, a West Palm Beach policeman was killed in the line of duty in April 1967. I deeply appreciate all who have taken the time to pay tribute to the fallen West Palm Beach officers who gave their lives to protect our city. The most recent reflection from Daniel R. Wayman was particularly touching to me as it shows how much he revered and continues to remember my father, a man he never met, 55 years after my father's death.

George A. Fletcher
Son of William (Bill) Fletcher, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

July 1, 2023

My thanks to all who have shown appreciation and consolation for family members of William "Bill" Fletcher. I am Daniel R. Wayman, Mabel (Fletcher) Lass' grandson through her third daughter Mildred (Lass) Harvey. Very little was ever said after Uncle "Bill" was murdered in West Palm Beach, Fl. I was fourteen and living with my grandmother April 6, 1967. She went to the funeral in Florida which was broadcast nationally on television. At that time very few officers lost their lives in such horrific circumstances. To me, he was a picture of her brother in uniform hanging on the family room wall. I've since learned a great deal about who he was and how he met his death in the career he loved. He was her "baby" brother. She often visited him in Florida and I have family 8 mm of those visits. I am proud to be his grand nephew and I have often spoken of his ultimate sacrifice to my children and friends. I've also served as a teacher in Orlando, Florida. There, I shared his life and death with students and fellow teachers. Currently, as it has become a bone of contention among "victims" of police behavior, I feel grounded in my support of/for a policemen's unselfish dedication in providing services to law abiding citizens. I give my undivided thanks and support for officers and family members who are on the line each day. Relatedly, I have taught children of law enforcement officers. Therefore, I know first hand what their dedication means to us and those they leave behind.

Daniel R. Wayman

Grand Nephew

Daniel R. Wayman-retired teacher
Orange County Public Schools, Orlando, Fla.

May 22, 2022

I came upon the scene. Officer Van Curler was deceased lying on his back and his motorcycle was lying alongside with a bullet hole in the windshield.

Officer Fletcher was lying in the arms of a waitress wearing a pink uniform coughing up blood. The perp had been arrested and taken away and there were no police or medical personnel there. Bystanders were saying there was nothing that could be done for officer Fletcher.

I am a civilian.

May 20, 2022

Rest in peace Officer Fletcher.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 5, 2019

Officer Fletcher,
On today, the 51st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow Officer who was also killed in that incident for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of West Palm Beach. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 6, 2018

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 45th anniversary of your death. 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.

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

April 7, 2012

Continue to rest in peace Officer Fletcher, we will never forget the heroes who gave their all for us and you sir are a hero...

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

April 6, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Fletcher. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 16, 2012

WE WILL NEVER FORGET THE SACRIFICE YOU MADE FOR US, MAY YOU CONTINUE TO REST IN PEACE OFFICER FLETCHER. HEROES LIVE FOREVER....

DEB AZURE
MOTHER OF DEPUTY RENEE DANELL AZURE
EOW 08/06/02
UNION COUNTY SO, LAKE BUTLER, FL

Anonymous

April 6, 2011

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

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

April 6, 2010

You are not forgotten.

Anonymous

September 20, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 7, 2008

Officer Fletcher, thank you for your service and dedication. You have not been forgotten. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

January 18, 2008

Continue to rest in peace brother. It is my honor to continue in the footsteps of great Officers, like yourself.

Officer R. Smith
West Palm Beach P.D.

April 6, 2007

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.

Officer Fletcher, you are remembered on this date of your death. You will always be remembered.

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 (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 6, 2004

Rest in peace brother; you will never be fortgotten

Anonymous

August 25, 2003

I was pleased to see this WEB site in honor of fallen officers. My wife's grandmother, Nellie (Fletcher) Ashbee, recently passed away. I had the pleasure of marrying Nellie's grand-daugher nearly 15 year ago and since then I have periodically heard stories of her brother's death (Officer Fletcher). Nellie never went into any great detail but you could tell that she was distraught whenever the topic of her brother's death came up.

Shortly following Nellie's passing (07/17/03), her surviving grandchildren took an interest in learning more of the story surrounding Officer Fletcher's death. We have found both memorial web sites (West Palm Beach and the ODMP). In Nellie's absence, we extend a heartfelt thank you for the honorable memorial maintained in Officer Fletcher's memory. I'm sure that Nellie would have felt the same.

On behalf of the Fletcher and Ashbee families,
Thank You,

David A. Kazyaka

David A. Kazyaka
Relative