Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Paterson,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the USCG -especially during the 1991 Gulf War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Paratus!

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

January 25, 2024

Rest in peace Sergeant Paterson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 25, 2019

NEVER FORGOTTEN!
copscycling4survivors.org

Officer Monica Zahasky

January 25, 2017

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Paterson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 5, 2013

Heroes live forever, Sergeant Paterson, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of Lake County and the great State of Indiana.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

January 25, 2013

Today is a sad day in history, losing so many hero's the same way in 1994. But you shall never be forgotten, may you RIP deputy Paterson.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

January 25, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 18th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never dimishes respect, and your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember him for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I hold his family in my heart's embrace today. I am sure he is especially proud that his family continues his legacy of serving and protecting..

Rest In Peace

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

January 25, 2012

Bill was like the rest of us; just a guy, wanting to be a cop, and possibly making a difference while on earth. A cop, U.S. Coast Guardsman, Civil Air Patrol, two or three jobs to make ends meet --- This "Gentle Giant" never questioned his duties, responsibilities or assignments and I elevated his evaluation to get him promoted to the rank of sergeant.
Upon promotion, department policy mandates a transfer from your current division to another for, at least, one year. Sgt, Paterson went from the civil to the patrol division.
On the day of his noble death, while I was walking into the police station, a female officer was walking to her vehicle, crying, and asked, "Did you hear what happened to Sgt, Paterson?" I had not as he was still struggling for life in surgery.
On that day, Sergeant Bill Paterson died, doing what he did best -
serving all of us, but he took a piece of me with him. R.I.P. Bill.

P. J. Adams, Uniform Op. Cmdr (Ret)
Lake County Indiana P. D.

September 17, 2011

Thank you, sir, for your service and ultimate sacrifice. You will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten!

Sergeant, Retired
Fayetteville, AR PD

January 3, 2011

I met Bill while he worked security at Jansen's Landing in Merrillville, IN. We became friends overtime, and I am honored to have known Bill as my friend. Rest in peace my friend, and may God bless you and your loved ones.

Bill
Friend

September 28, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 22, 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

January 9, 2008

Bill,
It sure doesn't seem like so many years have past. It's like yesterday we were sitting in the chow hall at O'Hare AF Reserve base the Saturday evening before your death. You were talking about taking a desk job and flying the new helicopter the county was purchasing in a couple of weeks. Monday morning, on my way to work, I heard about the accident and called George. He filled me in with the details. I was angry, upset, and shaken. You were a quiet and wonderfull person and I've missed you for all these years. Take care and rest easy friend, I'll see you soon and we can catch up.
Gary

TSgt Gary Nojd, USAF (Air Guard)
Friend

May 24, 2006

Rest in Peace Brother

Henry County Sheriff's Dept. (Indiana)

January 24, 2006

I was friends with someone that was very close to your son. Rest in PEACE Sgt. You will never be forgotten.

Indianapolis

July 19, 2005

Rest in peace. You are a hero to us all. May God bless you and your family for your sacrifice.

DE
St. Louis City Police

March 27, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

January 25, 2005

My condolences to my fellow brother of blue. May St. Michael watch over you while you watch over your family and loved ones. See that the rest of OUR family tend to others in need. As no one understands "The Walk" like we.

Officer Ryan M. Stroh
Lake Co. Sheriff's Dept.
5-4-2004

Ofc. Ryan M. Stroh
Lake Co.

May 4, 2004

Sgt. Paterson, I remember that night clearly & the outrage I felt when I heard the news. I was working at another agency at the time in Porter County. I know alot of officers pass by that intersection, myself included, quite often and remember the tragedy that evening. You are certainly not forgotten for the memories of all fallen area officers are recalled at the annual memorial service....but you already knew that as I know you took part in it during your time on Earth & with the LCSD. God bless, Bill.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police

March 5, 2004

Rest easy, Brother, you are not forgotten.

Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, In.l

January 25, 2004

Bill, We served together in Desert Shield/Storm. I didn't learn of your death until the late 90's. We remembered you with a moment of silence at the Coast Guard PSU303 reunion last year.
I only wish that I had known of your death and could have attended the funeral & memorial.
Rest in peace, you were a credit to your country in war & peace.

Sgt. Danny O'Toole (ret)
Menomonee Falls Police, WI

October 18, 2003