Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You were my mentor, my partner and my friend. You continued to ride with me in my heart for the next 30 years. Rest my brother.

Deputy Dee Johnson
Island County Sheriff’s Office

June 26, 2021

You and your brother are remembered daily.

Aspiring ICSO Deputy Tyler Hargrave
Civilian

January 4, 2021

I can recall that day like it just happen, a very sad day. To me there was no justice for these two men, it should had been the death penalty for that evil person. The two men our with god. Sad day for the island.

My jayme schmidt
Island residents

June 9, 2019

Well it's been thirty years now. Bill & Johns pictures are on a wall in my home with one of my badges that still carries the black ribbon I wore. There are rubbings from the Memorial wall with bot names & I remembered every time I look at that wall, one of the worst days of my career.

E.C. PROFT Chief Criminal Deputy
ICSO retired

December 21, 2017

Bill your kind heart and wonderful sense of humor will always be with me. You were a god send as a training officer in what was an unenlightened time for women in law enforcement. I owe you my career.
You will always be in my heart and never forgotten.

Former Island County Deputy Dee Johnson
Island County Sheriff's Office

December 1, 2016

Bill, I can still hear you coming down the hall to see if I had any warrants for you to serve. I recognized the sound of your distinctive stride before you ever opened your mouth. You ALWAYS brightened my days and will NEVER be forgotten.

Former Chief Civil Deputy Terrie Hobbs
Island County Sheriff's Office

February 25, 2016

I ALSO WORKER WITH BILL IN THE NAVY .HE WAS A GOOD MAN AND SHIPMATE .

AME-1 SCHAEFFER , EDGAR
US NAVY

September 10, 2013

Bill,

You were my first Supervisor when I reported to Training Squadron Twenty-Seven at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, TX in 1974.

I was an 18 year old Airman without a clue.

I remember the lessons you taught me and the guidance you gave me to this day.

Fair Winds and Following Seas shipmate.

Mark Di Domenico
PRC USN (Ret)
Orlando, FL

Mark Di Domnenico
Orange County Sheriff's Office (FL)

June 20, 2011

-- RIP BROTHER YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN --

Edd Proft -Chief Deputy-retired
ICSO

November 29, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 22nd 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss William.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 13, 2009

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

April 28, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

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

November 30, 2007

Bill, I think of you and John often and know that you both watch over us as we carry on our work, thank you. I met your son and daughter and sisters today. I felt honored to be in their presence as we honored and remembered you. Rest in peace. Your sister in arms, Laura

Deputy Laura Price
Island County Sheriff

May 15, 2007

After reading what happened I can only think, what a terrible waste. I've been thinking that a lot lately after losing a fellow Officer and friend to gun fire just a month ago. It's been almost 20 years since you have passed. Rest assured that your sacrifice has not been forgotten. When I typed the name Heffernan two names came up. I'm sorry you were one of them. Lets just hope that no more are ever posted. I'll be praying for you and your family.

Sgt. Joseph Heffernan
Toledo Police Department

March 23, 2007

Nineteen years that should have been yours to spend how you wished. Time doesn't erase anything, I know there is still a twinkle in your eyes.

November 14, 2006

Deputy Heffernan,
I was a dispatcher at Mount Vernon Police and working the graveyard shift when I overheard Island County Dispatch put out the "officers down" on the radio. I was physically ill when I heard it come over the radio. I will never forget you and your partner being killed for no reason.
You will never be forgotten for your sacrifice. Officers in our area came to realize that no arrest is just ordinary, take all precautions, even if you have arrested the same person time and time again.
May God Bless you and your family,
Renata Marlow

Records Specialist Renata G. Marlow
Mount Vernon Police, Washington State

December 1, 2003

Rest in peace Brother William, you will not be forgotten.


Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham
Sand Springs Police Dept. Okla