Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was the Primary Crew Chief on the C-130E Hercules that carried his body from Turkey to Germany. On our approach, camel herders fired on our aircraft. Turks were very hostile. To all his friends and family, my sincere condolences. It was an honor to help return a Hero home. He was treated with the greatest respect.

A1C Kirk A. Bennett
U.S. Air Force, 317 O.M.S., Pope AFB,N.C.

July 7, 2024

I posted once before and just want to say again how much everyone at Incirlik felt your loss that day. I was on Charlie Flight working WSA on the night shift rotation at the time when we heard the sad news. I remember Chris and his buddy Jay Perry were always together and I would see them in the early mornings after shift change at the Palms cafe.
There are times when I reflect on those days and its like yesterday to me.
Chris, my Brother in Arms, you will always be missed but never forgotten.
Kirby

Ssgt Tim Caton
USAF

August 20, 2023

I met Chris when I was stationed in Turkey. I was his wife Tracey's sponsor. We both worked at the base hospital. All I can say about Chris because I did not know him extremely well is that I know he was a very good person and he died way too soon. The picture on this post was taken at my home and he was holding my kitten Fred. I think his death upset me more than almost anyone I have ever lost. He was so young and the tragic way it happened. My husband and I had just come back from the states from leave with our newborn daughter when we heard the news. His death still haunts me to this day. Rest in peace Chris. I am a lot older now, but you are forever young.

Sgt Nancy E. Vaughn
Det 42 Incirlik CDI Adana Turkey

March 1, 2023

I was a Lt. Shift Commander@193-1 and had to brief my flight of your death.My troops took it hard as they all knew you and worked with you.Your damaged car was at our SPSQD HQ for a reminder of the attack on you.You served your country well .* * * * * * * SALUTE* * * * * * * TAPS* * * * * * * R I P .As a Gold Star father ,I know the pain your family has.

John F. Rivero Major USAF Retired.
Security Police member 193-1SP SQ.

June 16, 2021

Today, on the 40th anniversary of your death I pray for your mom, who has lived these many years without your laughter. Denied the joy of grandchildren by you. For your brother that he overcome the wounds of your death and for your nephew in his ministry. I pray that your memory never be forgotten, that your sacrifice not be in vain.

MSgt Jay Perry
USAF Security Forces

November 15, 2020

William,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 15, 2020

I knew William well. We both worked the tower WSA at Incirlik. I worked the night shift, he worked days. On that fateful day, I was waiting to be relieved. The relief bus showed up and everyone scrambled to relieve posts assigned. At relief change we were told get to the bus ASAP as we were needed at the base clinic. It was then we were told of the shooting. I remember that day well. And I have never forgotten Bill.

Jay Duke, MSgt, Ret
Det 193-1, SPS USAFE, Co-Worker

July 22, 2020

I served with this Airmen in Incirlik it was so shocking . It still haunts me to this day. Served as a Security Specialist there from 1979-1981

Airman Chuck Townsend
Security Police

October 23, 2019

Security Policeman Herrington, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 9, 2019

I was stationed with Bill at Incirlik. When we were notified of his death, the entire flight went into shock. Such a great guy. Bill had a great smile and laugh. Rest in peace brother.
Mike

Michael L. Giovo Sr, Tsgt, USAF Retired

May 17, 2018

Worked with him.
Heard the news on a Saturday morning.

E-4 Paul Czarnecki
Det 193-1 "D"Flt. 79-80

April 4, 2018

Worked in the Incirlik AB, Turkey Security Police armory and knew him well. RIP brother!

E-4 Paul S. Manuel
193-1 Security Police Armory 79-80

May 10, 2017

I served with him on "D" Flt. 193-1 SPS. 79-80. Heard about his death on the radio on the way to a college football game. Was not happy to hear that.

Paul Czarnecki SrA
193-1 "D" Flt. 79-80

July 28, 2016

I have always been haunted by Chris's death. I knew him because I was his wife's sponsor when they first got to Turkey. I have some very nice pictures of him with my kitten tucked into his sweatshirt. It was such a shock when we found out he had been killed. I loved being at Incirlik, but there were a couple of horrific things that happened when we were there and this was one of them. I have never forgotten him. Such a terrible loss. Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt Nancy (Mosiman) Jefferson
Med Group

March 15, 2016

Chris was a bright spot every day, he seemed to always have a smile, no matter how lousy the day/food/someone else's mood was. He was my best friend and I often crashed on his couch and would have been in the car with him that morning if I hadn't needed to iron a uniform. Even after all this years I think about him and the day he was taken from us. I miss you brother.

MSgt Patrick Wolke (retired)
USAF Det 193-1 1979-1980

July 2, 2015

Rest in peace, solemn salute.

Sgt. David Schilling
SP K-9, TUSLOG Det. 193-1, Incirlik CDI, 1973-74

October 10, 2014

Rest in Peace brother...

MSgt. Arturo Acosta, USAFR (Retired)
USAF Security Forces

August 18, 2014

Chris, I remember that day you were taken from us as if it were yesterday. You gave all, my friend. May you be in a better place.

Ssgt T.L. Caton
Served with Chris at Incirlik

June 25, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

December 8, 2012

I served with Chris at Incirlik. It was a great shock to those of us that worked with him. When I teach Law Enforcement classes I reflect upon those Policeman I have worked with both military and civilian that have paid the ultimate price for freedom. Take care my friend and we/I will always remember.

Dave Jarrett, TSgt/USAF Retired
Det 10 SPS, Incirlik AB, TU ''79-'81

August 28, 2012

I served with William ("Sheriff" as we called him) in the 19th SPS at Robins AFB, GA, prior to his assignment to Turkey. I'll never forget the day at guardmount when we were told of his murder. Having ridden patrol with him many times, I immediately remembered how kind and understanding he was with people. You will not be forgotten!

Edward G. Heaslip, TSgt/USAF Retired
USAF Security Police

March 6, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the thirty-first 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.

Rest In Peace

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

November 15, 2011

I graduated Security Police Academy with Sergeant Herrington, and It shocked me when I read this. He was our " rope " in tech school. Rest in Peace.

J Carter
Ret USAF

July 29, 2011

Hero's are never forgotten! Continue to rest in peace brother.

Paul Bodenhamer
Police Officer
Dept of Veterans Affairs Police

Former 36th SFS Andersen AFB Guam
Security Forces - United States Air Force
Phoenix Raven

Police Officer - Paul Bodenhamer
Dept of Veterans Affairs

April 10, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

March 12, 2008