Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

30 years has passed since that tragic day in August 1994. You are still thought of often my friend, you will always be missed. Continued Rest in Peace Will.

Sgt. Scott Shaeffer
Derry Township PD

August 19, 2024

I think of Will often and have many memories of going through the Academy with him back in ‘86. He had a great sense of humor and was loved and respected by all in our class. He lives on in our hearts and will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace Brother

Sgt.Scott Shaeffer, Retired
Derry Township Police Department and 35th MPOETC Academy Class

August 12, 2022

Thank you for your service and rest in peace always knowing that no passage of time will ever erase your heroic actions and sacrifice.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 19, 2020

Will, I think of you quite often and pray for Kathy and your son, along with parents and sister. Taken way to early. You were such a kind and gentle person!

Todd Ritrievi
Friend

August 19, 2019

Officer Cole,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of New Cumberland Borough. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

August 19, 2019

Today marks the 22nd year of your EOW. Rest assured that you are remembered by your brothers and sisters in Cumberland County Law Enforcement. RIP

Cumberland County Law Enforcement Founda

August 19, 2016

Gone but never forgotten. Still with us in our hearts.

Sgt. Scott Shaeffer
Derry Twp Police Dept

August 19, 2016

In memory of my brother in blue and Fellow class member of PRC #35 March 1986.

Sgt Andy Blair ( ret)
York Area Regional PD

March 3, 2016

Will
You will never be forgotten during Memorial Day or any other time. You were always there backing up others and were always there when needed. I know that God had a reason for what happened but it doesn' t make your loss any easier. You are always in our thoughts , Brother.

Ptlm Jeff ODonnell (Retired)
Wormelysburg / West Shore Regional PD

May 25, 2014

After reading all these wonderful things about you, Will. the tears still continue to flow. All these comments are all so true and I miss you so much. Man the times we had at the farm and at the pool and I actually had Spree candy not so long ago, so many things remind me of you. Not sure why you were taken away so soon but I guess God needed Patrol up in Heaven because I am sure you are there. And you are keeping Aunt Susie and Aunt Peggy and all the others straight. You will never be forgotten here. Please watch down over your Dad and Mom here they are still hurting very much. I love you!

Jackie McMath Horst
Cousin

August 20, 2013

Officer Cole, We first met at Hbg. Hospital when I worked there in the ICU, CCU, IMCU and the Burn Unit as a RN and you were working security..I also passed you several times at HACC and we both would say "HI" to each other..I remember you as being quiet and very polite.. My husband and I had just got home from VA. beach and were turning up 4th St off of Bridge St and saw the lights, patrol cars, etc. We pulled into CVS's parking lot to pick up my scripts and was told by the clerk what was going on..She told me that one officer was shot but the other one was ok..The other officer was my uncle and was not ok and has not been the same since that day..Every time that I go down 4th St, I remember the day that we lost another one of New Cumberland's finest in front of the coin shop..You were loved,and a true hero who lost his young life.. I believe that God called you home way to early, leaving your young wife w/out her soul mate and a young son who grows up not really getting to know his daddy.. How sad for him but he should be proud to have you, a true hero, as his daddy..You are missed.. Gone but never forgotten!!!

Deb Dickhart
disabled/retired RN

June 8, 2013

Officer Cole. We never met. I never had the honor to know you or your family, but your life, vocation and sacrifice has had a major impact on me ever since that tragic day. In August 1994, I was frantically seeking a new job as my wife graduated from Temple Law school, we prepared to move back to Washington, DC, and I was completing my 5 years of work with US Senator Specter ending in his Harrisburg office. In the aftermath of your death, I learned how little information officers had available to them on the job out in the field, the fact that those two criminals had both been in police custody the week before, had long rap sheets, and should not have even been released and back out to commit their robbery and murder of you. It was unbelievable to me that they could give an alias or that their criminal records from elsewhere were not available to all police. I took a job as Legislative Assistant for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) weeks after you were shot down. I've worked with public safety and law enforcement ever since, always remembering that officers in the field need ready-access and to share the right information at the right time to prevent crime, terrorism and violence, save lives and be better informed, prepared and protected in doing so. While mobile and broadband technology, in-car cameras and License Readers all have helped, we still have a long way to go to better prepare, inform and protect your brothers and sisters on the job today as they protect us, but there are plenty who continue to work the cause, who respect and wish to honor your dedication and service, and that of your many brothers and sisters continuing the watch each and everyday. As you well know, your sacrifice was not in vain. Thank you for making a difference in my life, teaching me and giving me inspiration.

Sean Kirkendall
Principal, Kirkendall Enterprises

May 7, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 19th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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.

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

March 18, 2013

I went through the academy at at with Officer Cole. He was a great officer and had a full career in front of him. I was honored to be part of the funeral procession that day in 1994.

Sgt. (ret)
York Area Regional PD

November 5, 2012

18 years later, and I still remember the day, and the huge funeral procession that came down Rt. 11/15 thru Enola where I watch.

RIP brrother. You have not be forgotten.

Constable
Pennsylvania State Constable

September 26, 2012

Still remembering ... never forgotten!

Asst D.A.
prosecutor and choir member

August 24, 2012

Let the jerk submit all the appeals he wants. He'll meet The BOSS someday and is accountable for his wrong doings as we all are. I remember the day it happened, too. So sad. I went to see all the police cars and firetrucks going from the funeral home to the gravesite. It was really something to see. God Bless you and your family that remains behind. I hope your son can hold his head high knowing his dad IS a hero.

anon.
anon.

February 29, 2012

It has been 17 years and not a day goes by that I don't think of you. Please continue to be an angel watching over your brothers and sisters in blue. God bless.

Friend
Friend

August 19, 2011

Will, I attended your funeral with many other officers in my dept.. It was a moment in time we will never forget. We cont. the fight.....

ptlm
police dept

August 19, 2010

Rest in Peace Brother, we have the watch from here

Policeman
Phoenix PD, Brother in Blue

July 9, 2010

Officer Willis Cole, you are remembered today and everyday. I thank you brother for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, the pain of the loss will never be forgotten. God Bless you and your family.

Detective M. Marks
Pittsburgh Police Department

Detective M. Marks
Pittsburgh Police Department

February 23, 2010

Today, I am thankful for Officers like Ptlm. Cole who laid down their life serving and protecting others. On Weds. 11/25, I visited the memorial and remembered you. The times in the academy where after lunch I'd look over and see you nodding off. The memories of PT and Hopkins riding us. Reflecting upon your service, makes me appreciate all that I do. See you when the shift is done..Dave

Det. Sweitzer
Middletown Borough PD/Academy Classmate

November 26, 2009

Officer Cole, I began my career in law enforcement in January 1995. I started at the police academy 5 short months after you were killed. I can remember all of the instructors speaking so highly of you and relaying your story to our class. I remember being taught by the instructors who used what happened to you to remind our class what a dangerous profession we had chosen.
I was on the Officer Down page to write a co-worker who was killed last year when I saw your name. I thought I'd let you know that you are not forgotten. I was down at Police Week this year for my friend and I thought of you. I guess I did so because your death made such an impression on me at the time, as I was entering the profession so soon after you left it.
I never had the pleasure of meeting you but I know you are greatly missed. May god bless you and keep watching over your family and friends.

Joe Jones
Northern York County Regional Police

October 25, 2009

Officer Cole,

God Bless you and your family. I know you greeted my son this past September when he was taken in the line of duty. Please continue to watch over your family and keep them all safe. Rest in peace knowing your a hero to all those who knew you and those of us who didn't.
With deepest respect,
Kim Weigand
Mom of Sgt. Michael C. Weigand
E.O.W. 9/14/2008

Kim Weigand

March 19, 2009

WE LOVE AND MISS OUR SON VERY MUCH. WILL was a precious gift to our family. We think and pray for him every day of our lives. Our hearts go out to other families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Our son will always live within our hearts, minds and prayers, along with our memories. WE LOVE YOU WILL.

REMEMBERING YOU WITH ALL OUR LOVE, MOM & DAD

Parents of Willis Cole

October 24, 2008