Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Chief of Police William Marker of the Darke County Fairgrounds Police Department, Ohio and the additional 89 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

August 26, 2022

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer William J. Loftin of the Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio, and the additional 87 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

August 26, 2021

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer William J. Loftin of the Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio, and the additional 87 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

August 26, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 26, 2020

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer William J. Loftin of the Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio and the additional 84 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

August 26, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Loftin.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 26, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer William J. Loftin of the Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio and the additional 82 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

August 27, 2018

Hey W.J.
That was your nickname when I was growing up.
I was proud of the man you were. Me and my youngest sister Brenda grew up with Diane. You were like a big brother to us. I remember you took me, My sister, and your sister to see The Jackson 5 (1960's).

Deborah Ayers-Chaney
Cousin
April 10th, 2015

Deborah Ayers-Chaney
Cousin

April 10, 2015

Uncle Bill!!! I know you're in Heaven keeping law & order. You passed when I was 5years old & although, you were not my biological uncle but the biological father of my biological cousin Buffy Sparks (w/your forehead & nose...Lawd...definitely your child), you were still Unc Bill! Rest up!

Camille Haley - Lazenby
Niece

December 16, 2014

It is August 2012. Your memory once again come to mind as you have a many a time.
You were a true gentlemen.
I met you as a citizen just after I had completed college. If I remember correctly you were from Alabama if not there for sure you were from down the way. (a good thing) Every time you would see me your greeting was the same with a smile that would light up a room, "Baby Brother" from there the conversation could go onto many topics. Rest my friend rest

Laurence Blackwell
Former Cincinnati citizen that was impacted in a good way by you

September 1, 2012

I just wanted to say "thank you" to my cousin, my friend, my mentor, my idol, I am still trying to be like you and will soon be with you. I will never forget you cuz. See you soon.

Harrison "Sonny" Lofton III
cousin

July 25, 2012

Anyone who ever reads this memorial to Bill Lofton should know that he was one of the kindest men I ever knew. He taught me as a very young cop to lose the attitude and treat people with respect and that a smile earns you more cooperation than a growl. There is no doubt he is in my mind and heart forever. God's got a true angel with him in the name/form of Bill Lofton.

Capt. Joe Koch
Cincinnati PD

May 28, 2010

My Dearest Family and Friends

Somethings I'd like to say but first of all to let you know that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven where I dwell with Our Lord above. where there's no more tears or sadness just eternal Love. Please don't be unhappy because I'm out of sight, remember that I'm with you every morning,noon and Night.

The Day I had to leave you when my Life on earth was through God picked me up and hugged me and He said I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, You were missed while you were gone. As for your Dearest Family they'll be here later on.
I need you here so badly as part of my big plan. There's so much we have to do to help our Moral Man.
Then God gave me a list of things that He wished for me to do, and foremost on that list of mine is to watch and care for you.
I'll be beside you everyday and through out the years, And when your sad. I'm standing there to wipe away your tears.
When You lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight God and I are close you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on Earth and all the loving years, because your only human they are bound to bring you tears.

Please don't be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned, But if I were to tell you You wouldn't understand.One thing is for certain, though my life on Earth is over I'm closer to you now than I ever was before.

To My many Friends, Trust God knows what is best.I'm still not far away from you I'm just beyond the crest.

So, If you can help somebody who is in sorrow or in pain, then you can say to God at night my day was not in vain.
And now I am contented that with my life. it was worth while,Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
If you meet somebody who is down and feeling low just lend a hand and pick him up as on your way you go.
When Your walking down the street and you've got me on your mind just know I'm walking in your footstep only a half a step behind.
And if you feel a gentle breeze or wind upon your face that's me just giving you a great big hug or just a soft embrace.
I will always love you from the land way up above We'll be in touch again soon
PS God sends his Love.

Anonymous

April 6, 2010

William, this world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, William.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service William gave to his community and the citizens of Ohio, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 26, 1975.

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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 21, 2009

Dear William,i only knew you 18yrs and knowing you that short of time you were someone i look up to.The person who took you away from me took away you seeing your little sister grow to become a woman, and getting to see me on my wedding day, getting to meet your new brother-in-law and your beautiful niece i know you would have adore. I Love You big brother and i know i will see you soon! Your Sister-Toostie pop!!!

Ms. Dianne Loftin
Sister

January 4, 2009

Daddy i love you and miss you very much! I have your bloodrunning thru my veins so i feel you everyday in my spirit. I wish you would have lived to see your beautiful grandchilren,my oldest reminds me of you so much, they do know about you though.I love you daddy and miss you very muchxoxoxoxo. Love your biological child, Tajuana "Buffy" Sparks.

Tajuana Sparks
daughter

January 4, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

December 31, 2007

I love you daddy... miss you madly. I am soo sorry that someone saw fit to end what was a lovely relationship between father and daughter. I think of you often.
Love you, Stranda

stranda Thurman
daughter

February 22, 2007

God Speed Brother... you will NEVER be forgotten...

September 27, 2006

Officer Loftin,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Cincinnati.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

August 26, 2005