Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I googled my name, William D McCarthy, and your name came up first. I never met you, but based on the comments from your family and friends, you were very much loved, respected, and missed. I'm sorry you were taken too soon. I hope your family was able to find peace.

William D McCarthy

February 18, 2024

I worked out of northwestern stables when Bill was in mounted training. I remember him very well. His was the first class after mine. He looked so much like my brother, we were all redheads. Such a sweet & gentle soul! It’s been many years now & I still remember how heartbroken we all were.

P/O BRENDA BUTLER-BECK
Philadelphia Police Dept

January 8, 2024

Bill was a nice guy. He actually was assigned my horse “Realtor” after I was injured and retired. I was glad a nice guy like him took care of Realtor. I was just thinking about him and what a tragic waste. I hope his family is doing well and I wanted to let them know Bill is not forgotten ,even after the passage of many years. He’ll always be in my thoughts.

Norm (Matt) Dillon
Retired 369 Philly Pd

December 3, 2023

I owned a sandwich shop at 12th and Spring Garden when Bill was an officer in the 6th district. He would buy lunch at my shop. He was not only a great cop but a decent man. I was so sad the hear of his passing.

Civilian
None

September 24, 2023

I was a teacher at Cardinal Dougherty High School from 1965-2000. William McCarthy was one of the finest, brightest and most decent young men I was privileged to teach during those 35 years. It was a privilege to have known him. His family most have so many wonderful memories.

john e leddy
teacher

April 20, 2021

On this actual 33rd anniversary of your untimely departure I would like to reiterate my previous reflection and say that you are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

September 22, 2020

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

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

August 28, 2020

Rest in peace Officer McCarthy.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 15, 2020

An instance of remembrance.

I was just a little girl in the 80's North Philadelphia when I used see this officer.
I didn't know him but, I always spoke to him as he sat atop his mighty steed on my way to school.
He always nodded to me and I felt safe when I saw him.
He made an impact on my life just by doing his job.

Years later I thought of him and asked what happened to him.
Then I heard the news.
I still think of this kind man who watched over our city.

So I say: Thank you, I remember you.

Diane Longstratt
A Citizen

March 5, 2020

Officer McCarthy,
On today, the 32nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Philadelphia. And to your Family and loved ones ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R. I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 22, 2019

I remember Bill when I was a young security guard at a bank, he’d stop in everyday when on patrol with Skipper,He was older then me so he treated me like a little brother and check in to make sure I was ok., then we’d eat lunch. I’ll never forget Officer McCarthy and I hope his family Is doing well as they can.RIP Bill, S/O Mike

S.Officer Michael A.Pittelli
Private Security

September 13, 2019

Hey Billy:

I think about you often. I still think about taking that terrible phone call in the 25th's Operations Room that night. I hope your soul is at rest and you can still feel the eternal love of your friends and your family.

Your friend.

Bob

Bob Tarr
Friend

May 24, 2017

You are not forgotten Officer McCarthy....
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...

Sergeant Kevin Brady
NYPD Mounted Unit

July 21, 2015

Officer McCarty, I remember the first time we met you were on mounted patrol on Germantown Ave I was about 12 at the time. I was out just hanging out on the avenue and you walked up to me and asked me my name. At first I was scared because to me that was not the norm for the police to walk up me and just start a conversation. But you told me to relax and you said I see you around here every day you and just want to know my name so you can say hello. After a few conversations with you, it changed my perception on police officers. So I made it a point every time I walked on Germantown Ave to seek you out and give your partner a treat.

I had the privilege to see you handle a few incidents on the avenue and I was amazed that you never got made and that all the merchants liked you. So I knew that when grow up I wanted to be a cop. I remember speaking to you and you telling me that you were going to be at the Spectrum working later and then a call went out so you told me you had to go I will see you later.

A few days past and I did not see you or your truck, so I asked one of officers about you and he told me the tragic news. It sad we he told me because I lost a good friend Rest in Peace.

Commander Darius Sultan
Federal Protective Service

June 13, 2014

I remember you Officer McCarthy. You where at our house at Rector st. You where with my father on lunch break. You had kind words and up in spirit. You reminded me of my my Uncle Scott. Not much longer afterwards You and your mount left us. The James family will never forget you.

Curt D. James
Son of Philly Mounted John Earl James

October 15, 2012

HI Dad

Our wedding in August was amazing and just four months following our honeymoon Ed and I found out we are having a BABY!! We are thrilled to be starting a family together. I am 27 weeks pregnant today and the doctors have told us that I will have to be put in the hospital at 32 weeks to be monitored due to complications. Our SON is fine it is just risky for me to go into labor. . . with that said I am scared all the time. I pray every minute of every day for him to be healthy when he is delivered around 36-37 weeks. PLEASE look over my son and I as we head to the hospital in 5 weeks. Please help bring him to us healthy, happy, and safe. I hope he is just like his grandpa :) I love and miss you always!

love,
Nicole

Nicole McCarthy Quiring

June 15, 2012

I think of you often Billy, from our days in the 6th Dist. and the 25th Mtd. Rest in Peace Buddy............Chip

Retired P/O Chip Burnett
Phila. Police Dept. Mounted Unit

October 31, 2011

I think of you often Billy, from our days in the 6th Dist. and also the 25th Mtd. Rest In Peace....Chip

Retired P/O Chip Burnett
Phila. Police Dept. Mounted Unit

October 31, 2011

Dear Bill,

We never had the chance to meet, as God called you home much too soon. I was given the blessed chance to meet your family; your beautiful, loving and giving wife, Liz, and your 4 beautiful and very sweet children, to whom I have the honor of being their "honorary Aunt Donna. I have also been so fortunate to be accepted into your family by your adoring and loving mother, Kissy, and your many brothers and sisters. Some of the best times I have had in the last 20 years were times spent with your family.

Bill, you would be so very proud of Liz! Lizzie, as I call her, raised your children to be intelligent, independant and caring individuals - and she did this mostly by herself. Liz is and will always be my hero and my best friend - my female soulmate.

And now you have a Grandson, John William Kenney! How wonderful that Jenny is now a mommy; he is a gorgeous baby, and I hope to meet him sometime before his high school graduation...

I expect that we will meet someday in Glory and will have a "family reunion". I know that I will recognize you immediately, because I will see the McCarthy glow of love surrounding you. Please continue to watch over your family Bill, they miss you and love you so very much.

Until then, God Bless...

Donna Lucchesi
Family friend

August 3, 2011

Hi Dad
In just 24 days (August 12, 2011) I will be getting married to an amazing man named Edward Quiring. Ed makes me feel safe, happy, and so so loved I wish you could have met him, you would have loved him and his family. Our wedding ceremony is at the Cathedral Basilica of SS Peter and Paul. I wish you could be beside me to walk me down the aisle, I know you are always with me so please give me the strength to hold it together because writing this is even making me cry. Please be with me on that day and forever. You are always missed and always talked about, I love you forever!

Nicole McCarthy
Daughter

July 19, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twenty-third 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 of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. To your mom, I share your anquish in losing a beloved child which surely has to be life's greatest sorrow.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

September 22, 2010

a woman approached my wife and i while we were having lunch, she and some other ladies were seated at the next table. the woman asked if i was a policeman, or former, policeman. i was wearing a t-shirt dedicated to our fallen heros, i explained i have many friends either serving or retired policemen. she introduced herself as the mother of WILLIAM McCARTHY, she explained how he was killed in 1987 by a drunk driver. her story touched me deeply and i assured her that her son would be in my prayers.god be with you officer McCARTHY.

jack biondo
citizen

August 27, 2010

Billy,
Although I never really knew you outside of my dad's drawing or pictures... I've only heard the kindest words from him. I want to thank you for all that you have given back to Philadelphia and let you know that you will always be remembered.

~Cheryl

Cheryl
Bob's daughter

December 13, 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 24, 2008

Hello Officer McCarthy, As you know, I found out by chance that you and I have mutual friends.The friend named his son after you. That child is now a fine young man.He is living your name well. I remember your passing.You have not been forgotten.M.Walls,Proud Native of Phila.

M.Walls
Phila. Native

November 10, 2007