Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

As we approach Boomers nickname for Bill' birthday I reflect on how much we have missed.
I grew up from Grammer School with you and followed to High School where we were co captains of the varsity hoops team. You have left a beautiful legacy in your daughter and grandchildren. Missed you over years but early birthday wish always confused with you and Shags

Kevin Reliiy

January 29, 2024

Rest in peace.

J.R.

December 14, 2022

May you Rest in Eternal Peace.
God Bless your family n all they’ve
Been through throughout the years.

Ret. Det. Vincent Sinnott
NYPD

November 9, 2021

Today we give honor to Trooper William V. McDonagh on the 45th anniversary of his tragic death. We continue to honor Trooper McDonagh by leaving a reflection honoring and acknowledging his life. Trooper McDonagh will never ever be forgotten. Thank you for your devotion to the citizens you served.;RIP sir.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

December 14, 2020

I remember Billy McDonagh, as we called him. We graduated from the same H.S. in the Bronx. He was a great guy with so much potential. I remember when he came to our class when he was campaigning for student council. He was such a Pro! It was sad to hear the news of his passing. When someone like him passes, it's so much more than the loss of who he was, but the greater loss of all that he could have done in a long life. God bless his family.

Leopold M. Llonch
Classmate

December 14, 2020

State Police remember NYS Trooper killed in Sugar Loaf
Posted on Mid Hudson News December 15, 2019

ALBANY – It has been 44 years since State Trooper William McDonagh was killed in a shootout in Sugar Loaf.

He was 24 at the time of his death on December 14, 1975.

Trooper McDonagh had been dispatched to investigate a quarrel. A man shot and killed his girlfriend near the phone booth she used to call for help. When Trooper McDonagh arrived at the scene of the woman’s murder, he was shot by the killer. A backup patrol killed the assailant when he refused to surrender.

Trooper McDonagh had been on the force for two years and was assigned to the Monroe barracks.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

December 15, 2019

Rest in peace Trooper McDonagh.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 27, 2019

Billy, I will never forget your kindness when I first met you. You made me feel welcomed and included to your group of friends. Love and miss you.

Margherita Lagan
Friend

May 23, 2019

Billy was the president of the Student Council and a star basketball player at our HS in the Bronx, St, Nicholas of Tolentine. He was a wonderful person and a great role model for many of the underclassmen at the school. It is a senseless tragedy which robbed the world of this fine person. I pray for him to RIP with the Lord and for his family who were left behind.

Tom P
HS classmate

August 24, 2018

Trooper William V. McDonagh will never ever be forgotten. Thank you for your service to the State of New York, and to our country. May your soul rest in Heaven.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police - Troop D

March 25, 2018

RIP Brother

M J Welch (ret) Sgt
Saratoga Springs NY PD

December 14, 2015

I said a little prayer today for Trooper McDonagh and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

December 12, 2015

Please remember Trooper McDonagh and his family in your prayers particularly during this Christmas Season. May he Rest In Peace.

Detective ( Retired)
NYPD

December 12, 2015

Hard to believe it's been 40 years . Sadly, still no memorial, not even a plaque in Sugarloaf. God Bless his soul and condolences to his family.

Detective
Nycpd

December 11, 2015

Never forgotten.....
Thoughts go out to his wife and daughter on this anniversary.

Linda McDonough
S.S. of Kevin McDonough NYSDOCS

December 14, 2012

May you rest in peace my friend.

Capt. George Robinson
Yonkers Police, New York

March 31, 2012

Billy,
We all miss you very much and think of you every day at
Mass .
All our love .
Michael & Jeanne,Michelle, Chrissy, Katie and Sean

Michael J. McDonagh
Brother

March 10, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 46th 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
mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 14, 2011

Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

December 23, 2007

"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 20, 2007

Thinking of you Uncle Billy, Aunt Helen, Megan & Jay, and William Daniel. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you today and always. I'm at work and just pulled out your Marine Corp dog-tag from my wallet. I carry it with me everyday. It, along with you watching over me, protects me wherever I go.

Love, Michael Kerwin

Michael Kerwin
Nephew

December 14, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 8, 2007

Gone, but never forgotten, Rest easy now my Brother in law, your watch on earth is over.

SGT. John L. Gulledge Retired
Escambia CO FL SO

April 27, 2007

Trooper McDonagh,

I never had the privilage of working with you; but like all young Troopers that pass through Monroe, I was told what had taken place in Sugarloaf. I was also lucky enough to have breakfast with several retired members down at the Sit and Chat; they told me some great stories, and spoke very highly of you.
The Monroe barracks was a place with a deep sense of tradition. The senior guys made sure that the flags went up and down every day, and that your stone was always cared for. That station produced some real solid guys; a few have statyed in the area, while most of us have spread across the state. The barracks, like the area itself, has changed a bit.
A good friend of mine was killed recently, and I've been thinking of the times we worked together back in Monroe. For years, the same picture of you posted here on this website hung in the patrol room; above the picture was a sign that read simply, "LEAD". I think I finally understand the significance of that single word.
God bless you and your family Trooper McDonagh; you are not forgotten.

1816

NYSP

February 10, 2007

You made my husband a better trooper. Always we will remember you. s&a

A State Police Family Member
NYSP

January 20, 2007