Maryland State Police, Maryland
End of Watch Friday, June 8, 1979
Reflections for Trooper First Class William P. Mills, Jr.
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I had just finished up my tenth grade year at North Dorchester High School the summer this happened , right down the road . I remember what a shock it was to everyone that someone would shoot a State Trooper in this area of the Shore back then. I remember the funeral and the outpouring of support from both the community and all the various law enforcement agencies. There were quite a few of us teenagers from N.D. H.S. that went to his funeral out of respect for him . I had started working at Gary's Sunoco gas station in Hurlock the year before this happened and he used to come up there to get gas all the time . A lot of the Troopers down here got their gas up at Gary's back during that time . Trooper Mills would always hang out for a few and shoot the breeze with Gary , me and the rest of the young guys that worked up there . Gary's was kind of a hangout spot for all the guys that liked fast cars , motorcycles , hot rods , racing etc. Everybody liked and respected Trooper Mills - he was a really good dude and we all enjoyed B.S. 'n with him whenever he would stop by the station . He was intelligent and quick witted & could joke and tell a story with the best of them . He was just a solid cat ... An old school Eastern Shore Trooper . He did his job but he never went out of his way to be overly hard on people . He was always respectful with people and he always shot straight with you . He would cut you a break if you didn't give him a reason not to. He was respected & well liked by many down here - myself included . Still makes me sad over 40 years later... Respectfully - K. Howell
K. Howell
Just a teenage kid that knew & liked him .
September 17, 2021
I wish I could have met my grandfather. From all I have heard, you seemed like an incredible man and father. I think about you a lot, what your personality was like, how your hugs felt, all the advice you’d give. I hope you’re resting in peace.
Marley Jett
Granddaughter
June 9, 2021
As a yet another anniversary of your untimely death is among us I’d like to reiterate my previous reflection and say that your a true hero and your law enforcement family will always remember. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
June 8, 2021
Thank you for your service and may you always rest in peace knowing that you left us a true hero.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo (Retired)
Delaware State Police (Retired)
June 8, 2020
Rest in peace Trooper 1st Class Mills.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 20, 2019
TFC Miller,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Maryland. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station
June 8, 2019
I was a young girl when you passed - too young to really remember you but I grew up knowing how brave you were and how you passed. Wish you had been here to see your children grow and now your grand kids - Rest in Peace Bill - You will never be forgotten
Kalee Hurley
Cousin
December 15, 2015
Remembered not only how you died but more for the way you lived. As a Cadet I rode with you often.
Roger Layton- Cpl. Retired
Md. State Police
July 7, 2015
Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless
Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas
June 8, 2015
In searching this website, I was curious to see if any LEO's had fallen on my birthday. I unfortunately found that my birthday was quite a deadly day in Law Enforcement. 3 officers killed in the line of duty.
Your sacrifice is not forgotten brother.
Deputy Justin Sabo
Anoka County Sheriff's Office
March 17, 2015
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 33rd 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 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. Your family is in my heart's embrace
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
June 15, 2012
I occasionally check the wall to remember my brothers and sisters from the MSP and other agencies that have lost their lives for State and Country. TFC Mills I did not know you, but I knew many of the other MSP troopers on this board that have lost their lives. It just felt right to make the comment to you. Your death saddens us and your heroism brings honor to our agency and profession. Trust us when we say, you have not been forgotten.
Trooper Anon
Maryland State Police
January 8, 2012
Prayers to TFC. Mills family and friends. His work was completed here and he is now patrolling the Heavens above. Thank you for your service.
Ret. TFC Divita Washington
Maryland State Police
May 18, 2011
Everyday....I think of you. I know that you are watching and protecting me from afar, but still, everyday I wish that you were here to guide me and to share with me in all of the life's moments.
Shannon Mills
Daughter
May 18, 2011
31 years this month - so much changed in a single night. Much changed for families as well. Your sacrifice is not forgotten. Thank you for your sacrifice. I will never forget.
Anonymous
June 29, 2010
Rest in peace on the 30th anniversary of your passing.
God Bless you and your family.
Boomer
June 8, 2009
Although I did not know you or know of your death, you died a few days after I graduated from high school. Thank you for your service, dedication, and courage.
PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta Dept. of Public Safety (SC)
April 8, 2009
Dear Trooper Mills Family:
My heart goes out to you for your loss. I have a son who is
in the the middle of becoming a State Trooper for Maryland.
I look at him everday at the age of 22 and hope that his
every dream comes true but I must admitt I worry about him
and that his life may be ended due to someone he is trying
to prevent from hurting someone else. I will always pray
for your family in my prayers and please keep my son in yours. I am so sorry for your loss. God is with him. That is our only hope. Love and prayers, Heidi Christopher
Heidi Christopher
None
November 6, 2008
Trooper Mills, thank you for your service and dedication to the citizen's of Maryland. It is sad that your own Department appears to have forgotten the ultimate sacrifice you made. Rest in peace!
Michelle - wife of Retired LEO
August 4, 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
November 7, 2007
Your sacrifice is one that will never be forgotten.
Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
June 8, 2007
Thanks for the inspiration and courage. I Will never forget the day you came to Sandy Hill and showed us your patrol car. I still think that was the coolest thing ever. Rest in Peace
M.Jackson
Phoenix PD
February 23, 2007
Bill the kids are fine we all miss you and love you.Thanks for helping me with the job,all you taught me.
Sgt.Ret Vaughn W.Foreman
MSP
January 29, 2007
Brother Mills,
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Respectfully,
Retired MSP, Waterloo
Retired MSP
MSP
September 26, 2006
Time has passed but you are remembered.May you Rest in Peace.
June 8, 2006
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