Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Det. Sgt. Mortimer,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Dayton. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

March 4, 2024

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Detective Sergeant William Kenneth Mortimer of the Dayton Police Department, Ohio and the additional 65 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

March 4, 2022

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

July 31, 2020

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Detective Sergeant William Kenneth Mortimer of the Dayton Police Department, Ohio and the additional 63 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

March 4, 2020

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Detective Sergeant William Kenneth Mortimer of the Dayton Police Department, Ohio and the additional 63 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

March 4, 2020

Thank you for your many years of service to the community. I remember sitting in the Wayne High School gym as a teen when you were honored posthumously at an assembly. There is a picture in the year book of your son and wife sitting on the front row and the student body standing out of respect for them, and you. This was the first time that most, if not all, of the students were involved in such an event. It was a touching ceremony. We were all privileged to honor you. God bless your family and all law enforcement officers.

Jan McNabb Workman
Wayne High School - Class of 1977

March 4, 2020

Rest in peace Detective Sergeant Mortimer.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 13, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Detective Sergeant William Kenneth Mortimer of the Dayton Police Department, Ohio and the additional 69 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

March 4, 2018

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 5, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was murdered on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

I am appaled that your killer was allowed to speak anywhere as a motivational speaker and if your city bestowed that honor on him, it did a disservice to you, your family and your department.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 5, 2012

As a student at Sinclair Community College, let it be known to all that Sgt. Bill Mortimer prepared many of us for our service in law enforcement. His death was a tremendous loss to countless people. My sincere thanks to Sgt. Mortimer for invaluable insight into the criminal justice system. May God bless you and keep you safe within his arms.

Bill Creekbaum
6/30/10

Bill Creekbaum
Student of Bill Mortimer

June 30, 2010

Hey Uncle Bill, it’s hard to believe it’s been 35 years since the devastating day in March, 1974. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you and the impression you made on my life. The old car painted on your garage door, getting stung by sweat bees as I worked in your d_ _ _ garden, Coach S. heading to the bleachers after you heckled him the whole game, you and dad cheering on the Wayne Warriorettes.....Great memories of a great uncle! You are pictured along with the other Brothers Mortimer in a “shrine” on dad’s wall. The five pictures encircle your badge and Uncle Paul’s which were mounted by Uncle W. on black walnut wood from the farm. You were dad’s best friend and, to this day, he still misses you.

The Brothers Mortimer have a proud history and truly honor their family and country. I’m proud to be a Mortimer, I’m proud to be your niece.

Love, Claudia

Claudia Mortimer

April 29, 2009

I honor your sacrifice today. You are a true hero.

Dr. Mike Crain I, D.Min.

March 4, 2009

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your long and dedicated service

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

March 3, 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

December 31, 2007

You were a wonderful person. Loving husband, father, brother, uncle, friend. Your life was taken so needlessly. Your memories are always alive in my heart and mind. I love you Uncle Bill. Becky

Rebecca Mortimer Ruggles
Niece

October 23, 2006

Sgt. Mortimer,

I am truly appalled your killer was allowed to be a "motivational speaker" in the city that you protected and served before you were cruelly taken away. I was born just months after your murder, but I thank you for the sacrifice you made to protect this great city. I am going to school now and want nothing more than to be an Officer for the city of Dayton. Your memory will always be honored and you will never be forgotten!!

Michelle Davis--Criminal Justice Student
Dayton, OH

February 22, 2006

Sergeant Mortimer, Even though you made your sacrifice to our community before I was even born,I hold you in the highest regard.I pray that I can live up to the standards you and the other fallen heroes have set for us.

Jason Hall
Dayton Police

February 22, 2006

Sergeant Mortimer - I wish I could have been holding a poster today protesting the glory of the man that murdered you. My father Walter Tarzinski served with you to protect the city, and a cop killer - no matter how reformed, should never be honored. Maybe I'm wrong, but it makes me sick.

Nancy Tarzinski

February 21, 2006

Protecting our freedoms here on the home front makes you a hero, no different than those who have served the armed forces protecting our freedoms in wars abroad only your battle was closer to home.

God Bless You
PO1 Duane A. Donecker
USN 1984-2005

PO1 Duane A. Donecker
USN

July 29, 2005

I never knew my grandpa because my dad was 17 when he was killed, I have no idea how hard it was on my dad or his family. I have been told how much my dad acts and looks like him. But I'm happy he has people who care about him. I can't say that I miss him because I never knew him, but I still love him and do miss him

Leisa Mortimer
Williams Granddaughter

April 29, 2005

You gave of yourself so others could be safe and secure in our community, thank you. Rest in peace.

Ofr. Will S. Wright
Dayton Police

August 27, 2004

I was a 15 year old high school sophomore when Bill Mortimer was killed. My dad was there that day as he was also a Dayton PD detective. When I came home from school, I saw my dad cry for the first time and it made me cry as I hugged him. That day had a huge impact on my life decision to become a cop. The incident brought the entire city together for a brief moment as the community mourned the loss of a black civic leader and a white cop. Both killed while trying to do good for people they never knew. Rest in peace, Bill.

Sgt. Jimmy Rohrer
Dayton Police Dept.

bill was a fine officer.prior to joining the police department,he served his country in korea.
semper fi mac,rest in peace

Anonymous