NOTES:
I worked with Bill for all but a few months of his career at Troy PD. He was an excellent police officer and I could recount many examples of his dedication and hard work; however, I would like to comment on the personal determination and resolve that made him the officer he was.
All police officers face obstacles, challenges and discouragement during their careers. Bill faced more than his share; but, he never allowed those situations to defeat him and he never displayed bitterness or disillusionment. He didn’t complain and each time he came back stronger than before.
Bill was an extremely disciplined man both physically and mentally. His athletic accomplishments were examples of his determination and the strength of his commitment to overcome obstacles. During our careers softball was a passion for many. Bill was a lover of baseball; but, had been an outstanding runner not baseball player during his youth. He was determined to make himself a great softball player and set about doing so. Within a short period time, after countless hours of batting practice, reading articles and viewing instructional videos, Bill became a power hitting mainstay of the Troy Police and various recreation league softball teams. His power and consistency in using it was astonishing. He was named to all tournament teams and won many championships. I was fortunate enough to play along side him and observed first hand the class, dignity and determination he played with, which mirrored his performance on the job. He was respectful of his opponents on the field and that aspect of his character was displayed in the performance of his police duties. Bill came into contact with literally thousands of citizens. Complaints about his conduct were rare and always without merit.
When Bill believed in something he could not be deterred, neither on the athletic field or in the performance of his police duties. Dedication and a strong work ethic cannot be compartmentalized; when truly possessed they permeate your life, they certainly did Bill’s.
I was at the hospital with Bill the day he was injured in the crash that ultimately cut his life short. Although the future was unknown, Bill never uttered a word of complaint and I distinctly remember him telling me he’d be back to work soon. Knowing Bill, I doubt that if he had known what the crash would ultimately lead to, that it would have had any effect on his attitude.
Many thanks to Sheriff Bouchard and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office for creating this outstanding memorial and providing a remembrance for some truly amazing people. It’s important to know that those whose names are contained in the memorial were not one dimensional. They were people with full lives and all the human frailties common in all people. As with Bill, each separated themselves from all others through acts of extreme self sacrifice and the ultimate dedication to public they served.
Submitted By: Charles Craft (co-worker)
Date Added: 11-14-19
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Bill was a great cop, he would want to be remembered that way. He worked for the City of Troy for 25 years. During his career he worked in several different positions. He was “Skeeter” on the Tactical Support Team where he lost a baby toe during a raid. He loved being unit “898” for the Traffic Safety Team and Fatal Team. He worked hard to bring motorcycles to the department and loved his Harley. He received numerous commendations including Officer of the Year and the M.A.D.D. lifesaving award.
While working for Traffic Safety he was struck by a careless driver and was thrown from his motorcycle. The impact cracked his helmet and rendered his duty weapon inoperable. He suffered severe internal hemorrhaging to his leg when it struck the police light pole attached to the motorcycle. This caused severe blood clots for which he began a lifelong treatment of blood thinners.
Bill retired from police work in 2004 and moved his family to Bend, Oregon to follow his dream of skiing Mt. Bachelor everyday during the season. While in Oregon, Bill completed his Masters degree in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University and began teaching law enforcement at Central Oregon Community College.
In 2010, while teaching a class, a cluster of blood clots broke loose from his leg and caused Bill to have a heart attack and a stroke. Believing that he had recovered Bill returned to teaching the following term but became concerned when he began having memory issues. He faced a long battle after being diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia but he faced the battle with a fierce spirit and a sense of grace.
Bill died on August 12, 2017
Bill touched many lives. His colleagues at Troy PD, Central Oregon Community College and numerous teammates from police softball leagues.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Kathy, his “pride and joy” daughter Caitlin, sons, Brett(Krystle) and Kevin, his best friend, Carolyn (Gary) Godlewski, his “adopted” Bend children Kaila Wesly, Josh Kelly(Kelsey) and his numerous students at COCC who loved his police stories and knew he was an inspiration to them.
Submitted By: Kathleen McCabe (wife)
Date Added: 9-16-19
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Bill was an amazing human being and respected instructor, with such depth of knowledge and real-life experience to provide the best for his students. He was always professional, but his wry sense of humor was particularly appreciated. His wife, Kathy McCabe, taught Criminal Investigations every year and one of the exercises was for her to be murdered by someone on campus. Students had to follow the clues and determine the heinous culprit. Once it was an Elvis impersonator. On two occasions, it was me. At the crime scene, I attempted to redirect suspicion by pointing to Bill. “Look. He’s not even upset that his wife was murdered. The husband is always the first suspect!” Bill shrugged and said, “When it happens every Spring quarter, you get used to it.”
Submitted By: Rebecca Walker-Sands (Friend and Colleague and “Boss”)
Date Added: 9-23-19
