Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

R.I.P. k

Ret. Det. 1. Vincent Sinnott

April 7, 2023

Rest in peace Trooper Rayner.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 30, 2019

NEVER FORGOTTEN!
Cops Cycling for Survivors Foundation

Monica Zahasky
Cops Cycling for Survivors

December 18, 2018

My family has a long line of Police Officers,Bill I am proud to say is one of them.(RIP. My cousin) and may you sing with the Angels.

John Taylor
Cousins

January 13, 2018

Rest easy brother!

Judge /retired SC Trooper Danny Lynn
Aiken County, SC

December 18, 2017

Never forgotten!!

Judge /retired SC Trooper Danny Lynn
Aiken County, SC

December 19, 2016

May you Rest In Peace Sir. Thank you for your service.

Deputy S. Yates
Covington County Sheriff Department

December 18, 2016

William Rayner was my uncle. I was five years old at the time of his death. He, was the main reason I became a law enforcement officer.

Patrolman Floyd K. Hastings S.P.D.
Uncle

January 19, 2016

My Father was the Decatur County Corner on the day that Trooper Bill Rayner was killed in the line of duty in 1966.

Upon my Father’s return from the crime scene on I-74 – this the first and only time in my life that I saw my Father cry.

The tragic passing of Bill Rayner hit our community very hard. It was hard to accept that a young dedicated law enforcement officer would be taken away from his family and his community.

While only 11 years old at the time, I still remember the sacrifice and still picture Trooper Rayner driving in his patrol car.

Stephen C. Shaffer
Bethesda, Maryland

April 24, 2014

My Dad was the Deputy riding with Trooper Rayner that early morning and I remember that tragedy most everyday of my close to 30 years in Law Enforcement. It has helped to keep me safe. Bill's sacrifice will not be forgotten by me or my 2 sons who are Deputies on the same Department that thier Grandfather was.

Captain Dennis Blodgett
Greensburg Police

November 28, 2013

Rest in Peace, Trooper Rayner. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 13, 2013

Bill and Rheadawn were close freinds of my parents. The familes would vacation together. At the time of Bill's passing I was 7years of age. I recall a trip to Michigan when I was not paying attention and fell backward into a large campfire. Had it not been for Bill's immediate reaction and actions in snatching me from the fire and coals, my injuries could have been extreme. My folks (Keith & Gerry) have now passed as well, but they never got over his loss. His memory, laughter and heroism remain constant to this day.

Judge K. Mark Loyd
Johnson County Circuit Court

April 6, 2012

I am the wife of Bill's 3rd child, Scott. In his short life, he obviously made a big impact! What an amazing legacy to leave his children and grandchildren. As I read the other reflections, I was touched by his effect on others. His son's know him because of his mother's desire to keep his memory alive. They also know his mother, Olive, and sister Jan (who has since passed). His children had a wonderful father (we never considered him a step father) who loved the boys uncondtionally and encouraged the boys to know of Bill. He is not forgotten! He is a part of who they are.

Anna Rayner
Daughter-in -law

February 23, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 45th 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 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.

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

December 18, 2011

bill rayner is my 2nd cousin i was 11 years old when he died .never got a chance to meet him because we live in southern california and he made his life in indiana .just want all to know bills mother olive is still alive and well and will be celebrating her 94th birthday on october 19 2009 .we will never forget bill.

Anonymous

October 5, 2009

We just passed the area of highway named for Trooper Rayner. May his family know that over 40 years later, he is still remembered and honored by those who never met him. From the Campbells with the Police Unity Tour

Former Detective Amy Campbell
Ohio

September 12, 2009

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

December 10, 2007

Bill, I made contact with Rheadawn your wife after all these years..As you may know, I was in the delivery room the night your child was born with Rheadawn..I've not spoke to her in almost 40 years..I plan to unite with her to see how things have been going and to answer her unanswered questions she has about that night..
Yours Truly, Ret- L.T. Richard W. Jones Shelbyville, In

Lt. Richard W. Jones
Ret-Indiana State Police

June 14, 2007

Our Greatest Fear
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again, I hold back a tear.
They patrol in the state, city, county and town,
in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.
The shape of their badges may vary,
but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.
They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,
but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.
To uphold the law is the job that they pick,
with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?
They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,
after their lives have met tragic ends.
Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,
too many have been lost when gunshots ring out.
Our Heavenly Father has called them home,
no more these dark streets do they roam.
Through trial and error they have given their best,
please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
" Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again I hold back a tear.



Master Trooper Dave “Stumpy” Miller

Indiana State Police Dist 13

December 19, 2005

Trp. Rayner,
Although our paths had never crossed, as a 16 year old kid puming gas in a gas station the night you were shot, I recall several of the units in our area heading for the "I", I still can see the look on the face of one of Dearborn County's Deputies rushing to fill his tank in his cruier. That deputy has past, and now I sit at my desk thinking of all that have past since that night as a kid, not knowing then what it truley was about. After 34 years on the job,and now it's hard to except WHY.
Rest in peace my fellow brother. Your life made a difference in mine.

Lt Chuck Evans
Lawrenceburg Police Dept

September 27, 2005

I served with you and made the arrest in your case. You will never be forgotten!

John Mull 1st Sgt.(Ret)
In State Police

September 6, 2004

Rest easy, Brother, you are not forgotten.

Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept.

December 18, 2003