Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Walter Leon Williams

Dallas Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Tuesday, August 2, 1988

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Officer Walter Leon Williams

Politics will never change my view of the sacrifices made by you and officers every day for our Country. Donna, Walter, and I are still here because of you and mom's faith in God. We will never forget this and look forward to seeing you in the new heaven and new earth.

Captain Michael Williams
USMC

August 4, 2023

To Officer Williams and your partner, retired Officer Deirdre Gallagher-Claud, on this 34th anniversary we say thank you and as always remind you that your law enforcement family will never, ever forget. God Bless you both and God Bless your families as well.

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

August 2, 2022

Officer Williams, Officer Gallagher-Claud and the many amazing men and women of the Dallas Police Department, God Bless you all and thank you for your service. If I could take a second to address Officer Gallagher-Claud and your beautiful reflection you left. If we knew the answers to the questions you posed in your reflection, we probably wouldn’t have this website as we would probably be able to prevent all crime and all evil, criminal acts like this before they happened. Law enforcement is tough enough and the scrutiny and criticisms we face from the outside world and politicians are trouble enough without the self imposed criticisms we place upon ourselves. I hope you take today and reflect on your accomplished career as well as the hero that Officer Williams will always be.

Officer Williams, you are and always will be a true hero and I hope and pray you always rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. God Bless you sir and your family.

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

August 2, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Williams.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 23, 2020

I was working patrol that night when it Officer Williams was taken from us, and one of the officers who responded to the shooting. We lost several officers in that time frame of a few months, and wondered what the hell was going on. I remember Officer Williams as quiet, gentle, man, but knew his business as an officer. I salute you, sir......

Dennis Morris, Patrol
Dallas Police Officer #5154

May 4, 2020

Still miss you Walter.

David Franklin, Constable
Anderson County, Texas, Precinct 1

August 17, 2018

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

August 3, 2018

Always remembered.

Police Officer
Mesquite Police Department

August 2, 2018

Rest in Peace brother. I am reading Chief Browns book and his reflection of your passing has my eyes burning. God bless

Detective Jason Gorto
Essex County NJ Prosecutors office

May 1, 2018

Rest in Peace Officer Walter Leon Williams. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice protecting the citizens of Dallas, Texas.

I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends, Co_workers and those brave souls who have chosen to follow in your foot steps protecting the public. I also Pray that the thug who murdered you is rotting in hell.

Amen.

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood (Ret)
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, TX

August 3, 2016

I was Walter's partner since I had began " Little T " in 1987. I was his partner the night this happened .
We had 3 prior calls at this location and by the same Complainant. Every time we responded, the suspect had already fled.
While on our " 50 " , dinner, the call came out again. We were back there within 5 minutes.
I waited downstairs and had been standing next to bushes , it was 10:30 pm and dark. I had No idea the suspect was hiding only a few feet away.
Walter came out of the apartment and just as he met me at the foot of the stairs , the suspect jumped out of the bush and shot Walter with 1 shot in the forehead before turning his weapon on me.
To this day I wonder why MY life was spared. I do have trouble with it .
Walter was my best friend and treated me, a female, with incredible respect. I learned a lot about survival and life and every August 2, I take time to remember my teacher, my partner and my friend.
R.I.P Walter..

Officer Deirdre Gallagher-Claud Retired
Dallas Police Department

September 29, 2015

When I was a teenager growing up in the South Oak Cliff area of Dallas,TX
28 years ago. I can't say I was very proud of the company I used to keep and hang out with in the hood. I happened to meet a nice man named Officer Walter Williams, that wasn't real quick to lock me up like some of the other officers I encountered in the hood. He saw something in me that I didn't see in myself at that time. He patrolled my neighborhood and would stop and talk and see what I was up to when I would be hanging out on the block. To this day I really appreciate this man for the encouraging words he would say to me and the young men hanging out. I guess out of all of us it really touched me the most.Today I have a beautiful wife and 2 children and have been working on my job for the last 25 years!!! I wish there were more officers like Mr.Williams that take the time to mentor young men instead of locking them up!! Thank you Officer Walter Williams!!! R.I.P
Tim Kearney

Tim Kearney
Kid out of the " Hood"

February 8, 2015

Walter, I still remember how happy you were when you heard the news that DPD had dropped it's maximum age requirement. You had tired so hard to join but they kept telling you you didn't make the age requirement. You couldn't wait to get down to Police Personnel and sign up. After serving our country in the military, you were finally able to serve your people at home. Then on that hot August night, someone took you away from us. Your time with DPD might have been short but the impression you left on us will last a lifetime. And most importantly, you got the chance to fulfill your lifelong dream of serving the people of your community. It was not in vain.

God Bless and Sleep Peacefully My Brother,

Sgt. D. L. Lawson (retired)
Dallas Police Department

December 19, 2014

Still miss you my friend

retired David Wills

April 13, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th anniversary year of your death. I am privileged to leave a tribute to you. 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 solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

January 26, 2013

No matter how many years pass we never forget the sacrifices that were made.

Miss you always.

Captain Michael A. Williams
United States Marine Corps

August 9, 2012

"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

February 5, 2008

Brother Williams I met your sister today Catherine on a call. She told me your story and what a wonderful police officer you are I just felt I needed to tell you this and know all the good things she had to say about you. Catherine is a really nice lady and im sure you too are just alike. Rest in peace Ive got it covered down here, thanks for your sevice.

Sgt. D. Carter
Oklahoma City Police Dept

September 20, 2007

On the 19th anniversary of your tragic murder, I salute you, sir. I doubt if time has made it any easier on your family and friends. However, I hope everyone will take comfort in knowing that you will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero!

DET SGT, Retired
AR

August 2, 2007

God bless you for your service and sacrifice. You are not forgotten.

August 2, 2007

Walter and I were classmates in the academy. We became a part of a family bound by love, and respect for one another. Fortunately Walter was our big brother. I still feel shock that he is gone. He was one of the best men I have ever known. Truely our family still feels the loss. However, I thank God for allowing us to cross paths. Just being associated with Walter made me a better person. Walter will never be forgotten. "To this day Walter, I miss you."

Detective Janice M. Crowther
Dallas Police Department

April 20, 2006

You are one of my inspirations to be come an officer. Your son, Walter and I became best friends in the Army. Everytime I visit you home I spend a few minutes looking at your awards and listening to stories from Walter and Donna. Joanne always made sure I was doing fine. I believe that because of you and the man you were, you left this world a better and safer place. I always try to live and serve to that standard. You set the bar ( very high).

Officer Willie R. Easley Jr. 339
Forest Hill Police Dept.

November 18, 2005

Walter was a special guy. He was quick to laugh, slow to anger,and of the utmost integrity. A Christian gentleman and a good friend. Walter, you made this earth a better place. You are still missed.

Sergeant David Franklin
Dallas PD

October 18, 2005

I think most Officers in this great county who are taken in the line of duty would want one thing (for their family to be taken care of). They would probably say dont be upset over the loss of me.
It makes me sick seeing loved ones left behind like the children. Knowing they will grow up without that parent,in this tragedy a (Father). To the family of Officer Williams and others out there the rest of us are here for you believe that.

Officer Bardwell
Grand Prairie PD

April 18, 2005

~~~~~The Broken Chain~~~~~

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name.~~In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.~~It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.~~You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.~~Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the Chain will link again.

January 15, 2005

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