Officer Down Memorial Page

Only God Knows Why lyrics
I've been sittin here
Tryin to find myself
I get behind myself
I need to rewind myself
Lookin for the payback
Listen for the playback
They say that every man bleeds just like me
And I feel like number one
Yet I'm last in line
I watch my youngest son
And it helps to pass the time
I take too many pills it helps to ease the pain
I made a couple of dollar bills, but still I feel the same
Everybody knows my name
They say it way out loud
A lot of folks fuck with me
It's hard to hang out in crowds
I guess that's the price you pay
To be some big shot like I am
Out strecthed hands and one night stands
Still I can't find love

And when your walls come tumbling down
I will always be around

Yeah
As it...hey

And when your walls come tumbling down
I will always be around
People don't know about the things I say and do
They don't understand about the shit that I've been through
It's been so long since I've been home
I've been gone, I've been gone for way too long
Maybe I forgot all things I miss
Oh somehow I know there's more to life than this
I said it too many times
And I still stand firm
You get what you put in
And people get what they deserve
Still I ain't seen mine
No I ain't seen mine
I've been giving just ain't been gettin
I've been walking that there line
So I think I'll keep a walking
With my head held high
I'll keep moving on and only God knows why

Only God
Only God
Only God knows why, why, why, why
Only God...knows...why, why, why
Only God knows why
Take me to the river edge
Take me to the river, hey hey hey

Love you,

Tonya
wife
November 22, 2011

Always remembered, still missed and loved.

Tonya
Wife
August 18, 2011

10 years - God Bless - Continue to watch over our family!!!

Sr. Officer D. Johns
City of Sandy Springs Police, Georgia
July 11, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the ninth 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.

How hard it must have been for your family to lose you and your brother in the same incident.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous
July 10, 2009

9 years ago you were taken away from us, and yet the time passes not a day goes by that we dont think about you or miss you. Your memory lives on through the people that you touched with your kindness and love. we will never forget you..
love.
your sister

corrina hetrick-coffman
sister
July 9, 2009

Happy birthday Billy,,,we still miss and think of you everyday. There is not a day that goes by that you don't cross our minds many times over.We are forever the same, nothing can ever replace you not even time.
Till we meet again
forever in my heart
corrina

corrina coffman
February 21, 2009

Merry Christmas in Heaven Billy, wish you were here with your family for christmas,We were thinkin about you and how so many things would be different if you were still here... In my thoughts everyday
love ya
your sister

corrina
December 26, 2008

Well its almost christmas time, I am hoping for the next year to be a bit more peaceful and less stressful. Its going to be good to have the family together for christmas, we went and put your grave blanket on and it looks really nice. I found some real special things of yours and I will treasure them forever. It's still painful not to have you around, more so at the holidays. We love you and miss you everyday, you are not forgotten by us, you are always in our thoughts.
Merry Christmas

corrina
December 17, 2008

I think of you often and your family. I recently added a story about you to my police-link profile. I never had the pleasure of meeting you or knowing you growing up. One State a part and I had no clue that you or your side of our family ever existed. Your sister has helped to bring light to your side of the family, and we have done the same to let her know about my side of the family. Our grandfather (Howard) would have been so proud of you. He was a Vet of World War II (Purple-Heart). He never had the chance to know I became a cop and he never knew you were a cop. One day we will have the opportunity to meet. Until I make my journey to Heaven. I ask that you continue to walk Heaven’s beat and watch down on us here. God Bless

Sr. Officer D. Johns
City of Sandy Springs Police, Georgia
September 17, 2008

Well another year has passed since you died and things are not any easier to say the least. This year is even worse because dad is in the hospital.You are so missed and loved, I dont think 6 hrs goes by that you dont cross my mind. I play the vhs tapes just to hear your voice from time to time. I will spend the day tomorrow in rememberence of you like I do everyday, hopefully be able to swing by and see your kids. They are doing really good, getting so big. I know you are proud of them. We all miss you and love you so much and I am sure if dad could get to a computer he would leave a reflection he would but he is still pretty sick and going to be in the hospital for a few more day.
Love you always and miss you dearly
your sis

corrina
July 9, 2008

Your baby made a Fathers Day card for you at school. She wants to leave it for you at your stone. Lord knows how much we miss you honey..Seems to be raw since losing my dad. All the emotions...I am hanging strong and your kids...You would be so proud Billy really..They are just wonderful. I think we gave them a blend of our best qualities. Take care of my dad...I LOVE you..

wife
June 11, 2008

Remembering you on this day, Officer Hetrick, and praying for those you left behind. You've been gone from them almost eight years. I'm sure that seems like a long time right now, but someday you will all be reunited...and these few years will pale in comparison to spending eternity together. Come Lord Jesus!

April 7, 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

Bill,

I talk to younger officers and brag about how we didn't have P.T. in our academy class. But you and I always went for a jog afterwards to see who could be faster around the track. Ofcourse, the only bad thing was sweating and having to go to work smelling. We challenged each other for fun and you helped keep the class enjoyable. You were the only person I have ever met that worked more than full time hours, went to the academy full time and always had time for his kids. You finished well in the academy class and was an outstanding Police Officer. The community is at a loss with you gone, you are deeply missed.

Chuck Broshious
Lucas County Court Deputies
November 15, 2007

Billy,

It ia hard to believe that so many years have passed. I think of you every day when I go in to work. Your dedication and love of the job keeps me going. It is so ironic that your son and my son are best friends. I wish you were here to see them hanging out together. You are not forgotten and never will be. Thnak you for looking down on us that are still serving, we need the extra look out. You my Brother will not be forgotten.

Sergeant Mike Munoz
Perrysburg Township Police Department
August 1, 2007

Brother Hetrick,
I do not have the words to say other than thank you for your service. I can only offer my prayers for your family and say thank you for service. Rest not because your time is done. GOD SPEED TO YOUR FAMILY. A brother Officer.

Toby Deaton
Brother Officer
July 15, 2007

WAS JULY 10, 2000 A FOGGY DAY......OR WAS IT THE CLOUDS COMING DOWN FROM HEAVEN

March 2, 2007

It has been a very sad and trying week for me. A Officer from Toledo was killed. I thought I would do ok walking into the funeral home but when I seen the same honor guards that guarded you I feel apart. It was so hard, it just brought me back to that day again.I am asked why do I put my self through going to other officers funerals and wanting to get involved in Ohio Cops, I found my reason while at Officer Dressle's funeral. A little girl who was his niece came up to me to ask me some questions and I had the honor to explain some things to her and put her I hope at a little bit of ease.She stole my heart. The dream I had about you the other night was so vivid and real I want it to be real. As a family we have all tried to make sure you are remembered, we are going to work on getting some kind of memorial with the fallen officers of Ottawa county for Port Clinton. It amazes me still to see people's true colors come up in a person's time of need. The ones you would think would be there are no where around and the ones that you never thought would be are the ones that are still standing by me. Another Birthday of yours just past and we all woke with a chill the next morning when Officer Dressel was killed, it was the day after your birthday and foggy just like when you died. We all think of you everyday, not a day goes by that I wish you were still here. I ask that you still keep guiding me where I am supposed to be going, I am listening...
Love you always..
Corrina
PS whoever wrote that poem, its beautiful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart...

CorriBa Hetrick
March 1, 2007

CORRINA,
I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN YOUR BROTHER BILLY! I NEVER MET HIM. I DO RECALL THAT TERRIBLE ACCIDENT NEAR RIEMAN/SR 51.
I FREQUENTLY TAKE SR51 AND EVERY TIME I THINK ABOUT THE TRAGIC LOSS. I PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR BROTHER'S FAMILY AND HOPE THAT SOME HEALING HAS TAKEN PLACE. I BELIEVE I MET YOUR FATHER ONE AFTERNOON AFTER A BALLGAME IN WALBRIDGE. HE WAS AN OFFICER TOO. HE SEEMED LIKE A VERY NICE MAN WHO MISSES HIS SON DEARLY. I CANNOT IMAGINE ALL THE PAIN YOUR FAMILY HAS GONE THROUGH. I PRAY THAT YOU FIND STRENGTH AND CONTINUE TO HOLD YOUR BROTHER'S MEMORIES LIKE A POT OF GOLD AS THEY ARE.
I'M SORRY THAT YOU FEEL HE HAS BEEN FORGOTTEN BUT I ASURE HE HASN'T. IT HAS BEEN VERY SAD HERE AT TPD. WE LOST OUR BROTHER, KEITH DRESSEL, AS I KNOW YOU ARE AWARE. I ALSO KNOW YOUR FAMILY SUFFERED EVERY BIT AS MUCH AS HIS IS RIGHT NOW. I WASN'T ESPECIALLY CLOSE TO KEITH AS MANY OTHERS WERE. IT STILL HIT ME SO HARD. I NEVER BELIEVED SOMEONE WOULD "INTENTIONALLY" TAKE THE LIFE OF A COP. PEOPLE SHOOT DRUG DEALERS, THEY DON'T SHOOT THE POLICE. I HAVE CHASED SEVERAL GUYS WITH LOADED GUNS AND THEY ALWAYS TOSSED THEM. THEY DIDN'T SHOOT ME. YES, WE ALL KNOW THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROFESSION AND ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN, BUT WE RISK OUR LIVES TO PROTECT THE COMMUNITY. WE CHOOSE TO TAKE THE CHANCE-WE RISK OUR LIVES FOR OTHERS. WITH THAT SAID, "I NEVER THOUGTH WE'D LOSE AN OFFICER, ESPECIALLY AT THE HANDS OF ANOTHER; AT THE HANDS OF A CHILD." I ALWAYS KNEW I WOULD GO HOME AT THE END OF MY SHIFT....I USED TO KNOW THAT. THIS TRAGEDY HAS TAKEN AWAY MY SENSE OF SECURITY AND PUT DOUBT IN MY HEAD- WHERE THERE'S NO ROOM FOR DOUBT IN THIS PROFESSION. MY YOUNG SON SAID TO ME THE OTHER DAY, "MOM, I NEVER THOUGHT HOW YOU GO TO WORK BUT MAY NEVER COME HOME AGAIN." I NVER THOUGHT ABOUT THAT EITHER!! YES THAT JILTED ME BIG TIME! I AM A SINGLE MOM.
PLEASE DON'T FEEL THAT ONE OFFICER IS BEING RECOGNIZED MORE THAN THE OTHER. KEITH, BILLY, CLAY TWNSHP, TPD....WE'RE ALL BROTHERS IN BLUE. ALTHOUGH YOUR BROTHER DIED IN AN ACCIDENT AND NOT AT THE HAND OF ANOTHER.....THEY ARE BOTH HERO'S...WHO DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY.....LOVING THEIR JOBS AND BEING THE BEST AT IT!!! I PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY AS WELL AS THE DRESSEL'S.
REMEMBER CORRINA.....YOUR BROTHER IS NOT FORGOTTEN!!!
HE NEVER WILL BE!
BILLY WAS LUCKY TO HAVE SUCH A GREAT SISTER. I CAN SENSE HOW MUCH YOU LOVE AND MISS HIM. YOU ARE LUCKY TO HAVE SHARED A SUCH A SPECIAL BOND. UNFORTUNATELY THERE IS NOT ENOUGH LOVE IN THIS WORLD.

TOLEDO POLICE OFFICER
TOLEDO POLICE DEPARTMENT
March 1, 2007

How do you say good bye
is there ever a right time?
When one so young is lost
do words we ever find?

You're missing first dances
and little girls a growing
Most regretfully, without
ever really knowing...

The hugs that made them secure
the tickles that made them smile
The times you'd hold them on your chest
for more than a little while.

A young son needs his father
to teach him about becoming a man
He has two grandfathers, trying
to fill in as best they can.

His wife loves him more than life
even until this day
There will never be another Billy
Your presence won't fade away.

Who knows the depths of a mother
who's lost her only son?
But believing that when time is over
they'll be rejoined as one.

There are so many parts
missing...for a sister and best friend
She will love you forever Billy,
way beyond the end.

There's been much accomplished
You've truly done your part
By reaching down deep inside
and touching every heart.

God bless your family and you
always and in all ways.

Anonymous
February 28, 2007

Still missing you everyday your in my thoughts...Keep watching over our kids they miss you Its just not fair...You should be a part of their earthly life Steer me in the right direction...Keep watching over us...
All my love T

February 16, 2007

During this season we remember the birth of A Saviour who lived, died making the ultimate sacrifice and who now lives. Let us remember this saviour who lived, died making the ultimate sacrifice and who will live again. Rest In Peace.

D. Paul, Special Agent
FBI
December 20, 2006

Reading all your reflections I can see that you were (and still are) a wonderful person.May you Rest safe with Our Lord and may He continue to comfort and strengthen your loved ones until the chain links again.

July 10, 2006

Six years ago on this date, 8Jul00, I retired from the Genoa
Police Department after serving 30 1/2 years. Two days later, I was awakened by a call that Billy had been killed in an accident in our patrol car while assisting our department. It was a very sad day and the days that followed until his inturnment. Billy was on his way to be-
comming one of our finest. His goal was cut short, but he has left a lasting impression on every one who came in contact with him. Over the years, I have attended many officers burrials, but one no sadder than his. So young, so much time to give to his department and his community her served. Billy Hetrick, I will miss you and on every 10Jul, I will remember your loss and "you will NEVER be forgotten".

Chief Gary E. Truman, Retired
Genoa Police Department

Chief Gary E. Truman/Retired
Genoa Police Department
July 7, 2006

The date of your death caught my eye as I was going to visit my husbands web-page. While my husband and I were celebrating our six years of courtship anniversary on 7/10/00, your life was suddenly coming to an end. Thank you for your service and God bless you Ofc. Hetrick, your family, friends, and co-workers. May you continue to keep watch over everyone from above.

Jennifer Aaron
Wife of Ofc. Duke G. Aaron, III (EOW 07/20/04)
April 25, 2006