Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Cross was one of the first to welcome me and offer some advice when I was hired as a young CO at Walla Walla. (1975). Now much later after 36 years in another law enforcement agency, I still remember his advice . He left us much too soon .

Chief of Police Pete Caw
Mountlake Terrace Police Department

July 21, 2023

Rest in peace Sergeant Cross.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 10, 2020

SGT CROSS, FAMILY TIME HAS PASSED BUT WE STILL REMEMBER YOUR SACRIFICE PROTECTING THE CITIZENS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON.

C/O CHIRICHELLO,L CERT
LANCASTER COUNTY PA

June 15, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 15, 2015

As a cousin of Sgt Cross, I clearly remember the day we lost this important member of our family. I regret that his parents did not live to see him receive the well-deserved MOH. We do not forget you, Bill.

Thelma Grifantini-Billet
relative

May 16, 2015

William Cross is a 2015 recipient of the Washington Law Enforcement Medal of Honor.

Officer Mike Severance
Seattle Police Department (Retired)

April 4, 2015

Rest In Peace Sergeant Cross, you are remembered.

Sgt. Jarrod L. Wilson / K9 Officer
West Virginia Division Of Corrections

June 15, 2014

Sgt Cross you were one of my Sgt And I remember you today as well as I did the day you Died. You will always be with me, God bless you and your family.

Officer
Wash State Pen Retired

December 29, 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 33rd 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,

I pray for the solace of all those that 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.

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

June 15, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 29, 2008

Sgt. Cross, you knew the road was dangerous but you drove it to the end because it was your sworn duty, you are not forgotten.

Anonymous
Washington State Department of Corrections

February 28, 2008

MY BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

July 16, 2007

Thanks for serving in one of the most difficult environments. Time has not diminished your sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

June 15, 2007

06/06/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Sgt. Cross.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

June 6, 2004

Your gift to those you serve IS NOT forgotten! You have become a bright and glorious star in the memory of those who care! THANK YOU!!

Richard Raymer
Private Citizen

May 13, 2004