Officer Down Memorial Page

Bill,
Later I filled your slot in the department, but never could or would try to take your place. You were very professional and a leading example for new and old officers. I remember and think of you and the other brothers we lost that week all the time. I also do not forget several other friends I have known and lost over the years. I also have a heavy heart and deep feeling of loss for other officers that I have not known, but were taken from our family too. You will not be forgotten! I can name too many I have known and some you also knew too. They will not be forgotten! Today, I speak out in Remember, you.. Capt. Bill Mills and Sgt. Roy Brewer, Ptlm. Herman Jones, Ptlm. Bill Gilham and Arkansas State Police Trooper Louis Bryant. God Bless you all and God Bless and keep your famlies and friends safe.

Captain (Retired) Paul (Steve) Watson
DeQueen Arkansas Police Department
May 15, 2012

Uncle Billy, there is never a time that goes by when you aren't in my thoughts. I gained strength and knowledge through our talks, and just to let you know, even though I was barely a teen at the time, I do remember and uncle Billy, I'm still listening. It was enough of an impact for me, that you have a great nephew carrying your name and it was explained to him exactly the kind of caring, loving, and giving soul that you are, and so far he's doing good. I miss you uncle billy, you're always in my heart.

Donna Layes
neice
July 8, 2011

When we left Alabama in July 1969, headed to Arkansas for a short visit.(Orders for Vietnam) I thought we would run into each other again. It never happened, I talked to some of the other guys that was with us in Alabama. Some said they had heard you were in another Company in the northern part of S.V.N. After years of searching I find you serving your country until the end. Now you are in a beter place. One of these days I will take up the search again. Your Friend Always B.A.

David Holt
Army Buddie
September 3, 2009

Rest with God.

Capt. Lloyd franklin
AR State Police
July 5, 2009

I met Bill when he was a Sargeant and training officer. I received my first training from him. He was a caring and outgoing person who left an indelible mark on my life. Many times I have reflected on the day of that accident. I miss him.

Robert Maxwell
Grannis PD, and friend
August 24, 2008

Rest in Peace, Captain Mills. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
June 14, 2008

I just came across this site today and wanted to say I'm sorry we never had the opportunity to be introduced. Mom says we are a lot alike (I too like gadgets and that sort). I think about you and often wonder but I know one day we will have plenty of time to become acquainted. Until then Mom and I will be taken care of. She re-married later on and we have been truly blessed with a wonderful husband/father who also served the state as a Highway Patrolman for several years, Matt Hooper. Until we meet, Rest in Peace

Jonathan Hooper
His son
December 19, 2007

"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
November 19, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
October 3, 2006

You are one of our heroes, and you will not be forgotten. We honor you for your service to the citizens of the State of Arkansas!

We salute you!

Lois Rao
Surviving Mother of
South Carolina Highway Patrol Senior Trooper Michael J. Rao
End of Watch: June 12, 2002

Lois Rao
Surviving Mother
October 3, 2005

As far as I'm concerned Richard Wayne Snell is as responsible for all you DeQueen officers as well as ASP Trooper Louis Bryant. Our State lost five courageous Officers because of one low life coward. You were the only DeQueen PD cop that I knew personally. I salute all of you for the ultimate sacrifice to honor a fallen officer. May God bless all of you and your families. I will never forget y'all.

Ret. Sgt. Mark Hanna
Fayetteville. AR PD
February 28, 2005

On this 20th anniversary of this horrible tragedy, May we never forget their sacrifice. May God Have brought peace to their Family, Fellow Officers and Friends.....

Officer Debra McFall Ross
East Buffalo Twp Police Dept, Lewisburg, Pa.
July 6, 2004

Each day I read the ODMP. Today I read the story of your death. Every officer who gave his/her life for us need never be forgotton. Rest in peace, sir.

03/22/04

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
March 22, 2004