Police Officer William D. McCarthy Philadelphia Police Department Pennsylvania Tuesday, September 22, 1987  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

Billy,
Although I never really knew you outside of my dad's drawing or pictures... I've only heard the kindest words from him. I want to thank you for all that you have given back to Philadelphia and let you know that you will always be remembered.

~Cheryl

Cheryl
Bob's daughter
2008-12-13

"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
2008-01-24

Hello Officer McCarthy, As you know, I found out by chance that you and I have mutual friends.The friend named his son after you. That child is now a fine young man.He is living your name well. I remember your passing.You have not been forgotten.M.Walls,Proud Native of Phila.

M.Walls
Phila. Native
2007-11-10

HONOR

Brian F. Dwyer
Memphis Police Department Mounted Unit
2007-09-26

I met your family today at the Police Equestrian Competition. I spent quite some time with everyone. It was an honor meeting your mother, wife and daughter. Your mother and I had a wonderful time talking about the horses and how much she loves the officer's. Thank you for your service and may the Lord keep you in his loving arms.

Officer James Leary
United States Park Police
2007-09-23

yesterday was 20 years ago that you became an angel this weekend many of your fellow officers are competing in horsemanship in honor of you

mary cocke
uspp civilian
2007-09-23

You will always be remembered my friend.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
2007-09-22

Bill, I remember the time when I first came on the Police Dept. and I was given a foot beat on Germantown Ave. It was a cold February morning and pulled me aside and told me where I could get a warm cup of soup and introduced me to the merchants. I used to enjoy giving your horse a treat or two, he was a good partner.
It was a tragedy the manner in which you died and I often would visit the stables with my niece and give all the horses apples and carrots and I would teach her about the special assignment it was to be a member of the mounted patrol. You were an asset to the unit and department and are missed and thought of often.
RPC 2519

Det. AM Cleary
Philadelphia Police Dept.
2007-06-20

Officer McCarthy, you will never be forgotten. You are in my daily prayers. Thank You for the hard work, your dedication and the sacrifice you made in making Philly a better, safer place to live and also for protecting its citizens. Rest in God's Love and Peace.
Respectfully,
Kathi Halligan Phila Pa wife and mom of LEO

Kathi Halligan
Phila., PA
2006-06-29

I attended your plaque dedication a couple weeks ago. The memories of your last night will always lay heavy in my heart. But seeing your wonderful family that day gives me peace that you have left a great legacy behind.

Rest in Peace Bill

Former Mounted Patrol Member

2006-04-08

“REMEMBER ME”
Law enforcement officers are, indeed, a special breed of people. Ask anyone on the street and they will tell you that they would not have our jobs for anything in the world. It takes something special to do what we do and at the same time be able to even contemplate retirement. We try to be optimists. Unfortunately, there are a few of us who will never make that date with retirement. By the very nature of our job, we are at risk everyday of losing our lives, either at the hand of some deranged individual or in some other situation that we, by virtue of our occupation, may be unable to avoid. Some people have recognized the hazardous duties we involve ourselves in, the risks we take, and the pride we take in accomplishing that job. There is National Law Enforcement Week, dedicated to us who gladly accept the responsibility of protecting the citizens in our respective jurisdictions. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day is dedicated to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. These are but a two examples of remembrances specifically for law enforcement personnel. Remembrances that come but once a year. We should remind fellow officers of another type of remembrance, one that will last a lifetime. Sooner or later, a doctor will pronounce us dead. It is inevitable. Regardless of whatever happens, death is the end we will all have to face.
“IT IS IN DEATH THAT WE CAN LIVE FOREVER”
This was written by an unknown author.

Jim Moore
New Orleans P.D., Retired
2004-09-28