Police Officer Russell Mark Willingham, Jr., Winston-Salem Police Department, North Carolina

Police Officer Russell Mark Willingham, Jr.

Winston-Salem Police Department, North Carolina

End of Watch Saturday, July 30, 2011

Russell Mark Willingham, Jr.

Police Officer Russell Willingham was killed in an automobile accident while responding to backup another officers at approximately 3:15 am.

He was traveling on North Vargrave Street when his patrol car left the roadway and struck a tree. He was able to notify dispatch that he was pinned inside and rescue units were dispatched. Moments later he notified dispatchers that his vehicle had caught fire. When the rescue units arrived the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames.

Officer Willingham had served with the Winston-Salem Police Department for two years and had previously served with the Greensboro Police Department. He is survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 28
Tour 2 years
Badge 724

Incident Details

Cause Automobile crash

Most Recent Reflection

View all 165 Reflections

Russ,

You were a former Massachusetts guy and starting on the same day at the Winston-Salem Police Department as I did? My, we do have quite a bit in common. I absolutely loved our short time together and I hope you were able to spot me on YOUR DAY to send you off brother. I would not have missed that for anything. I hope your beautiful WIFE or fabulous MOTHER will see this reflection and contact me if they can (Linked-In). You were an inspiration to so many folks my friend including me. I hope you are smiling down on us knowing that you really did make a huge difference while you were here. I enjoyed our time together and especially enjoyed your wisdom and quick wit.
I HOPE THAT YOU AND EVERYONE THAT YOU EVER CAME IN CONTACT WITH REALIZES THAT YOU ARE AND WERE AN ANGEL!

I truly miss you my brother.

Police Chief (Ret.) Darryll DeCotis
Bolton Police Department

March 19, 2013