Sergeant William J. Chapin

Sergeant William J. Chapin | Ithaca College Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management, New York Sergeant William J. Chapin | Ithaca College Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management, New York
Ithaca College Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management, New York
Sergeant William J. Chapin | Ithaca College Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management, New York
Sergeant William J. Chapin | Ithaca College Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management, New York
Sergeant William J. Chapin

Ithaca College Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management, New York

End of Watch Saturday, March 15, 1986

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William J. Chapin

Sergeant William Chapin drowned in the Buttermilk Creek gorge in Upper Buttermilk Falls State Park while attempting to rescue two students who had been swept into the icy waters.

Sergeant Chapin was on one of his days off when he was called in to assist with the rescue. His body was found four days later.

Sergeant Chapin also served part-time with the New York State Park Police.

Bio

  • Age 25
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Drowned

off duty, water rescue

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Sergeant Chapin, today marks 37 years since you lost your life trying to save the lives of others. You and your heroic acts have not been forgotten, Brother.

God Bless.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

March 15, 2023

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