Police Officer William D. McCabe

I worked with Bill for all but a few months of his career at Troy PD. He was an excellent police officer. It would be impossible in this space to recount the many examples of his dedication and hard work; however, I would like to offer my personal reflections of Bill and his career.

All police officers face obstacles, challenges and discouragement during their careers. Bill faced his share; but, he never allowed those situations to defeat him and he never displayed bitterness or disillusionment. He didn’t complain and each time he came back stronger than before.

Bill was an extremely disciplined man both physically and mentally, and was an excellent athlete. His athletic accomplishments were examples of his determination. I was fortunate enough to play along side him and observed first hand the class, dignity and determination he competed with; which mirrored his performance on the job. He was respectful of his opponents on the field and that aspect of his character was displayed in the performance of his police duties. Bill came into contact with literally thousands of citizens. Complaints about his conduct were rare and always without merit. Dedication, commitment, respect and a strong work ethic cannot be compartmentalized; when truly possessed they permeate your life, they certainly did Bill’s.

I was at the hospital with Bill the day he was injured in the crash that ultimately cut his life short. Bill never uttered a word of complaint and I distinctly remember him telling me he’d be back to work soon. Knowing Bill, I doubt that if he had known what the crash would ultimately lead to, that it would have had any effect on his attitude.

At the end of a police career it’s not whether your badge was silver or gold, or if you had stripes on your sleeves, or bars or stars on your collar, that determines your value or defines success. The ultimate compliment is hearing your peers declare “he (or she) was a good cop”.

Bill was a great cop, and a great friend. He is missed greatly.

Charles Craft, Chief of Police (retired)
Troy (MI) Police Department

May 10, 2020