Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Sergeant William A. Prochazka of the Bedford Heights Police Department, Ohio and the additional 77 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

November 10, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Sergeant William A. Prochazka of the Bedford Heights Police Department, Ohio and the additional 76 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

November 10, 2022

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Sergeant William A. Prochazka of the Bedford Heights Police Department, Ohio and the additional 74 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

November 10, 2021

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorney Generals Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Sergeant William A. Prochazka of the Bedford Heights Police Department, Ohio and the additional 73 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

November 10, 2020

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Sergeant William A. Prochazka of the Bedford Heights Police Department, Ohio and the additional 71American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

November 10, 2017

Dad,

41 years ago today you were tragically taken away from us. We miss you dearly. I made a promise during your funeral to continue what you started and believed in. I have 2 1/2 years until I fulfill that promise. My wife and I recently took your granddaughters, Taylor and Sydney, to Washington DC to view your name on the police memorial. I was a very emotional time for them, but they were extremely proud of their grandfather. Rest in peace.

your son,

Sgt. Bob Prochazka
Willowick, Ohio Police Department

November 11, 2016

Rest in peace brother. I am sending my No Parole letter today to keep your killers behind bars. God bless the family, friends, and co-workers of Sgt Prochazka during this time of re-opening a wound that never completely heals.

Sr. Ptlmn Donnie Meaders(RET)
Wewoka (OK) Police Department

June 26, 2015

Rest in peace my brother of the badge, May God bless your family, friends and Department. My letter will go out today.

Bob Reed, Retired Police Officer
South Lake Tahoe Police Department

June 24, 2015

Bill, You are always in our prayers.
Chuck Kocisko

Chuck Kocisko
Friend

September 24, 2014

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you.
Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 10, 2010

For ten years,I had both the honor and privilege of working with Det.Sgt.William Prochazka until his untimely death on Nov.l0th 1975.Sgt.Prochazka had entered a paint store,that previously been robbed to further investigate. He was not unware at the time,that robbery was in progress.Upon entering the store,he was shot and killed for no apparent reason by one of the four suspects.All suspects were later apprehended,tried and sentenced to death,but later were sentenced to life instead .Sgt.Prochazka was a real asset to both the Dept. and community he served.He was sorely missed afterwards by both.

Lt.H.L.Canter Ret.
Bedford Hts.P.D.

September 26, 2009

God Bless you, Sgt. Prochazka. You are a hero and you will not be forgotten.
I've had the privilege to know your son, Bob. He is a very caring person and a great Police Officer. I know you would be very proud of him.
Rest in peace.

Anonymous
Ohio

July 20, 2008

SGT. Prochazka your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 23, 2008

"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

December 31, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
mancheser, Nh

November 5, 2007

Officer Prochazka:

One of the guys who took your life was in court today asking that his conviction be thrown out. Thank God the judge refused to even consider this. Your partner and son
were in court to testify. You would be very proud of your son who became a fine police officer. May God bless you and your family.

Greater Cleveland Resident

September 20, 2007

Today in the sun, I bid him farewell
A man, a hero, I never knew well

Like many before him, who answered the call
Wearing a badge, he was destined to fall

Though by choice a long life and a happy old age
Would he have chosen, had he written the page

But the office he chose never promised long life
Just half of his salary, for his child and his wife

He went without fear, into the darkness of night
Bringing comfort to some, to some others light

Easing their pain and calming their fears
He did his duty, never asking for cheers

A husband, a cop, he answered the call
We bid him farewell for he gave his all

Chief John Puckett
Port Jefferson Police Dept.

December 26, 2006

31 years today.

God bless you, Uncle Bill.

Robert Kuntz

November 10, 2006

Sergeant Prochazka's service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

A Grateful Citizen

May 9, 2006

We did not know you, but think of your sacrifice with gratitude. Our hearts go out to your family always, but especially on this anniversary of losing you.

Friends of GAC Beuf, Phx PD, eow 11/1/99

November 10, 2005

I hope it brings some comfort to your loved ones knowing that we will always remember what you gave so the streets here in Ohio might be a safer place. You are a true hero.

From Summit County Ohio

September 21, 2005

05/22/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Sgt. Prochazka.

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

May 22, 2004