Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Patrolman Chapman.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 12, 2020

Senior Patrol Officer William D. Chapman will never ever be forgotten. Thank you for your service to your community, and for your devotion to the Utica Police Department, especially to your fellow law enforcement officers. May your soul rest in Heaven as you sir are a hero.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police - Troop D

February 19, 2018

I am the oldest daughter of Officer Chapman, Melissa. All the comments I have read have hit me heart. I miss my father so much as well as my family does too. He was truly a hero to me. Thank you to everyone May god watch over him

Daughter of officer Chapman

March 14, 2014

A project for a pre-employment police academy regarding Patrolman Chapman has shown me that, even though it has been nearly 34 years since his death, he is still very much remembered and honored by the community and by his former colleagues. As a current recruit and as a four year sheriff's office veteran, it still amazes me how strong this brotherhood is.

Deputy C. Luebbert
Oneida County Sheriff's Office - Corrections Division

January 3, 2014

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 19, 2010

I said a little prayer today for Patrolman Chapman and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

July 16, 2009

"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 20, 2007

Bill was a trusted member of my Squad and was always a pleasure to be around and to have around. Bill will always live in my memory as someone who treated others the way he would like to be treated. Thank You Bill for many good years of friendship.

Tom Bogaert Retired
UPD

November 14, 2006

The morning of July 19,1981 was a nightmare. About 2AM, Bill assisted me on a prowler call a long way from his patrol zone. He was "senior man" on the street, and came on his own, as he did with all of us, to check on me and back me up. We made plans to meet at 4AM for coffee. About 5 minutes later, he crashed. He was surrounded by all of us in the squad in the ER when he passed. He was a good cop, a good friend, and a good family man. He died a hero, going to assist another Officer fighting with a suspect at the same hospital where he died. He loved his wife and daughters, and his death left a void for all of us. I was proud to serve on his honor guard at the funeral, and I think and pray for him and his family often.

God speed Bill.

Ptlm. Michael Graham, Retd.
Utica, NY Police Department

February 26, 2006

Bill was a fine officer and as professional as they come. It was the example of officers like him that motivated me to a life in law enforcement. It's been almost 25 years since he died on Genesee St. responding to an officer needing assistance call. That sounds like a long time but it's just the blink of an eye and I remember him well. May God bless you, Bill, and grant you eternal rest.

Captain Michael J. Donoghue
Summerville, S.C. Police Department

February 22, 2005