Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

What though the radiance
Which was so bright
Be now forever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower;
We will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind;
In the primal sympathy
Which having been must ever be,
In the soothing thoughts that spring out of human suffering,
In the faith that looks through death,
In the years that bring the philosophic.
. . .

from: Ode of Intimations of Immortality
William Wordsworth

gaize

December 9, 2014

Will - I remember as if it were yesterday getting the horrific phone call during the night. It was the only time in my entire life that my legs literally gave out from under me. I am now sitting, awaiting word that justice has finally been served. There is not a day that goes by, that I put on my badge and gun, that I do not think about you. I know there is an angel sitting on my shoulder protecting me as I continue your service. I sit here praying for your loyal and long-suffering family hoping they will find peace and closure tonight. Know that your family, all of Milledgeville, and your law enforcement brothers and sisters always keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Federal Agent
A Friend

December 9, 2014

Will, today is your day. Today is Will's Day.

Deouty Sheriff

December 9, 2014

We are nearing the end of the 19 year journey through the State of GA and the US Justice Systems. We have an execution date, December 9, 2014, and your family will be there to see end. Your parents, brothers, aunts and uncles, first cousins, along with the sheriffs and DA will all be there. We have kept the faith, helped along by your devoted large family, coworkers, many friends, and community. Closure? There is none. Ever. However we will finish the arduous appeals process and justice will be served. We will then celebrate the memories and happy times. Mom

Mom

November 22, 2014

I still think about that trip we made to Oklahoma City shortly after the bombing there. I could'nt sleep at all on that trip. The van was all over the roadway LOL, but you got us there and back safely. I miss you Big Guy!!!!

Mike G
Co-worker & Friend

April 30, 2014

After almost 20 years, you still remain in our hearts...

A Friend

December 17, 2013

The U.S. Supreme Court has denied the request for hearing of the appeal, so the date will be set in September, 2013. There is no closure for Dad, me, your brothers Frank and Tom, nor the remaining family, but we will be free of appeals after the journey for justice ends. Nine appeals and almost 20 years, but we stayed the course. Officers still gather at your grave after midnight on December 17 to share their memories and tell William jokes. We celebrate granddaughter's birthday with love, and as she said once, "Meme, I know why daddy cries on my birthday, but I guess being born on the same date as Uncle Will was killed makes me kinda special." Keeping the faith sweetheart. Mom

Marcia M. Robinson
Mother

June 20, 2013

Thinking about you today like everyday....

A friend

December 17, 2012

Thinking of you tonight!!!!

Scott G

December 16, 2012

Still working on that list of things we talked about...I now have my degree, as promised. I have a family...just like we talked about. You are still a central part of our lives. Your laughter echoes in my soul. I miss you beyond reason.
I still run into people whose lives you have touched. Such a legacy.
You were a great man Will...always

Stephanie

May 16, 2012

Rest in Peace, Deputy Robinson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 24, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 16th anniversary year 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 miss and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. You were a true friend to many as evidenced by reflections left in your honor.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 17, 2011

We miss you Will...

Stephanie Holland
friend

December 16, 2011

My daughter posted this on FaceBook today...
"Remembering a good man today. (One of John's frat brothers; it should tell you what kind of man he was that so many of the brothers have sons named Will.) God Bless all the families who have lost those killed in the line of duty."
You will always be our hero. You will always be missed. Prayers continue for your family, friends, & fellow law enforcement brothers & sisters.

Kathy B
Georgia Citizen

December 17, 2010

14 years and you still inspire me to push forward. You still laugh when I goof.
My hero, my friend...always...I miss you.

Watch over the guys...they need you.

stephanie

December 17, 2009

William,
I came on the job in 2000, years after you were killed. I was a patrolman working nights several years ago when I pulled over a speeder near the end of my shift. He was going fast enough to get a ticket but something told me not to give him a ticket. I gave him a warning which he was happy to get. This man then asked me if I wore my bullet proof vest and I told him I did(not the normal question an officer gets on a traffic stop.) The gentleman told me he was glad to hear that and told me of the Christmas season in 1995, how he had lost a family member in Georgia in the line of duty. He asked me to always wear my vest. I assured him I would and I always have. I'll never forget that traffic stop and I'll always remember how you touched my life that night. Sir, thank you for your service and for watching over your family still. Please continue to watch over them and all of your brothers and sisters in blue. Godspeed...

Lt Neil L Assenheimer
Bucyrus Police Dept, Ohio

December 19, 2008

I vividly remember attending your funeral thirteen years ago. I decided right there that I would become a LEO. Your sacrifice is not forgotten. Thanks, Will.

Sergeant in Georgia

December 17, 2008

GOOD DEPUTY and will never be forgotten.

Milledgeville Police Dept. Explorer

May 29, 2008

A good officer.
A good man.
He lived a hero's life.
He died a hero's death.

Friend

May 15, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 9, 2007

"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

October 8, 2007

Every moring I see your photograph, that big, bright smile devilish, and I thank God for loaning you to Dad and me for twenty-six years. Those who did not know you missed a charming, funny, handsone, smart fellow, loved by his family, family, and community. You were truly an exceptional force in our world.

Mom
Mom

March 4, 2007

He may have fallen, but he is NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's

September 22, 2006

I still wear my wrist band to remind me of that fateful night. I still remember you calling in a traffic stop on a vehicle that matched the description of an armed robbery suspect. I remember hearing dispatch scream on the radio that you had been shot. I still have a very vivid memory of that night. I still think of you every time I make a traffic stop. You will always be remembered.

Chris Findley

Sgt Chris Findley
Former co-worker

August 22, 2006

When you turned and walked away that night, I never imagined that we had shared our last moments together. You smiled, winked and promised to see me later. I thought I would die waiting for you to answer the radio. I kept telling myself that you were too busy or had dropped your radio. When they told me you were gone, I wanted to die too. Only a few nights before, you told me that if you had to go young, you wanted to go in the line of duty. That didnt make it any easier.
I have done most of the things we talked about. The things we wanted to accomplish...There are a few more left to check off, but I will succeed. I will make you proud. Every time I accomplish something or face a challenge, I know you are with me cheering me on and pushing me along. I live for the both of us.

You gave me my life, you made me want more and expect more of myself. Your voice still encourages me and your laughter still echoes in my mind. Thank you. I will carry you in my heart always.

To all of you reading this, he was and is a hero. A big man with an even bigger heart. He loved his job, his family and his friends. He is loved and remembered by us all.

stephanie

March 20, 2006