Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Just saw this site
Bill was, and remains, my only best friend. We were best friends through high school, nam, and after nam. I lost contact with him after he left Ft Smith PD. Then I heard he had been killed by a drunk driver while honoring a fallen cop. Didn’t know others had been lost until reading previous tributes.
He came visited me in nam for a couple days. He was based down south and I was in I corp in danang area. He was an army chopper crew chief and door gunner. He did two tours in the nam and sent me a photo showing a rocket hit on his chopper about an arms length from where he sat.
I was, and still am, extremely mad at the drunk ahole that took my bud out after having survived two years of combat unscathed. Bill put up with a lot of crap from lowlifes he had known in high school when he joined FSPD.
I miss and mourn my brother most every day. Would dearly love to see him again

Jerry Morrow
Best friend

October 4, 2023

Will always be remembered..

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

July 6, 2023

Thank you for your service to our country and to your community in Dequeen. You will never ever be forgotten; RIP sir.

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

October 11, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered and honored. Rest In Peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 5, 2020

I was hired at the DeQueen Police Department on 29 April 1982. I met Bill that day and was immediately impressed. Bill helped train me, pointed out my mistakes and helped me learn what it took to be a police officer. Bill taught me firearms and many other things. He was also a great friend. Rest in Peace my friend.

(Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.)
(Matthew 5:9 NIV)

Sgt. Keith Tucker (Ret)
DeQueen Arkansas Police Deptartment

July 1, 2019

Capt. Mills ,
On today, the 34th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 5, 2018

I am Remembering you and all my other Law Enforcement friends, brothers and sisters in Law Enforcement and the families of each of you that departed or were taken from our brotherhood. I am retired now, body intact but worn out as is the old mind and memory. I review and reflect back on the job and all of my friends and family that are not physically with us anymore. You will remain a part of many, many lives that you touched, changed or protected during your service to your family, friends, departments and the citizens of your city, county and or state. Your still live in those changed lives and all of our Memories.. Thank-You..

Captain (Retired) Paul "Steve" Watson
DeQueen Arkansas Police Dept. (and Others)

February 8, 2018

Thank you for serving. I was at Trooper Bryants funeral when we got word of the crash. A terrible day for Law Enforcement. I was working on the Hope AR. PD at the time and did go to Dequeen several times to work until they were able to get more officers hired.. R.I.P. brothers.

Retired LT. Jim Lyon
Oklahoma Highway Patrol

January 22, 2018

Thank you for your service. You're never forgotten. God bless you and your family.

Special Agent-in-Charge Diane Upchurch
FBI - Little Rock

July 5, 2017

I was on the air getting ready to do the local news and weather at the Ft Smith radio station where I worked when ARN reported 4 De Queen policemen had been killed. I knew immediately Bill was one of them. I grabbed one of the other announcers and told them to take over. A few minutes later it was confirmed by a phone call asking me to go tell his parents.
I had become friends with his parents after he married my sister and had visited in their home often.
I didn't think I could do it alone.
I called the Ft Smith PD PIO, with whom I was friends because of my news reporting job, and asked him to accompany me. I felt it was also important for him to go, too, because Bill had worked for the Ft Smith PDC before coming to dequeen.
We went to the pharmacy where Bill's dad worked to tell him and then took him home to tell Bill's mom.
Later, I was with Sarah when they brought the box of Bill's effects. They had cleaned everything up...except the insides of his wallet.

Jill Brakeville Dills Wetzel
Sister-in-law

March 23, 2017

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 13, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 28th 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 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

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) Officer Larry Lasater

December 29, 2012

RIP, Sir

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

July 27, 2012

Bill,
Later I filled your slot in the department, but never could or would try to take your place. You were very professional and a leading example for new and old officers. I remember and think of you and the other brothers we lost that week all the time. I also do not forget several other friends I have known and lost over the years. I also have a heavy heart and deep feeling of loss for other officers that I have not known, but were taken from our family too. You will not be forgotten! I can name too many I have known and some you also knew too. They will not be forgotten! Today, I speak out in Remember, you.. Capt. Bill Mills and Sgt. Roy Brewer, Ptlm. Herman Jones, Ptlm. Bill Gilham and Arkansas State Police Trooper Louis Bryant. God Bless you all and God Bless and keep your famlies and friends safe.

Captain (Retired) Paul (Steve) Watson
DeQueen Arkansas Police Department

May 15, 2012

Uncle Billy, there is never a time that goes by when you aren't in my thoughts. I gained strength and knowledge through our talks, and just to let you know, even though I was barely a teen at the time, I do remember and uncle Billy, I'm still listening. It was enough of an impact for me, that you have a great nephew carrying your name and it was explained to him exactly the kind of caring, loving, and giving soul that you are, and so far he's doing good. I miss you uncle billy, you're always in my heart.

Donna Layes
neice

July 8, 2011

When we left Alabama in July 1969, headed to Arkansas for a short visit.(Orders for Vietnam) I thought we would run into each other again. It never happened, I talked to some of the other guys that was with us in Alabama. Some said they had heard you were in another Company in the northern part of S.V.N. After years of searching I find you serving your country until the end. Now you are in a beter place. One of these days I will take up the search again. Your Friend Always B.A.

David Holt
Army Buddie

September 3, 2009

Rest with God.

Capt. Lloyd franklin
AR State Police

July 5, 2009

I met Bill when he was a Sargeant and training officer. I received my first training from him. He was a caring and outgoing person who left an indelible mark on my life. Many times I have reflected on the day of that accident. I miss him.

Robert Maxwell
Grannis PD, and friend

August 24, 2008

Rest in Peace, Captain Mills. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

June 14, 2008

I just came across this site today and wanted to say I'm sorry we never had the opportunity to be introduced. Mom says we are a lot alike (I too like gadgets and that sort). I think about you and often wonder but I know one day we will have plenty of time to become acquainted. Until then Mom and I will be taken care of. She re-married later on and we have been truly blessed with a wonderful husband/father who also served the state as a Highway Patrolman for several years, Matt Hooper. Until we meet, Rest in Peace

Jonathan Hooper
His son

December 19, 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

November 19, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

October 3, 2006

You are one of our heroes, and you will not be forgotten. We honor you for your service to the citizens of the State of Arkansas!

We salute you!

Lois Rao
Surviving Mother of
South Carolina Highway Patrol Senior Trooper Michael J. Rao
End of Watch: June 12, 2002

Lois Rao
Surviving Mother

October 3, 2005

As far as I'm concerned Richard Wayne Snell is as responsible for all you DeQueen officers as well as ASP Trooper Louis Bryant. Our State lost five courageous Officers because of one low life coward. You were the only DeQueen PD cop that I knew personally. I salute all of you for the ultimate sacrifice to honor a fallen officer. May God bless all of you and your families. I will never forget y'all.

Ret. Sgt. Mark Hanna
Fayetteville. AR PD

February 28, 2005

On this 20th anniversary of this horrible tragedy, May we never forget their sacrifice. May God Have brought peace to their Family, Fellow Officers and Friends.....

Officer Debra McFall Ross
East Buffalo Twp Police Dept, Lewisburg, Pa.

July 6, 2004