There is no sight like an American flying high, but right now flags all over are flying half mast to honor those we have lost to this horrible virus. We at Pinups for Positivity, want to make sure we honor them too.
DET. WILLIAM J. SULLIVAN #693
Appointed: February 3, 1995
Died: April 11, 2020
Performance of Duty
Yonkers Police Department (NY)
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William James Sullivan Jr. was born in the City of Yonkers on July 27, 1965 where he lived his entire life. After school Mr. Bill began working for the family business, Sullivan & Sons Building Materials and Fuel Oil Co. as a Customer Service Manager. Mr. Bill knew he wanted to be a police officer early on and in the early 1980's he started working as a Park Ranger for the Westchester County Police Dept. He completed extensive training for this job, including Firearms, First Aide, EDP's, etc., very similar to the state MPTC training and was certified as a Peace officer. He loved this job and they continued to hire him every year for almost a dozen years. Mr. Bill wanted to be a police officer. He took the test and was on the appointment list for NYPD, Westchester County PD, Rockland County PD, Dutchess County PD, White Plains PD, New Rochelle PD and...Yonkers NY PD. Yonkers reached out first. Mr. Bill was appointed to the Yonkers Police Department on February 3, 1995, just shy of 30 years of age. Assigned shield #893, Mr. Bill graduated from the Westchester County Police Academy. Following his recruit training Police Officer William Sullivan was assigned to uniform patrol duty in the 4th precinct. He served as a mentor to the younger officers and was admired by his co-workers there in his beloved 4th precinct. His popularity led him to be elected as the 4th precinct trustee for several years and later was elected as the Sergeant at Arms and Board member of the PBA. After nearly ten years in the 4th pct on patrol Mr. Bill was advanced to Detective in September 2004 and assigned to the Detective Division. With his warm, yet unpretentious demeanor, he was able to excel in dealing with victims and suspects alike. As a result he was assigned to the Major Case Squad. He had an incredible way of relating to people which made him the excellent detective he was. After serving in Major Case for 8 years Mr. Bill was transferred to the departments Intelligence Unit in January 2013. Bill never had an ego problem. He could comfortably speak with a police chief or a homeless person with the same interest, enthusiasm and smile. Mr. Bill was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the Friendly Son's of St. Patrick (Westchester), a proud member of the Police Emerald Society of Westchester who recognized him numerous times over the years with various awards. He had supported and attended every St. Patrick's Day Parade since he joined the YPD and even earlier than that. In 2017 he was honored by being asked to be an aide to the St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshall. Mr. Bill was very active in the PBA (Police Benevolent Association) and helped organize just about every function and was a proud member of the PBA. Mr. Bill and his wife Mrs. Eileen had been married for over 29 years and had two children; Jacqueline and William the third. The proud parents watched their son, William, be sworn in as a member of the Yonkers Police Dept. and be assigned his fathers original police shield, #893. Sadly, in April of 2020 Mr. Bill contracted the coronavirus in the performance of duty, fought hard to overcome it, but died in the hospital as a result on April 11, 2020. He was only 54 years of age. The following day the street opposite the 4th precinct, where Mr. Bill began his career, was completely lined with police officers and others paying their respects as Mr. Bill was given his last ride. The hearse and cortege were led by the entire Yonkers PD Traffic Unit on their motorcycles. Members of the Pipes and Drums of the Police Emerald Society of Westchester solemnly played the funeral dirge. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-N7IcwdDpk or search Detective Sullivan Yonkers on youtube). Det. First Grade William James Sullivan's last ride.
Mr.Bill was a good friend of Mr. Bobby (a former honoree). "He was a truly great guy. Kind. Gentle. Honest. I will truly miss a guy like him. He was a good cop. He worked for me for a while. I will not forget him."
For those who don't know Mr. Bobby is my dad. Upon hearing of Mr. Bill's death via facebook I contacted my dad to make sure he had heard. It has led us to some thoughtful conversations, which can be a challenge for two very silly people. He mentioned that people have a hard time understanding the "thin blue line'. My answer, as a person who isn't part of that line, is its easy to understand. They are your brothers and sisters in arms. You all bleed blue together. No death isn't felt by all. This holds true to the red and green lines as well. I will never fully understand their lose because I will never be in the situations they have been in, but I can respect that these people have risked all for me and know that I will never be able to pay them back.
So as humble blogger I thank you Mr. Bill. I wish you the peace you deserve while you protect your family. I thank your family for making their sacrifices too. I pray that we don't lose anymore to this virus, knowing that is a prayer that wont be fulfilled anytime soon. I thank the YPD for going above and beyond in saying goodbye to our friend. Thank you so very much.
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