THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT RELEASE
Danville Police Department regrets to inform that we lost not only a retired police officer and servant to the community, but also a Korean War veteran, good citizen, and friend to many. William “Bill” Engle Jr. passed away on April 2, 2025, at the age of 92. Shortly after graduating from high school, Bill served in the US Army. Bill joined the ranks of the Danville Police Department in 1959 and served the community until 1982. While here at DPD, he served in many roles. Bill worked several years in the Patrol Division and was then assigned to Criminal Investigation Division as a sergeant. Bill returned to the Patrol Division as a lieutenant and was even selected as the interim Chief of Police. Bill retired as a lieutenant, however, remained serving his community by being involved to keep his neighborhood safe on Danville’s southeast side.
As a young patrol officer, I would often see Bill outside of his residence and rarely would he fail to flag an officer down just to say, “hello”. Bill had a great sense of humor and a sharp wit. Many who worked with him told me that Bill was good to work for, very well-liked and respected by his peers and subordinates. Bill often attended different police events after retirement. Bill didn’t know a stranger and was friendly to everyone. He had a young spirit even in his later years. He was very proud of his sports car and stayed very active, playing golf or traveling. I am pretty sure that he told me of a jet ski story in which he had to be in his 80s at the time. Many would see him exercising at the YMCA several times a week even not too long ago. Bill loved life.
Bill had his family at the DPD but most important to him was his family at home. I would often see Bill at the American Legion watching a grandchild playing ball. Bill enjoyed being retired and would remind me that he has been retired since 1982, almost 43 years retired! That is surely being blessed. The Danville Police Department and I send our condolences to all his family and friends. He will be laid to rest with military honors and full police honor guard tomorrow, April 8th, 2025. Thank you, Bill for your years of service to this community, your family, and our country.
– Chief Christopher Yates
