An excerpt from the book, “Some Gave All,” by Mike Simmons
End of Watch Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Bill Myers was a complex man. Highly intelligent, there was not much that he tackled that he didn’t overcome. He worked for the Okaloosa Sheriff’s office, but he wasn’t just a deputy. He was often described as an ambassador for the Sheriff’s Office, with a ready ear, a comforting word, and an infectious smile. He spent a lot of time in the traffic unit, becoming one of the department’s traffic experts. He finally called himself retired in 2014. But that didn’t work. A mind and body that always stayed busy like that couldn’t stay still for long. Besides tinkering with machines and engines, he loved photography – and was pretty good at it. But he wasn’t busy enough.
So, in January 2015, he went back to the Sheriff’s office and joined as a reserve officer. He didn’t want to chase bad guys or fight – that was left up to the younger guys…although he would jump in if needed – anytime, anywhere. No, Bill wanted to stay busy. He was happy serving papers, which is what he was doing on September 22, 2015.
Joel Dixon Smith was a postal worker – an unhappy postal worker, who lived in Shalimar, Florida with his wife and 8-month-old baby boy. On Sunday evening, September 20, 2015, Joel was watching the child, who was lying on their bed. While he wasn’t watching, the boy rolled off the bed and began crying. As mothers do, Joel’s wife, Carolina, swooped the baby up and held him tight. Then she told her husband that he needed to watch the baby when he was on the bed.
Joel approached her, grabbed her neck, and pushed her against the wall. With her cell phone, Carolina tried to call 911, but Joel grabbed it and wouldn’t let her call. He told her that she better not call the police. It wasn’t the first time he did not control himself in a domestic situation. He had charges filed against him in 2008 in neighboring Walton County.
The next morning, Carolina headed for the courthouse. When she explained what happened the night before, she was told that her husband had committed domestic violence and that she could file a restraining order against him. She filed it and listed that he owned a 9 MM handgun and two shotguns. She learned that the restraining order would be served the following day and he would not be able to have the firearms until the situation was resolved.
On Tuesday morning, Lt. Fred Lithgow was sitting in his office when Bill came in. “Got papers to serve,” Bill said to Fred. “I’ll be back later.” Having coffee and lunch together was a daily ritual for the friends. The biggest question of the day was where to eat!
As was their routine, Fred said, “Where are we eating lunch today?”
“I don’t care,” replied Bill. Fred said, “You’re call. Let me know.” It was the last words Fred ever spoke to his best friend. The papers were the restraining order papers on Joel Smith. Bill was a wise person. The best thing to do was to work with Smith’s attorney, Michael Gates, to make the restraining order service as smooth as possible. Bill worked out the coordination by asking the attorney to call Smith and have everyone meet at the attorney’s office, which was about two blocks from the Sheriff’s Office. When Smith showed up, Bill was already there. In his usual professional, grandfatherly manner, Bill served him with the papers. As part of the process, Bill asked Smith if he had any weapons. Smith said he did, and they were in the car. Bill turned to go outside to retrieve them. What he didn’t know was that Smith was in possession of a handgun that he had concealed ahead of time, planning to use it. He pulled it out and shot Bill several times in the back and in the head once. Bill went down and Smith jumped in his vehicle and fled the scene.
Considering the proximity of the sheriff’s office and the law office, deputies probably heard the shot from their office. Regardless, they were made aware of the incident within seconds, and they responded, along with medical personnel. Bill was rushed to the hospital in nearby Fort Walton Beach where heroic attempts were made to save his life, but to no avail.
No more jokes with Lt. Lithgow. No more kayak rides. The other members of the radio clubs would never hear his voice again. His grandchildren would never go to Disney with their grandfather again. It was over.
Almost at once, they were on Smith’s trail. He returned to the Comfort Inn that he had stayed at the night before. He barricaded himself in his room, and the SWAT team was called. After what seemed like an eternity to the negotiators talking to Smith, the decision to fire tear gas into the room was given. The SWAT team members braced themselves, took aim, and waited to see if he would give up or not. Smith came out with his gun and aimed at the officers. It didn’t take much. One second later, Smith was on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds all over his body. He was taken to the same hospital in Fort Walton Beach where the hero he killed had been taken.
A facility had been chosen and announced. Those officials tasked with choosing the location for the funeral had several unusual matters to consider. First, there would probably be over 1000 people – many of them officers – attending the service. Secondly, Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi were going to be there, so security would be tight. But a suitable place was found…the Raider Arena at Northwest Florida State College.
The funeral took place on September 28, 2015. It was estimated beforehand that well over 1000 would be in attendance – double that number. 2000 people showed up. Sheriff Larry Ashley spoke about the hero that Bill was and the coward that Smith was. Lt. Lithgow gave a 10-minute eulogy on his close relationship with “his twin.” Bill’s body was later cremated, and his ashes were scattered. He left behind a wife, three sons, and seven grandchildren.
Well done, Sir. Rest in Peace.
#oldpolicestories