Officer Memorial
Deputy James Wilson joined the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Department in December 1974. He worked in the Waupaca County Jail for nine years before being placed in the Patrol Division. Deputy Wilson was active in the Army Reserves during this time. On the morning of April 5, 1985, while taking his mother and two young children to breakfast, Deputy Wilson was involved in a head on collision with a drunk driver. Deputy Wilson and his mother were killed instantly. Deputy Wilson had a tremendous respect for life, family values, and was eager to help those in need. Deputy Wilson is remembered with a smile.“The Final Inspection”
The policeman stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining Just as brightly as his brass. “Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To my church have you been true?” The policeman squared his shoulders and said, “No Lord I guess I ain’t. Because those who carry badges Can’t always be a saint. I’ve had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was rough… And sometimes I’ve been violent Because the streets are awful tough. But I never took a penny That wasn’t mine to keep… Though I worked a lot of overtime When the bills just got to steep. And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I’ve wept unmanly tears. I know I don’t deserve a place Among the people here. They never wanted me around Except to calm their fear. If you’ve a place for me here, Lord, it needn’t be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don’t …I’ll understand.” There was a silence all around the throne Where the saints had often trod, As the policeman waited quietly For the judgment of his God. “Step forward now, policeman. You’ve borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven’s streets. You’ve done served your time in hell.”