Elgin, TX – Elgin Police Officer William “Bill” Silva died in the line of duty on Tuesday, when he suffered a heart attack at the Elgin Middle School.

Officer Silva, 69, was working as a school resource officer at the time of his death, the Elgin Police Department said in a press release.

Prior to his career in law enforcement, Officer Silva served in the United States Navy as an E-5 Seaman in the Hospital Corps, according to his obituary.

After he was honorably discharged in 1972, he went on to earn a Biology and Chemistry degree from the University of Texas.

Officer Silva served the State of Texas’ Health and Human Services Division as a radioactive materials inspection controller, and later began going on “ride alongs” with his cousin, Officer Stanley Roper.

“In less than five trips, Bill knew law enforcement was his calling,” his obituary read.

Officer Silva entered himself into the police academy and began working evenings for the Travis County Sheriff’s Office in 1989.

He simultaneously worked both for the sheriff’s office and as an inspection controller until 2003, when he retired from his position with the state.

Officer Silva then transferred from the sheriff’s office to the Elgin Police Department, where he remained until his death.

During his career with the Elgin Police Department, Officer Silva received two Unit Citation Awards, a Master Peace Officer Certification, and was named the SRO Officer of the Year, according to the agency.

“Officer Silva’s death is a tragic loss to his family, our department, and our community,” the department said in the press release. “EPD is asking everyone to please allow his family the time and privacy they need to mourn their loss.”

Officer Silva leaves behind his wife, Robin Cooksey, as well as his extended family and friends, according to his obituary.

He will be laid to rest on Monday.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Elgin Police Officer William “Bill” Silva, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.