Hero Down: Waco PD Officer William McKinney Succumbs To Cancer

Waco, TX – Waco Police Department (WPD) Officer William Michael McKinney died on Saturday following a battle against cancer, according to his department.

“[Officer] McKinney has spent his entire adult life serving his country and community in some form,” WPD Officer Garen Bynum said in a press release on Monday morning. “He is a true hero and we could not be more proud of him and his life.”

“Please help us honor and remember Waco Police Officer William Michael McKinney, Badge #205,” Officer Bynum wrote.

Officer McKinney’s life of service began in 1991, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, according to his department.

He attended Master of Arms School and served as a military policeman prior to his honorable discharge in 1994.

During his years of military service, Officer McKinney was awarded the South Asia Service Medal, the Bronze Star, and the National Defense Service Medal, according to Officer Bynum.

Officer McKinney attended emergency medical technician courses while attending Hill College, and went on to earn a fire academy certification in the fall of 2003.

He joined the WPD as a police recruit on Sept. 7, 2004, and became a commissioned officer on Jan. 11, 2005, Officer Bynum said.

Officer McKinney left the WPD later that year to serve as a Waco firefighter, but returned to the force on Jan. 7, 2008.

He served several years in the patrol division and spent over three years working in the street crimes unit, according to his department.

Officer McKinney was assigned to the drug enforcement section in November of 2016, and spent the rest of his career serving as a detective.

He received multiple awards during his years of law enforcement service, including the Certificate of Merit, the WPD Life-Saving Award, three Meritorious Unit Awards, and multiple written commendations, Officer Bynum said.

Officer McKinney leaves behind his wife and daughter, as well as his father, sister, friends, relatives, and “a grateful police family,” Officer Bynum added.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Waco Police Department Officer William Michael McKinney, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

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