NEWCOMERSTOWN - William "Bill" Rider, 53, died Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, at Marietta Memorial Hospital.
He was born Sept. 15, 1959, in Warren, the son of John and Jessie Byrne Rider.
He was a 1976 graduate of Chalker High School in Southington. He was most proud of being a fourth-generation police officer. He retired in 1996 as a sergeant from the Parkland, Fla., police department and as a captain of the fire department.
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Rider
Some of Bill's accomplishments include being an EMT and completing his training at the police and fire academies. He went on to work for Newton Falls Police Department, Warren Township Police Department (where he started the juvenile division), Lordstown Marshal's Office, Geneva-on-the-Lake Police Department, and finally retiring from the Parkland, Fla., Police Department.
Throughout his law enforcement career, he worked along with state and federal agencies such as the DEA, ATF, FBI, IRS, MIC, FDLE, National Auto Theft Task Force and the Florida Marine Patrol. He was also a lifetime member of the FOP.
Bill was inducted into the Police Officer Hall of Fame in 1996. He was also a member of Christ United Methodist Church and served as a youth counselor, a 4-H member, then a counselor and a past member of Harcatus Parents Board for Headstart.
He loved spending time with his children and grandson, fishing, grilling, working with wood and especially doting on his two dogs. He was a true sports fan of NASCAR and rooting for the Cleveland Browns, Indians and Cavaliers, Miami Dolphins and Florida Marlins. He also proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia West Rider, whom he married Oct. 21, 1978; his children, John (Tiffany) of Newark and Amanda of Newcomerstown; his mother, Jessie of Newcomerstown; his brother, John of New Philadelphia; his grandson, Logan of Newark; his nephews and nieces, Joshua, Todd, Chris, Charles and Candice; and several great-nephews and great-nieces.
He was preceded in death by his father, John, in 1989, and his brother, Larry.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Christ United Methodist Church in Newcomerstown with the Rev. Larry Hukill officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Police Hall of Fame, 6350 Horizon Drive, Titusville, FL 32780.
Online condolences may be made at www.addyfuneralhome.com.
(special notice)