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Fallen Officers

In the history of the Adrian Police Department, many men and women have served with distinction. These fine men and women place the safety and security of the citizens of Adrian at the highest level and at times have placed that above their own personal safety. Many officers have been recognized by the department for lifesaving and performance of duty above and beyond. Two of our officers have paid the ultimate sacrifice while performing their duties.

Dennis Robert Lyons

Officer Lyons was killed in the line of duty on April 24, 1880. Officer Lyons responded to a fight in front of Fred Lund’s Saloon, which was located in the 100 block of W. Maumee St. The individual who started the altercation fled the scene on foot, running westbound on W. Maumee St. towards the river. Officer Lyons pursued the subject and just as he was catching up to him, the subject turned around and shot Officer Lyons once in the head, causing him to drop to the sidewalk and die instantly.

Bobby Lynn Williams

Officer Williams was killed in the line of duty on June 30, 1975. Officer Williams stopped a vehicle on W. Beecher St. near the river and was shot by the driver as he approached the vehicle. Officer Williams was able to return fire as he fell and disabled the vehicle so it could not be driven very far. It was later determined the vehicle’s occupants had robbed a gas station in Tecumseh and taken the attendant hostage. The three occupants of the vehicle were captured and the hostage was unharmed. The driver and front seat passenger were convicted of Officer William’s death and are still in prison to this day.