Thousands mourn slain New River MCSO deputy

MARC BUCKHOUT ~ MANAGING EDITOR~ 1/18/2012

A number of benefits some big and some small have already happened and still more are upcoming as Anthem and New River have rallied to support the family of the late William Coleman.
Coleman, 50, was killed in the early morning hours of Jan. 8 while responding to a security alarm that went off in Anthem.
The MCSO sheriff deputy was fatally shot by Drew Ryan Maras, 30, who had killed a New Hampshire couple in Sedona, just two days prior.
Coleman, a New River resident, who is survived by his wife Beth, and four children was laid to rest Friday at Phoenix Memorial Park in Phoenix following a memorial service at North Phoenix Baptist Church in Phoenix.
The emotional service drew a near packed house as Coleman’s sister Julie Young, his oldest son Joe, his brother Rich as well as a pair of his colleagues and Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
The overwhelming sentiment was that Coleman, a 20-year veteran of the force, prided himself on helping people regardless of whether he was on duty or not.
“He was our go-to-guy,” said his brother Rich Coleman, citing several missions he and his brother had set out on. “He was 100 percent committed and he did it from the heart.”
A slide show of photos played to Toby Keith’s Cryin’ For Me as those in attendance repeatedly got to see Coleman enjoying time with his family, friends and coworkers.
Whether it was a water fight with his brother-in-law that got a little out of hand, going country dancing, hunting or even doing a stellar impression of Tweety Bird or Sylvester, the father of four, exhibited a zest for life.
“Bill would not want us sitting here being sad,” Young said. “He’d be saying people lets get past this and go have a beer.”
Young also read from a letter written by an Anthem teacher who talked about the impact Coleman’s visits had on her students.
“Deputy Bill came in to speak on stranger danger, gun safety, hug a tree and other topics. Not only did he provide them with information to keep them safe, he made such an impact on the students that several said they would like to be police officers when they grew up. For 120 kids he made a big difference. Your efforts will impact generations, through lives saved and all the good you did."
Sheriff's Deputy Shannon Reed shared the story of a young man from Desert Hills who met Coleman when sheriff's deputies were responding to a report of shots being fired in the desert near where the young man was partying with friends before he left for military boot camp. Coleman treated the teens with respect and dignity, Reed said, and the young man said the meeting gave him even more confidence that he wanted to be in law enforcement.
"Bill, you made a difference in other people's lives, and you just thought it was another day at work," Reed said.
North Phoenix Baptist Church Pastor Dan Yeary challenged police personnel in attendance at the funeral to live up to the standard Coleman set.
“Whenever Bill’s children see one of you in uniform it will remind them of their daddy,” Yeary said. “You have a responsibility to make him look even better than he was.”
Following the memorial Coleman was laid to rest at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary.
An account has been set up with Desert Schools Credit Union to assist Coleman’s family. Anyone wishing to make donations should make them to the Deputy Coleman Memorial Account: 6000123586.
On Thursday Wendy’s in Anthem had a benefit in support of Coleman and Ocho Locos Mexican Restaurant and Catina had one complete with a silent auction on Monday. Police personnel ate for free during the event.
Upcoming events include Hands Across Anthem set for 2 – 5 p.m. on Sunday at the corner of Anthem Way and Gavilan Peak Parkway. The event will include a human chain and show of solidarity. Signatures, well wishes and donations will be collected to support the Coleman family.
At 12:30 p.m., Jan. 29 Anthem churches will host a Saluting Anthem’s First Emergency Responders at Anthem Community Park.
Those interested in participating in the S.A.F.E.R. event are encouraged to go to WeAreSAFER.com. For information call Mike Marshall at 928-853-6758 or email mike.marshall@christianemergencynetwork.org.