Tuesday marks the ninth anniversary of the line-of-duty death of Wayzata Police Officer William “Bill” Mathews.
Officer Bill Mathews. File photo.
Mathews was killed Sept. 8, 2017, after being struck by an impaired and distracted driver while responding to a 911 call to remove debris from Highway 12.
Wayzata Police Memorial image courtesy Wayzata Police Department Facebook page.
Mathews is remembered at the Wayzata Police Memorial outside City Hall, along with Sgt. James W. Anderson, who was killed in the line of duty in 1982.
The Wayzata Crime Prevention Coalition awarded Wayzata Police Officer Bill Mathews the Jim Fish Award at the August 2nd Night to Unite community luncheon, held at the Wayzata Country Club.
Wayzata Police Chief Marc Schultz, Wyatt Mathews, and Detective Sergeant Dan Lee. Image courtesy Wayzata Crime Prevention Coalition.
The award is presented annually to individuals within the community who have gone above and beyond in service to the community and in crime prevention.
“Bill Mathews served the communities of Wayzata and Long Lake with dedication and distinction. On September 8th, 2017 Officer Mathews gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to his communities,” stated Wayzata Detective Sergeant Dan Lee at the luncheon.
“I am proud to have known him, worked with him and to have called him my friend. This year marks the five year anniversary of when Officer Mathews lost his life in the line of duty. Bill’s commitment to his family, work, his partners and to the community did not come from a place of obligation. It came from the love of police work, and his want to serve, not because he had to.”
Mathews’ son Wyatt, accepted the award on behalf of his father.
In a heartfelt tribute to the late Officer William Mathews, the Wayzata Police Department has received a generous donation of two electric bikes from Renewal by Andersen of the Twin Cities, facilitated by the Wayzata Crime Prevention Coalition.
Pictured, left to right: Wayzata Chief of Police Mike Risvold, Renewal by Andersen of the Twin Cities manager Tim Ruff and Shawn Mathews, widow of fallen officer Bill Mathews
Officer Mathews, 47, lost his life in the line of duty in 2017 while responding to a 911 call about debris on Highway 12. Having served the Wayzata Police Department for nine years and various other communities prior, his memory continues to resonate within the community.
Renewal by Andersen, inspired by Officer Mathews’ legacy, reached out to his widow, Shawn Mathews, and subsequently approached the police department to inquire about their needs. In an effort to honor Officer Mathews, the company decided to contribute two electric bikes, valued at $5,800, to aid the department in patrol and community outreach initiatives.
The WPD accepted the bikes on Thursday, June 13, at Klapprich Park, at a gathering preceding the annual Wayzata Fire vs. Wayzata Police charity softball game. The bikes were officially presented to the Wayzata Police Department, with Wayzata Chief of Police Mike Risvold expressing gratitude for the donation.
“We are grateful for Renewal by Andersen’s donation to the Crime Prevention Coalition, which will help the department better serve our community – what a fine way to honor Officer Mathews’ memory,” Chief Risvold stated.
Tim Ruff, manager of Renewal by Andersen of the Twin Cities, emphasized the company’s commitment to making a positive impact in the community. “When we met Shawn, we were touched by her story, and we knew we wanted to take action to honor her late husband’s memory,” said Ruff. “It’s important to us to try to make a difference in our community.”
The electric bikes will play a vital role in enhancing the Wayzata Police Department’s ability to carry out their duties, ensuring a lasting tribute to Officer William Mathews’ dedicated service to the community.
In a brief pause from his hectic schedule, Outdoor Escapes’ Design Assistant Eric Kvam discussed the ongoing construction of the Wayzata Police Memorial at Wayzata City Hall.
For several years, community members, the Wayzata Police Department, and elected officials have collaborated to pay tribute to the two fallen Wayzata Police officers.
The initiative gained momentum following concerns raised by resident Gayle Wilson regarding the inadequacy of the previous memorial.
The new memorial project signifies a collective effort to honor the sacrifices made by the fallen officers and underscores the commitment of the community to preserving their memory.
The construction, now underway, stands as a testament to the dedication of those involved in ensuring a fitting tribute to the officers who gave their lives in service to Wayzata.
Two years after the Wayzata City Council initiated the development of a police memorial, the community gathered on November 2nd, for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Wayzata Police Officer Memorial.
The project, conceived to pay tribute to officers, particularly Sergeant James Anderson and Officer Bill Mathews, reached a significant milestone during the solemn event.
The City Council appointed a dedicated group of community members two years ago to envision and design the memorial.
The primary inspiration behind the project was to honor the memory of Sergeant James Anderson, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on August 31, 1982.
On September 5, 2017, the Wayzata City Council approved funding for the memorial.
However, just three days later, on September 8, 2017, tragedy struck again when Officer Bill Mathews was fatally struck by an impaired and distracted driver while responding to a 911 call to clear road debris on U.S. Highway 12.
The new memorial will now encompass monuments dedicated to both Sergeant Anderson and Officer Mathews, symbolizing the city’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices of its law enforcement officers.
Notably, the ceremony also welcomed the presence of Bill Mathews’ widow, Shawn Mathews, and his son, Wyatt, adding a deeply personal dimension to the event.
As construction begins on the Wayzata Police Officer Memorial, it is anticipated to serve as a lasting symbol of remembrance and gratitude for the courage exhibited by law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to protect the community.
The project underscores the city’s dedication to honoring and preserving the legacy of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Wayzata Police Chief Mike Risvold, Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, and Minnesota Highway Patrol Colonel Matt Langer jointly announce the passing of Wayzata Police Officer Bill Mathews.
The 19-year veteran was struck and killed by a vehicle on Route 12, between Route 101 and Shoreline Drive, at approximately 12:30 pm.
Officer Mathews had been actively engaged in removing debris from the roadway when a vehicle collided with him.
The Wayzata Police Department is mourning the loss of Officer Mathews, who served this and other communities with unwavering dedication for nearly two decades.
He is survived by his wife and 7-year-old son.
Bill, Shawn, and Wyatt Mathews.
Our deepest condolences to Officer Mathews’ family and friends during this difficult time.
Further details regarding memorial services and arrangements will be communicated as they become available.
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