Assistant Police Chief Bill Taylor, 61, whose career embodied resilience, integrity, and compassion, passed away unexpectedly on December 3, 2025, in Lake Station, Indiana. His life was defined by quiet leadership, devotion to public service, and a steadfast commitment to the community he loved.
Mr. Taylor served the Lake Station Police Department for 25 years, rising from patrol sergeant to deputy chief. Known for his calm presence in challenging situations, he earned admiration during high‑profile investigations, including a 2014 Cold Justice collaboration on a WWII veteran’s unsolved murder. His colleagues remember him as a man of humility and integrity, always prioritizing de‑escalation and community trust in northwest Indiana’s working‑class neighborhoods.
Born and raised in Lake County, Mr. Taylor graduated from Lake Station High School before joining the department in 2000. He earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Ivy Tech Community College while balancing early shifts, later focusing on training new recruits in ethical policing. Though he faced professional trials, including a 2014 firing over a jail inmate case, he was reinstated by court order after community rallies, a testament to the trust and respect he inspired.
In his family life, Mr. Taylor was a devoted husband and father, sharing 28 years with his wife in their home near Central Avenue. He coached youth baseball at Hupp Park, attended every school event, and instilled values of perseverance in his two children, who often joined him at department barbecues.
Mr. Taylor’s lifestyle blended duty with simple joys—weekend fishing on Wolf Lake, restoring classic cars in his garage, and hosting Chicago Bears watch parties that doubled as neighborhood gatherings.
A public memorial will be held December 12, 2025, at Lake Station American Legion Post 272, with donations requested to the local police benevolent fund in his name.
Assistant Chief Bill Taylor will be remembered for his leadership, his compassion, and the enduring example he set for both his department and his community.