Full Notification

Sixteen year veteran Lakeport Police Department Property and Evidence Officer Bill Mooney was named as our “Officer of the Year” and was recognized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2015-Lakeport, CA. The VFW honored Mooney and presented him with a plaque at their Christmas Party in Lakeport on December 13, 2010.

In addition to the VFW award, Mooney will receive a proclamation from the Lakeport City Council recognizing him for his outstanding service to our community. The proclamation will be presented at the regular City Council Meeting at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, December 21, 2010.

Department Records Director Ellen Dills who supervises the department Property & Evidence Function compiled the following information regarding Mooney’s work history:

William “Bill” Mooney came to the Lakeport Police Department on January 4, 1995 as a volunteer through the RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). He was assigned to our property and evidence function. His organizational skills, perseverance and commitment have transformed our property and evidence room into a first class facility. He quickly earned the respect of the entire law enforcement community because of his knowledge and dedication to this task he had been given. He continually sought out training classes and conferences, and joined several appropriate organizations for making contacts and networking within the property and evidence field. His knowledge of the rules and laws that govern the handling of property and evidence, as well as the high degree of professionalism that he brings to the Lakeport Police Department have made him invaluable to our organization.

Bill’s reputation as being an expert in his field quickly spread throughout the law enforcement community. In April of 1997 Bill was sought out by the Lake County Narcotic Task Force, and asked to work for them as their Evidence Custodian / Technician. He performed the same duties and responsibilities; however, he specialized in illegal narcotic enforcement and the complex legal mandates governing that field. The California Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, during routine audits, consistently rated his property room as an outstanding example of how property and evidence should be handled. His position ended with the Narcotic Task Force when it closed in March of 2009

In September of 1999, then Chief Tom Engstrom proposed to the City Council that Bill be granted a paid position with the City of Lakeport. At the time of this proposal Chief Engstrom estimated that Bill had donated 5,570 hours of his time to our department, and that was strictly the time that had actually been documented. The City Council voted unanimously to approve making Bill a part-time paid employee. Bill, however, still continues to go above and beyond the call of duty. He is always willing to do whatever it takes to succeed in any task, and if it means arriving early and staying late, there is no hesitation on his part.

Bill’s duties and responsibilities include the inventory, storage and preservation of evidence for court and ongoing criminal investigations, returning property to the rightful owners when appropriate, transporting evidence to criminal laboratories located throughout Northern California, destroying property and evidence as mandated by law, maintaining appropriate documentation of transactions, and maintaining professional relationships with other law enforcement and prosecuting agencies. These functions are vital to a law enforcement agency, are confidential and sensitive in nature, and present many opportunities for liability. Bill’s knowledge and expertise have prevented any liability issues throughout his career. Bill fulfills these duties with utmost integrity and professionalism. His work ethic and his dedication to the mission of our agency are unparalleled. Bill is truly the backbone of our organization, and serves as a rare example of true and selfless community service.

In addition to various other careers, prior to employment with the City of Lakeport, Mooney served as a Captain and Battalion Executive Officer with the California National Guard (State Military Reserve) from 1950 through 1966.

The department commends and thanks Mooney for his continued outstanding service to the city and the community. In addition, we thank the members of VFW POST 2015-Lakeport, CA for their support of law enforcement.