SAN DIEGO — For the last 27 years, civilian investigator Bill Bevill has served the San Diego Police Department’s Northeastern division with the same pride and honor as a sworn officer. On Wednesday, he retired from his position working as an SDPD volunteer.
“It’s my golf game, okay, and I don’t have to pay anything,” said Bevill.
Bevill was surrounded by his wife, two daughters and four grandchildren during his retirement party held at the SDPD Northeaster Division in Rancho Penasquitos.
On behalf of Councilmember Marni von Wilpert, her policy advisor recognized Bevill and proclaimed July 11, 2024 Bill Bevill Day.
Bevill was honored with recognition by President Joe Biden and SDPD acting Assistant Police Chief Mike Holden.
“I want to thank you for your great work here as your commanding officer,” said Holden. “I’m going to miss you.”
Volunteer investigator Bevill is being honored for his 27 years of service to the San Diego Police Department’s VIP (Volunteering in Policing) unit.
VIP’s can be 18 and older and they must pass a background check. They’re an extension of the police that follow up on research, speak to witnesses and victims, and verify and complete reports.
“When I applied it said why do you want to be a part of the police department? I want to be on the side of the good guys by golly and I have been,” said Bevill.
His first day as a VIP was at the Northeastern division in September 1997.
He started taking telephone reports and moved into investigations where he helped lighten the police caseload and catch suspects in petty theft crimes.
“I like to feel like, well, I’m brazen about what I’m doing as well, and if that’s what you’re going to do, you better be ready to pay the price, and I’m here to hopefully catch you from doing it,” said Bevill.
As he wrote his last e-mail this morning, Bevill thought about the 250 cases he's worked the justice he's helped bring jto many victims.
“I thought, who’s going to do this if I’m not here to... oh, yeah, they’ve got people,” said Bevill.
But Bevill isn’t just anybody.
“Today’s a tough day, losing Bill again, you know, really for the second time,” said Sgt. Eric Drilling, SDPD.
Sgt. Drilling never forgot, Mr. Bevill.
“I met Bill in 1990 when I was at Ramona High School,” said Drilling.
Bevill was Drilling’s high school journalism teacher, he's that one teacher you never forget.
“Mr. Bevel was the glue that put us all together,” said Drilling.
For the past two years Drilling has been schooling his former teacher in detective work but he says Bevill is the one who still holds everything together.
“Bill is an institution here at Northeastern. He’s been here for his entire career, which no one can really say,” said Drilling.
Bevill retired from teaching in 2010 but continued his volunteer job.
“I’m as happy to be here today as I was when I first walked in here,” said Bevill.
Now he’s really riding into the sunset, decorated in honor.
“My last salute, adios, it’s been great,” said Bevill.
During his 27 years of service to the San Diego Police Department, Bevill has been awarded the SDPD Volunteer of the Year four times.
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