UPTPD, community remember Sgt. Bill Haines

A beloved sergeant was remembered this past weekend as the Upper Providence Township community mourned the loss of one of its own.

On Saturday, April 18, the Upper Providence Township Police Department attended funeral services for retired Sgt. Bill Haines. 

“Hundreds of family members, friends, fellow law enforcement officers—both active and retired—as well as county detectives, firefighters, and EMS professionals gathered to honor Bill’s life at Reformation Lutheran Church,” said a post to the UPTPD Facebook page.

According to the department, the Delaware County FOP Lodge 27 “conducted a brief service in tribute to Bill.” 

“His beloved wife, Denise, and daughters, Kirsten and Hannah, delivered heartfelt eulogies that reflected the profound impact he had on those who knew him,” said the post. “Following the service, Bill was honored with full law enforcement funeral honors. Two of his closest friends and fellow retired Upper Providence Township officers, Sergeant John Miller and Corporal David Nolan, carried Bill’s urn from the church. Sergeant George Moore had the honor of escorting Denise while wearing Bill’s Class A uniform hat.”

Police honored their former sergeant with an official escort through the community.

“A police escort then passed by Bill’s residence one final time before proceeding to the cemetery, where they drove beneath a firefighter ladder arch in tribute,” said the post. “Bill’s eldest son carried his urn to his final resting place as officers stood at attention. The ceremony was accompanied by the sound of bagpipes, played by Sergeant Cleary, adding a final, solemn tribute.”

The Upper Providence police also extended a heartfelt “thank you” to other area departments that made the day possible, thanks to coverage and backup during the ceremonies. 

“The department extends its sincere gratitude to the Media, Nether Providence, Marple, and [Delaware County] Park police departments for their assistance with traffic control during the escort and for answering calls for service while officers attended the services,” said the department’s post.