William ‘Bill’ Elliott was born on Long Island‚ New York. He and his younger brother‚ John‚ and sister‚ Mary-Beth‚ moved to Lighthouse Point‚ Florida‚ with their parents in 1974.
Bill was a special person to so many and was unique in many ways-a good person‚ a good friend‚ and a wonderful son and brother.
Bill passed away Friday‚ January 6‚‚ 2012‚ in the line of duty‚ with Pompano Beach Fire Rescue. Bill was the first Pompano Beach firefighter ever to die in the line of duty.
An outpouring of grief triggered by Bill’s death extended well beyond his immediate kin. Firefighters think of themselves as a brotherhood‚ and feelings of loss run deep.
Bill served as a firefighter in Lighthouse Point for seven years and then switched to Pompano Beach‚ where he served for 22 years. Bill loved his profession as a firefighter/EMT. He also specialized in rope rescue‚ hazardous materials‚ rescue diving‚ and extrication. He was known as ‘MacGyver’ in his profession for his intuitive mechanical skills‚ innovation‚ and clear thinking during crisis and emergency situations.
Bill was always ready to lend a hand to his fellow workers. His endearing smile and wonderful sense of humor kept everyone in good spirits. People were attracted to him. His circle was wide. He had friends in every avenue of life. He helped save and enhance many lives in his 29 years of duty as a firefighter.
Bill was an avid outdoorsperson. He felt at home on his airboat in the Everglades‚ hunting‚ fishing‚ and swishing down the ski slopes. He had a love for life and made sure his family and friends enjoyed it with him. Bill was a ‘Fine American’ who left us ‘With His Boots On’ and was in service to others up until the very last moment of his life. He will be loved and missed forever‚ not only by his family and friends‚ but by the big family of the fire rescue community.
Our Brother‚ Our Paaardna‚ Our Hero.
Bill is survived by his mother‚ Joanne Elliott; his father‚ William A. Elliott; his sister‚ Mary-Beth Elliott Williams; his brother-in-law‚ Scott Williams; his nephew‚ Jacob Williams; his brother‚ Boca Raton Firefighter/Paramedic John Elliott; and his faithful dog‚ Dinghy.
We thank you for honoring Bill at this year’s solemn ceremony at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg‚ Maryland.
Writing a fire class essay on your life. Your amazing and your memories will live on forever brother.
FF Lawson
– Brittney LawsonWill always remember. We are both the same age. Both Elliott s. Learned of Bill today. Wish I could have met and knew him. I salute you my brother.
– Marvin ElliottBill was the best of the best. He was a friend to all who met him. He’s been gone eight years now but he’s still in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. Bill left a void that no one can fill.
– Barbara SmallBarbara Small
RIP “Jumbo ” You are truly missed Brother.
– Bob McCarthyMiss you bill. Never forget our fishing trip where we spent 2 days adrift and found by a polish freighter. Good times.
– Michael sullivanThe Gary Sinise Foundation salutes and honors William J. Elliott for his life of service. Rest in Peace.
– Lionel V. Ortiz