Ofc. William Michael McKinney

Waco Police Officer, William Michael McKinney, 49, of Whitney, died Saturday, December 19, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 28, 2020 at Open Range Cowboy Church, 582 FM 1713, in Whitney, TX

Ofc. McKinney was a graduate of the 55th Waco Police Academy on February 18, 2005. Prior to becoming a part of our police family, he attended Whitney High School and graduated in 1989. After graduating high school, Ofc. McKinney joined the armed forces where he served in the U.S. Navy from 1991-1994. While in the Navy he attended Master of Arms School and was a military policeman. He received an Honorable Discharge from the US Navy in 1994. His military awards included the National Defense Service Medal, South Asia Service Medal, and Bronze Star. After his military service, Ofc. McKinney attended Hill College in 1996 with a course of study as an Emergency Medical Tech. He then attended MCC Fall 2003 where he received his Fire Academy Certification.

Ofc. McKinney started his career with the Waco Police Department as a Police Recruit on September 7, 2004. He was commissioned as a Police Officer on January 11, 2005. On July 22, 2005, Ofc. McKinney took a short leave from Waco PD to become a Waco Firefighter. After being a firefighter, Ofc. McKinney decided that he wanted to return to his passion, which was policing. He was rehired as a Waco Police Officer on January 7, 2008, and was assigned to the Patrol Division. On January 30, 2011, Ofc. McKinney transferred to the Street Crimes Unit where he spent the next 3 ½ years before returning to the Patrol Division on June 15, 2014. On November 27, 2016, Ofc. McKinney transferred to the Drug Enforcement Section where he served as a detective until Saturday. During his time here at Waco PD, Officer William Michael McKinney received several awards including the Waco Police Department’s Life-Saving Award, the Certificate of Merit award, 3 Meritorious Unit Awards, and several written commendations.

Ofc. McKinney leaves behind his wife and a daughter, his father, his sister, several relatives, and friends, as well as a grateful police family.

As you can clearly see, Ofc. McKinney has spent his entire adult life serving his country and community in some form. He is a true hero and we could not be more proud of him and his life.

Please help us honor and remember Waco Police Officer William Michael McKinney, Badge #205.