Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 5, 1994                   TAG: 9405050145
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-1   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
DATELINE: PULASKI                                LENGTH: Medium

WILLIAMS STEPS DOWN AS CHIEF OF POLICE IN PULASKI

The Virginia Retirement System has already approved disability retirement for Williams because of the lingering effects of a leg injury sustained in a traffic accident. He had applied for disability retirement in December.

Williams' retirement was announced Wednesday but was made effective May 1. Barry Buckner, recently promoted to captain with the Pulaski Police Department, had already been designated as the officer in charge during the chief's absence.

Pulaski Town Council is expected to hold a special meeting later this week to discuss the recruitment process for a new chief. It could name an acting chief at that time or simply leave things as they are with Buckner in charge.

``Chief Williams' career as the top law enforcement official with the town for over a decade has left behind a proud history of dedicated public service and numerous state and regional awards for outstanding law enforcement performance,'' town officials said in a statement accompanying the brief announcement of Williams' retirement.

His responsibilities included charge of 25 officers and eight civilian staff members.

Last year, the department experienced a number of vacancies as some officers went to nearby, better-paying departments. Those positions are now being filled as new employees complete police academy requirements.

Williams is a native of Bramwell, W.Va., and was a state trooper in West Virginia from 1969 to 1972. He sustained his leg injury in 1971 when a car struck his motorcycle.

Williams spent eight years in the U.S. Air Force and 13 years in the National Guard, retiring in 1987 as a sergeant first class.

He joined the Pulaski department in May, 1973, as a patrolman. After promotions to corporal, sergeant and captain, and having served several times as acting chief, he was named to the top position in December, 1983.

Williams attended Bluefield State College, New River Community College, Radford University and a variety of law enforcement schools. He has been a firearms instructor at the community college and the New River Police Academy.

Buckner joined the department in 1983 and moved to its investigations unit a year later. He was promoted to sergeant in 1986, lieutenant in 1989 and a newly created position of captain earlier this year.

Pulaski Town Council approved a departmental reorganization, in which the new position was created, at its April 5 meeting.