Everyday Heroes 2020

Centerville police
Department
CAPTAIN BILLY BONEY
By KRISTIN MORIARTY
Billy Boney was born and raised in
Macon, Georgia. After high school,
he signed up to join the Army and
served three years. He then went
on to become a diesel mechanic
for seven years, but always had in
the back of his mind that he wanted
to be a police officer. One thing
led to another, and Boney has now
completed a 40-year career in law
enforcement.
Boney first went to work at the
Bibb County Law Enforcement
Center. While there, he was a
jailer, radio operator and a drug
dog handler. Boney was also a part
of the Macon-Bibb Drug Task Force
Squad.
“I’d argue that I had the best drug
dog in the state back then,” Boney
said. “His name was Bloo. A lot
of people remember him. I spent five years with Bibb County, and
then I went on to the Macon Police Department in 1985. I worked my
way through the ranks, and then one day Chief Jim Brooks and the
mayor called me in and asked if I wanted to start a drug interdiction
unit, and so I did. I then went to the Perry Georgia State Patrol Post
and was the number three guy. I did drug interdiction for 10 years. It
was hard work, but it was very rewarding in getting it (drugs) off the
streets.”
There was one call that still sticks with Boney to this day. Back then, it
made him take a step back to reevaluate his career.
“Back in 1996, I stopped a guy on Interstate 75 south at Eisenhower
US 80, for a traffic violation,” Boney said. “He got out of the car and
was acting kind of crazy and started walking toward me, and then he
started to charge at me. So I sprayed a whole can of pepper spray on
him. I forgot about the guardrail, and after I sprayed him, he hit me,
and I went over the guardrail. He and I fought for our lives on the side
of the road. Fortunately, I wrestled in high school, so I was able to get
on top of him. He was strong because at one point he went to reach
for my gun and ended up ripping off my pepper spray holder that was
on my belt. I was able to get up and secure my position to draw my
weapon on him, but as I did that, he got back in his car and took off.”
Boney called for back up, and the six units that responded were able
to box the suspect in and arrest him. It took a toll on Boney because
he said just before and after his incident, he had two police officer
friends that were killed on the interstate from a similar situation like
his.
“It shook me up, and so much so, that I had to revaluate my career
in drug interdiction,” Boney said. “I decided to then start applying
for chief of police jobs. I got hired as the chief of the Gray Police
Department in 1999, and worked there for two years. Then I went
back to Macon Police for another three years, and was then hired as
the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy. I spent 10 years with
Twiggs County.”
In 2015 Boney retired from the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office, but became
bored and tried another job in insurance. Boney couldn’t really
stay away from law enforcement so when an opportunity presented
itself with the Centerville Police Department, he accepted.
“I got a call from a friend of mine, Roger Hayes, and he told me about
the captain’s position open at Centerville Police Department and
asked if I was interested,” Boney said. “I very much was because I had
missed law enforcement a lot. So I got in touch with Chief (Chuck)
Hadden, had great conversations, I interviewed, and was hired.”
Earlier this year in February, Boney had eye surgery that was successful,
but not long after the surgery, he suffered a stroke. Boney said
it was a scary experience, and although he had to learn how to walk
again, he has recovered well. At the end of April, Boney was cleared
by his doctors, and is doing so well that he is able to drive again.
“Everyone was so supportive during that difficult time,” Boney said. “I
love Centerville and the people of this city. The mayor and city council
actually care about the police department, and it’s been an enjoyable
working environment. It’s been a true blessing. My whole career
has been a blessing. None of my family was in law enforcement, but I
always had a feeling that it was a calling on my life. Once I began my
career, it consumed me. Every time I was promoted through the ranks
or different divisions, I wanted to keep learning and progressing. I’ve
done everything you can think of, and I even was an instructor for the
DEA (drug enforcement administration), traveling everywhere, and
training others.”
Boney expressed his appreciation to Hadden, all of Centerville Police
Department, as well as the other local agencies: Houston County
Sheriff’s Office, Perry Police Department, and Warner Robins Police
Department. He also shared some advice.
“Be careful, watch each other’s backs, be friendly, and treat others
the way you would want to be treated,” Boney said. “Show compassion
and empathy for others’ situations because the more you do, the
more respect you’ll earn.”
EVERYDAY HEROES 2020 5