Patrolman Wilbur Hayes

I had just turned four when my father was killed; my sister was only 18 months old. I never really knew my father, but I have been told that I look exactly like him and have a similar personality. I will never forget the day my mother hit the floor screaming when the uniformed officers came to our door. Our entire world changed after that. People always say they will be there and "call if you need anything" but the truth is that kind of support doesn't happen. I know that we were all traumatized by the abandonment and still feel the repercussions today. At first you want vengeance, but later you realize that what you really need is to heal. Forgiveness was vital to my healing process and to be honest learning to forgive and let go saved my life. My faith in God is what facilitated my path back to peace and allowed me to release the pain and bitterness. I encourage anyone who has ever experienced a loss or trauma to embrace forgiveness...it is a process and it doesn't happen immediately but unforgiveness is poison. When a snake bites you you wan to kill the snake...

but really it's the poison that is actually killing you and unforgiveness is poison to your soul. In honor of my father I encourage everyone to let go the things that are keeping you from a better not bitter life. We get to chose whether we want to use our pain to teach us or allow it to take over and make us bitter. The bottom line is bitter or better...choose life.

Thank you sir. Rest in peace. You will not be forgotten.

Rest in Peace.

Thank you. Rest in peace.

Detective Wilbur Hayes was my father. It pleases me so much to know that he is missed by not just his family. I never really got the chance to know my father because I was a baby when he was killed. Through these memorials I learn some of his tributes to this country. I have grown to work in public service as a nurse for this city as my father did and daily I walk through these streets and wander what he would be doing. I have not had the privilege to talk with many friends of my father but this has somehow brought me closer to him and I send my thanks to all.

I had the privilege and honor to have known Wilbur from my first day assigned to the 2nd District in November of 1966. We became good friends, in fact, Wilbur introduced me to my wife of 37 years. I always enjoyed working and being around Wilbur. He was a very honest and dedicated police officer and very loyal friend. It was very painful to lose Wilbur and his partner Detective Jack Schaefer. Both, Wilbur and Jack, were excellent detectives and had a great impact on lowering the crime in the 5th District, where they were assigned. Wilbur was well known for his investigative skills, his case preparation, and his his courtroom presentations. But most important, he waswell liked and trusted by not only his fellow workers, but the community he served. Wilbur was always kind and compassionte to those he came in contact with. He lived the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I have missed Wilbur through the years and often think of him.Detective Wilbur Hayes was an outstanding police officer and a credit to the Louisville Division of Police and the City of Louisville and he was my friend.

Lieutenant Fred Browder, Retired