William F. Wheeler 1906 - 1991

Pictured here are photographs of my late grandfather, William Wheeler. Known as Bill or Papa to most of us, he was a member of the New York State Police from 1927 - 1948. At the time he joined on, it was referred to as enlisting, and you were required to re-enlist every 2 years. Bill spent his enlistment time with Troop "D".

In 1927, Bill worked on horse back, and was a member of the Troop D trick riding team (known as the Rough Riders). He continued with the team until the mid 1930's and was forced to quit the team under doctor's orders. He had been stepped on quite a few times, and the doctors felt that if it happened again, it might kill him.


Sometime in the 1930's, Bill transitioned to car patrol. Under NYSP guidelines, the cars were convertibles, and no matter the weather, the cars were to be driven with the top down, in order to allow citizens to be able to get the troopers attention easier. The cars were Ford Phaetons at that time. Bill also really enjoyed the summer patrols which were done on a Harley Davidson, or Indian cycle, depending on who was the low bidder on that years state contract.

In 1983, Bill was recognized as one of the last surviving members of the Rough Riders team, in a suprise ceremony in his honor. He is pictured with my grandmother (Kay) and several of their children in one of the featured photographs.
Bill passed away in spring of 1991, and my grandmother Kay has also since passed away in 2004. Both are laid to rest in Oswego, NY.