Retired Chief Ernest A. Williams (Large format photo, click to view)
The Trenton Police Department sadly confirms the passing of retired Trenton Police Chief Ernest A. Williams on Wednesday evening August 17th, 2011. Chief Williams fought to the end but succumbed to his illness.
Chief Williams joined the Trenton Police Department in June of 1963 and graduated from the New Jersey State Police Academy at Sea Girt N.J. where he then worked in the Patrol Bureau. In 1966 he was assigned to the Detective Bureau until he made Police Sergeant in 1970. In 1972 Sergeant Williams was assigned as the Commanding Officer of the Trenton Housing Police Detail. In 1976 he was promoted to the rank of Police Lieutenant and was assigned to the Patrol Bureau.
In 1980 Lieutenant Williams was assigned to the Services Bureau/Information Section until he was promoted to the rank of Police Captain in April of 1981, and once again was assigned to the Patrol Bureau. Captain Williams was also assigned to the Inspectional Services Bureau where he oversaw the Internal Affairs Bureau. In 1986 he was promoted to the rank of Deputy Police Chief in charge of the Services Bureau.
Ernest Williams was then promoted to Police Chief in April of 1992, a position he held until his retirement from the Trenton Police Department in April of 1999. Chief Williams remained active in the community and served as a Board member of the Trenton Police Federal Credit Union.
Chief Williams was called back into service for the City that he loved, as Acting Police Director in July of 2010. Director Williams then served in that capacity until January of 2011.
Once again our thoughts and prayers are extended to the Williams family during this difficult time of his passing. A viewing for Chief Williams will be held on Monday August 22nd, 2011 from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Galilee Baptist Church located at 440 Martin Luther King Boulevard. Additional viewing hours will be conducted on Tuesday morning August 23rd, 2011 from 9 AM to 11 AM. Time of funeral services will be 11 AM at the Galilee Baptist Church. Burial will follow at the Greenwood Cemetary. Rest in Peace Chief.
