William O'Brien (police officer)

William "Bill" O'Brien (March 10, 1944 – March 3, 2016) was an American police officer who served as the 21st Police Chief of Miami, Florida, from 1998 until 2000. O'Brien served as a Miami Police Department police officer for more than 25 years, including 18 years as a member of the city's SWAT team and two years as Miami Police Chief.[1] He resigned as Police Chief on April 28, 2000, in the aftermath of the Elián González custody battle raid.[1][2]

O'Brien, who was raised in La Grange, Illinois, first moved to Miami to study political science at the University of Miami.[1] He then joined the United States Air Force for five years, during which he piloted C-130 Hercules in combat during the Vietnam War.[1] O'Brien sought to become a professional pilot after the war, but could not find a job in the field during the Oil Embargo in 1973.[1] Instead, O'Brien became a police officer, despite his dislike of guns.[1]

O'Brien died from throat cancer at his home in Tavernier, Florida, on March 3, 2016, at the age of 71.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Harris, Alex (2016-03-04). "Former Miami Police Chief Bill O’Brien dies at his Tavernier home". Miami Herald. Retrieved 2016-03-21.
  2. ↑ Bragg, Rick (2000-04-29). "Miami Police Chief Quits in Raid Fallout". New York Times. Retrieved 2016-03-21.
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