At 91-years-old, Bill Lingafelter was given the chance to revisit his life as an officer of the law on Monday, Oct. 6. The Clearlake Police Department welcomed the retired San Francisco police captain to their force for a “Dream Day” experience.
Lingafelter is a resident of Orchard Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community in Clearlake, which has established a program to make dreams come true. On Monday, Orchard Park united with the Clearlake Police Department to make Lingafelter”s dream to return to his roots come true.
“This idea of ?Dream Day” is growing and growing,” Jane McKnight, Orchard Park community relations coordinator said. “It”s so exciting.”
The day began with Lingafelter being sworn into duty by Chief of Police Allan McClain.
Lingafelter received an official “Dream Day” uniform shirt identifying him as a volunteer with the department. He also received a policeman Bobble Head, a commemorative pin and a get-out-of-jail-free token (non-transferable of course).
Lingafelter spent 30 years with the San Francisco Police Department, retiring as a captain on the force. He said he went into law enforcement just after the World”s Fair in 1938. His favorite time was that spent as a motorcycle officer. “On my first day, the captain of traffic asked if anyone rode a motorcycle and I raised my hand,” he said. “The best job I ever had was when I was a sergeant with the motorcycle unit. I had the whole city and everywhere to ride.”
Following his service with the San Francisco department, Lingafelter relocated to the Santa Rosa area to be near his first-born grandchild.
Chief McClain led a warm welcoming Monday morning and indicated that fulfilling Lingafelter”s dream would be of benefit to the department as well.
“Today is an important day for us and for you,” he said. “We shouldn”t forget about our resources and those with knowledge of the past.”
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her at 994-6444, ext. 11.
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