Attorney General Bill Lockyer And Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement Mourn Passing of Special Agent Supervisor William Garvey

Monday, September 26, 2005
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

(SACRAMENTO) - Attorney General Bill Lockyer and the Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (BNE) today announced with heavy heart, one of their law enforcement narcotic agents died in a tragic traffic accident in Ventura County early this morning.

Special Agent Supervisor (SAS) William Garvey was returning home from an assignment in San Luis Obispo when the accident occurred. He was driving eastbound on Highway 126 east of the Ventura City limits when he lost control of his vehicle, a 2000 Dodge Ram pick-up. The Dodge pick-up ran off the road, and hit a large tree crushing the driver’s side of the vehicle. SAS Garvey was pronounced dead at the scene. A second vehicle was involved in the accident. The driver was not injured.

“Bill dedicated his life to protecting others from harm and promoting the highest ideals of professional law enforcement,” said Lockyer. “My heart and prayers are with his family as we mourn his passing.”

SAS Garvey began his distinguished law enforcement career as a Kings County Sheriff’s Deputy in 1974. In 1979, Bill moved to Wyoming, where he proudly served as an officer with the Douglas Police Department. Shortly after, Bill accepted a position as a Rock Springs Police Officer where he received eleven “Letters of Appreciation” from the Rock Springs community and professional organizations. While working in Rock Springs, Bill also received three “Commendations” from the United States Department of Interior, Fish and Game; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the United States Attorney’s Office in Wyoming.

In 1987, Bill was hired by BNE as a Special Agent and rose to Special Agent Supervisor in 2002. He had many years of experience as a narcotic agent, and a strong background in drug enforcement, which earned him a reputation as a clandestine laboratory expert. SAS Garvey spent many hours instructing fellow law enforcement officers on the dangers of clandestine laboratories. SAS Garvey also instructed his fellow agents in firearms, range safety, and tactical operations. SAS Garvey was respected by all his subordinates, including special agents, and outside agency detectives assigned to multi-agency task forces.

SAS Garvey was a member of the California Narcotic Officer’s Association (CNOA). SAS Garvey was currently serving on the CNOA’s Executive Board, and was scheduled to become the CNOA President in November 2005.

SAS Garvey always represented the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement with honor and dignity. He is known throughout the department as a leader who cared deeply about the men and women who worked with him.

“I am deeply saddened by this tragic loss. Bill was a well respected professional,” stated Division of Law Enforcement Director Rick Oules. “We have worked closely together for many years, and he was a good friend.”

“The BNE family is shocked by this tragic event. Bill has many close friends, not only in BNE, but the law enforcement community that are devastated by this loss,” said BNE Chief John Gaines. “He was an outstanding narcotic investigator, instructor and supervisor who will be missed.”

Bill is survived by his family—his wife, Gail, and daughter, Natalie and her husband and their young daughter who live outside the United States.

Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming.

# # #