Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer William Black and Detective Jimmy Mobley were killed in a helicopter accident.
The helicopter crashed in the Atlantic Ocean between Croatan and Dam Neck. They were leading a rescue boat to the scene of a disabled boat using their spotlight. During the operation, the helicopter dove into the ocean.
Officer Black had served with the Virginia Beach Police Department for six years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-A0D92F81- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Black gave the Virginia Beach Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Virginia Beach community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Black.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer William Douglas Black is one of 10,088 officers lost to accidents in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 31% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In VA, 203 of 654 officers were lost to accidents in the line of duty — 31% of this state's fallen.
At Virginia Beach Police Department, 4 of 12 officers on record were lost to accidents in the line of duty — 33.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Accident compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Douglas Black's cause is highlighted.
How William Douglas Black Compares
When Accident Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Accident deaths across the full memorial record. William Douglas Black is highlighted in Jul.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Virginia Beach Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
