Prev
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
neuraspine_01krbxtqjxr3f3j64m3h5j38t4- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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
The Sacrifice · Accident
Virginia Beach Police Department has lost 12 officers; 4 of them lost to accidents.
William is one of 203 officers lost to accidents in VA, 31.1% of the 653 remembered there.
William is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1979, 2 officers in VA were lost to accidents, the 32nd heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1870, with 10.
In 1979, 70 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 48th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1979, 88 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 41st heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 10.8% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 12.8%. Wednesdays: 15.3%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.6%.
How
Accident deaths account for 33.3% of all 12 deaths at Virginia Beach Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 31.1% of all 653 deaths in VA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Virginia Beach Police Department has 12 officers remembered here, William among them.
-
Roger L. McClung
Dec 19, 1968
-
Robert R. Monette
Dec 19, 1968
-
William Douglas Black
Jul 11, 1979
-
Jimmy Wayne Mobley
Jul 11, 1979
-
Daniel T. Maloney
Dec 27, 1981
-
George Wayne Starr
Aug 31, 1991
-
Rodney Fredderick Pocceschi
Jun 23, 2003
-
Michael Smith Phillips
Aug 7, 2008
-
Enrique L Taitt Oct 18, 2010
-
David J. Nieves
Feb 1, 2022
-
Cameron Robert Girvin
Feb 22, 2025
-
Christopher M. L. Reese
Feb 22, 2025
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 20-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Virginia Beach Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
