William Hose, a former York police chief and York County Sheriff with a long family history of serving the city police department, was honored Jan. 14, 2025 at the York Expo Center’s Memorial Hall.
As part of his duty as the current York City Police Commissioner, Michael Muldow attends many memorials for former York City Police staff. He found something was missing – those honored participating in the celebration of their own life and the sharing of their accomplishments.
“As I continue to attend the heartfelt services for our departed colleagues at arms, to include my father, I find myself thinking the same thoughts time and time again. I wish they could see how much they were loved and how much their service and sacrifice was truly appreciated,” Muldrow said.
The audience stands when William Hose is surprised with a tribute, honoring his life in law enforcement in York County.
William Hose, known as Bill to everyone at the event, was seated in the front row with his family when the surprise was announced. He was humbled as the crowd rose around him in applause.
With words from current dignitaries, brothers in arms and family, the long story of his police work in York County unfolded.
Escorted by two York City Police motorcycles, Muldrow introduced a police cruiser that was dedicated to Hose with his signature on both sides and a quote he is best known for, “Just Do the Right Thing.”
Bill Hose with the York City Police cruiser that is signed with a remembered quote, ‘Just Do the Right Thing’ during the honorary program at the York Expo Center Jan 14, 2025.
People would often come to Hose when he was in a position of authority and ask him what the right answer was to a problem, and his response was to look inward for an answer. “I can’t always tell you what it is you should be doing, do the right thing, weigh everything out and do the right thing,” Hose said explaining the quote.
Hose served with the York City Police for 29 years, his last 11 as chief. He also served as York County Sheriff from 1996-2007.
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The Hose family’s service with the York City Police extends back into the early part of last century.
“Jacob Hose served as York’s police chief at the turn of the 20th century. His grandson, Jacob W. Hose Sr., was police chief from 1949-50 and served as public safety director from 1962-1970. Another great-grandson, Jacob W. Jr., retired as captain in 1992,” according to York Town Square Blog. Hose’s son Scott, now retired, continued the family tradition of service with York City Police.
Among the dignitaries was former York Mayor William Althaus, mayor from 1982 to 1994.
“Whatever we were able to accomplish over those 12 years, the credit really goes to the man who stood side-by-side with me often whispering the best advice in my ear when I needed it, Bill Hose,” the former York mayor paused at the podium to turn his head and give Hose a warm smile, adding, “I look forward to continuing the friendship one heck of a long time Billy.”
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Bill Hose honored for York County PA law enforcement career