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Sad news struck Winchester in April when 73-year-old Sgt. and former Police Chief William M. “Marty” Jackson – who served the citizens of Winchester for nearly 50 years – passed away from a heart attack shortly after responding to an on-duty call. 

At the City Commission meeting on Tuesday, August 20, the citizens he protected found another way to show their appreciation. 

The Winchester City Commission read, approved, and presented a resolution honoring Jackson, with Jackson’s family present to recognize the occasion. 

As Winchester Mayor JoEllen Reed read, a portion of the resolution states: “Whereas William M. Jackson was a pillar of his beloved family, his church, and his community, and will be greatly missed. Therefore, be it resolved by the Winchester Board of Commissioners that William M. ‘Marty’ Jackson is remembered and honored for his dedicated service to the citizens of Winchester.” 

Jackson, who was recognized by the resolution as “having a servant’s heart,” began and continued the practice of traffic control at the current site of Robert D. Campbell Junior High School, formerly the location of George Rogers Clark High School. 

One of the most well-known officers in the department, Jackson hired current Winchester Police Chief James Hall. 

During his funeral service at George Rogers Clark High School earlier in the year – where law enforcement funeral service rituals were observed – Pastor Lee Cruse of Grace Bible Church stated that Jackson had continued returning to work despite being involved in at least 17 incidents where others shot at him. 

En route to his burial at Winchester Cemetery, hundreds, if not more, from Winchester and surrounding counties lined the streets to pay their respects. 

Winchester Mayor JoEllen Reed, who worked for many years as an elementary school teacher in Winchester, told the story about how Jackson’s influence went beyond police work. 

“My mom died of a stroke, and there [were] many times we were in Clark Regional [Medical Center] emergency room, and Marty was walking the halls,” she said. “She was very ill, and Marty left the hall, and he walked in…he held her hand, and he leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. We never forgot that, and my mom talked about it…that Marty cared enough to come in and console her….that’s the kind of man Marty Jackson was. He leaves behind a tremendous family.” 

In addition to the honors presented by the Winchester City Commission, Jackson will be recognized as one of the newest members of the Clark County Public Schools Hall of Fame during a ceremony at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 23, at Cardinal Stadium of George Rogers Clark High School. 

He is survived by his wife, Jeannie, four children, multiple children, and great grandchildren.