Officer, Silva

Officer William “Bill” Arthur Silva was born in Austin, Texas, the son of John J. Silva and Faye Naomi Silva on July 24, 1949. While serving his community as a School Resource Officer with Elgin Police Department for the Elgin Middle School, he suffered a severe heart-attack and passed away on Tuesday, September 25, 2018, at the age 69.

After graduating High School, he joined the United States Navy and served as an E-5 Seaman in the Hospital Corps, from 1969 until his Honorable Discharge in 1972. Later, Officer Silva went on to graduate from the University of Texas with a major in Biology and Chemistry.

After graduating from UT, he began working for the State of Texas’ Health and Human Services Division as a Controller in the Radioactive Materials Inspection Department.

Officer Silva began his career in Law Enforcement after several “ride-alongs” with his cousin, Officer Stanley Roper. In less than five trips, Bill knew law enforcement was his calling... Bill signed up for the Police Academy and after successfully completing the Academy, he began working in the evenings for the Travis County Sheriff’s Office in 1989, while maintaining his “day-job” with the Texas State Health and Human Services Department.

In 2003, Officer Silva retired from the State Health and Human Resources, transferred from the Travis County Sheriff’s Office and joined the Elgin Police Department under Chief Steve Huckabay. While at EPD, Officer Silva earned numerous commendations and awards; including two Unit Citation Awards, SRO Officer of the Year, and Master Peace Officer Certification.

Officer Silva is preceded in death by both his parents; his aunts, Crystal, Ineta, and Billie; and his uncle Johnny.

Officer Silva leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Robin Cooksey; his cousin, Stan Roper and wife Sherry and their children, Holly and DJ Roper all of Round Rock; his cousin, Kenny Landon of San Angelo; his aunt, Virgie Gresham of Ft. Worth; Elgin Police Department; the Elgin Middle School staff and students as well as their parents; and his dear friends of the community and surrounding areas. Officer Silva’s death is a tragic loss to his family, our Department, and our community. He will always be remembered for his concern for all.

Pastor's Greg Long and Rick Randall Presiding. Honors Rendered By U.S. Navy and Local Law Enforcement Agencies