Bill Bonney presented with Paul Harris Fellowship Award

Waterville Police Chief William Bonney

The Waterville Rotary Noon club has named Bill Bonney, Waterville Police Chief, as the 2024-2025 Rotary year Paul Harris Fellow Award recipient.

Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary in 1905 after persuading several business associates to discuss the idea of forming an organization for local professionals. In 1957, Rotary International established recognition for Rotarians who contributed to their clubs in substantial service and financial support. Rotary clubs may award a fellowship to an individual who meets the high professional and personal standards exemplified by Paul Harris, without the honored individual having made any monetary contribution. A Paul Harris Fellowship is an accolade that a Rotary Club can vote to present to a worthy individual in the community who may not be a part of the Rotary organization.

Waterville Police Chief Bill Bonney has served in many positions while on the police force. During his time as a patrol officer, he would often visit the South End Teen Center after it was opened by KVCAP. He spent time building relationships with the teens and would often participate in the activities with the youth members. He also spent time in the KVCAP Head Start program, reading to the young children.

When asked about Chief Bonney, Andrea Pasco, KVCAP’s Development Director, states “One of Bill’s defining features throughout his career with the Waterville PD is his ongoing commitment to the community…”

Bonney became police chief in June 2023, after serving over 25 years with the Waterville Police Department and receiving several promotions throughout the years. To the Waterville Rotary Noon Club Bonney exemplifies the characteristics of a Paul Harris Fellow by his “exceptional service” and demonstrates Rotary’s values in his efforts to make Waterville a safer and healthier community for all, building goodwill among all groups while doing his best to remain fair to all involved.

(contributed photo)