Geneva residents may recall the history of Bill Simon and why he was crowned "Wild Bill". There also are a few who know another reason he holds the title. It's his dogged defense he exhibited for the well-being of his hat. I believe the hat style is referred to as "Gangster Fedora". At the station Simon would remove his hat, then in a covert action he will hide his hat where no one would touch or cause any destruction to it. All Officers were uneasy that one day anyone would touch his hat in the wrong way. If that come about, I could visualize a standoff that would sequel "Wyatt Earp at OK Corral".
There was one other obsession he had that worried me. I was told the Chief witnessed Wild Bill approach the Police desk, snatch the stapler and with the skill of a Surgeon, he would stapled the separated hemline of his sport jacket. The Chief was startled, approached Bill and asked what he was doing. Bill then demonstrated the technique he used on his tattered hemline. One day to my surprise I witnessed the Chief use a stapler for his jacket repairs.
Back to the hat; One day I was off duty and in my van on Exchange St. when I saw "Wild Bill" running after a man on Exchange St. At this time I was witness to an ungodly experience where I was about to be face to face with the Grim Reaper. While "Wild Bill" was running his hat slowly raised off his head, whirled in the air, and as his hat hit the ground there was no sound, but I know there was an explosion within Bills' mind. I realized it was necessary for my intervention. I feared for what would happen to the man who's actions caused such a catastrophe to his hat. I then saw Bill, running sideways with his head spinning back and forth attempting to see what was happening to his hat. I then looked around because I thought I heard a Fire Truck coming our way. I realized there were no Fire Trucks sirens; only the roar bill gave when he witnessed his hat hitting the ground, I had to do something to save the runner; he's the cause of Bills' hat laying on the ground. I pulled my van over by the crosswalk at Lake Street. I was in civilian clothes so the runner didn't think to avoid me. My timing had to be perfect; so when the runner passes by I would thrust out my arm. I held my arm out straight and rigid. The runner ran into my arm at his chest. All of a sudden, too both our amazement, his feet were at eye level violently moving as if he was still running on the ground. It seemed forever before gravity took over, and he fell backwards on the street. I jumped back into my van and drove off. As I drove off I saw a squad car take away the man bill was chasing, and Bill slowly walking to his hat. I looked away from my mirror and was thankful I was not there to see such a strong man cry.
 |
|||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
