Former Naperville police officer 'fit in wherever he went'

William Townsend was a 20-year veteran of the Naperville Police Department who enjoyed hunting.

Townsend. who died Friday at the age of 44, worked as a patrol officer for Naperville police until he resigned last year, Police Chief Robert Marshall said.

He had received a chief's commendation for his response in 2010 when a small plane crashed into the XSport Fitness building near 75th Street and Route 59. Townsend was the first responder on the scene, Marshall said.

"We got letters from citizens commending him," he said.

Naperville Mayor George Pradel, a former police officer, said Townsend fit in well with those on the force because he was "macho, a man's man," someone who enjoyed activities like hunting.

"He just fit in wherever he went," Pradel said.

Townsend had two children and lived in North Aurora.

An online fundraiser at giveforward.com has been created to raise money for his children so they can attend college. As of Tuesday night, donations already totaled more than $5,000.

Townsend's visitation will take place Friday from 3 to 9 p.m. at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home, 430 E. Roosevelt Road in Wheaton. His service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Michael Catholic Church, 310 S. Wheaton Ave. in Wheaton.

• Daily Herald staff writer Marie Wilson contributed to this report.