Former Palm Beach County Sheriff Richard dies at 97

Sheriff Wille led the agency during a period of major transformation and growth in the county.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:35pm

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Former Palm Beach County Sheriff Richard P. Wille, who served from 1977 to 1995, died on Sunday morning at the age of 97, according to authorities. Wille had previously served as the chief of police in North Palm Beach before becoming sheriff.

Why it matters

Sheriff Wille's tenure oversaw significant changes and growth in Palm Beach County during his nearly two decades leading the sheriff's office. His passing marks the end of an era for law enforcement leadership in the region.

The details

Richard P. Wille served as the Palm Beach County Sheriff from 1977 to 1995, leading the agency through a period of major transformation and growth in the county. Prior to becoming sheriff, Wille had served as the chief of police in North Palm Beach.

  • Wille died on Sunday morning, April 5, 2026.
  • Wille served as Palm Beach County Sheriff from 1977 to 1995.

The players

Richard P. Wille

The former Palm Beach County Sheriff who served from 1977 to 1995.

North Palm Beach

The city where Wille previously served as chief of police before becoming county sheriff.

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The takeaway

Sheriff Wille's long tenure oversaw a period of significant growth and change in Palm Beach County, cementing his legacy as a key figure in the region's law enforcement history.