Former Palm Beach County Sheriff Richard P. Wille Dies at 97

Wille led the agency for nearly two decades during a period of significant growth and change throughout the county.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:10pm

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Richard P. Wille, former Sheriff of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, passed away this morning at the age of 97. Wille served as sheriff from 1977 to 1995, leading the agency for nearly two decades during a period of significant growth and change throughout the county. Before being elected sheriff, Wille served as Chief of Police in North Palm Beach, where he built a distinguished career in law enforcement centered on public service.

Why it matters

Wille's tenure as sheriff spanned a crucial period of development and evolution in Palm Beach County, and his leadership helped shape the sheriff's office during that time. His commitment to professionalism and modern policing practices left a lasting impact on the agency and the community it serves.

The details

During his time as sheriff, Wille was known for his dedication to public service and for advancing policing practices within the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. He led the agency through a period of rapid growth and changing public safety needs in the county.

  • Wille served as sheriff from 1977 to 1995.
  • Wille passed away on April 5, 2026.

The players

Richard P. Wille

Former Sheriff of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office who served from 1977 to 1995.

North Palm Beach

The city where Wille served as Chief of Police before being elected sheriff.

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The takeaway

Wille's legacy as sheriff is marked by his commitment to professionalism, his advancement of modern policing practices, and his dedication to serving the residents of Palm Beach County during a period of significant growth and change.