Bill Goggins is one of the best human beings I’ve ever met. He is a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and public servant. Bill served four years in the United States Navy, spent 30 years as a police officer, raised five children, dedicated himself to his wife, Enid, and is now a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren. After retiring from the DeKalb County Police Department, he continued his life of service by working as a park ranger.

Throughout his adult life, Bill has given, served, and helped others. He worked as a patrolman, served in the Community Oriented Policing (COPs) unit, instructed and supervised at the police training academy, and later became a detective and supervisor in the Traffic Specialist Unit—DeKalb’s accident reconstruction unit.

I’ve never met anyone who disliked Bill. He has always treated everyone with respect and fairness. He was both a personal and professional mentor to me, helping me navigate my career—the politics and the practical realities of policing. As a friend, he supported and guided me through my divorce. My experience with Bill is far from unique. Everyone who knew or worked with him considered him a friend. Bill was the kind of cop and supervisor who, if he ever put out a distress call for backup, everyone would respond.

Now, this man who has given so much to so many needs help, and I hope to see the same response that Bill would have received on the street.

Bill was recently diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer, that has metastasized to his liver.

True to who he is, Bill is not backing down—he is aggressively pursuing all treatment options. His wife and the love of his life, Enid, is now returning the same unwavering support Bill showed her during her own battle with breast cancer years ago.

Bill once told me his hero was Batman. I’m not sure he was being entirely honest. After policing with him—seeing his detective skills, his driving ability, watching him teach defensive tactics, and witnessing his above-average talent for accessing his duty belt—I’ve come to believe Bill might actually be Batman.

Cape and cowl or not, he is undeniably a hero. To his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. To the recruits he helped launch into policing careers. To the families of victims for whom he secured justice. And to me.

But sometimes even heroes need help. If you know Bill, stand with law enforcement or our veterans, support those battling cancer, or simply want to help a man who has spent his life helping others, please consider donating to Bill’s fight.