Synopsis "On Call 24-7: A Legacy of Lifetime Relationships"
On Call 24/7 chronicles the life experiences and lessons learned that have molded the outstanding career of Bill Lyght as a Black army lieutenant colonel and as a Black police executive. He tells the story of his grandparents and parents and the impressions that they made on him that hard work and education propel one's career. It is a narrative of his vast experiences while serving in the military as a commissioned officer for twenty years and as a police executive for almost twenty years. Bill Lyght documents the accomplishments of his siblings and children, all of whom have lived productive lives and significantly contributed to society. He pays tribute to his wife Brenda, whom he refers to as his jewel. The book concludes with a listing and explanation of his ten principles of life to live by. Bill Lyght was born in Smyrna, Delaware in 1936. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army and has received several military awards, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Commendation Medal. He has served as the deputy chief of police in Savannah, Georgia, the police chief of Flint, Michigan, interim police chief in Tarpon Springs, Florida, and as the director of facilities and security at South University in Savannah, Georgia. Bill Lyght has also been very active in his civic life. He has served in Savannah, Georgia, on several boards including the King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation, Memorial Health University Hospital Board, Coastal Empire Council of the Boy Scouts, and the United Way of the Coastal Empire. He also served on the boards of the Bethesda Academy and the Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. He was a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). He was also a member of several social clubs including the Frogs, Wolves, and the Savannah Quarterback Club. He was the national president of the National Association of Guardsmen in 1996. He also served in several capacities in Asbury United Methodist Church and was Chairman of the Administrative Council in 2017-2018. He now resides in Savannah, Georgia, and is enjoying retirement.
