Officer William Pschigoda Addresses Sunrise Rotary

Marco Island Police Officer William Pschigoda (“Billy” to friends and often Officer Billy to the youth he works with) was the most recent speaker at Marco’s Sunrise Rotary Club’s Wake Up to Rotary speaker series. Officer Pschigoda served in the Collier County Sheriff’s Department for 35 years. He joined Marco Island Police as a reserve officer in 2024 and full-time in 2025 as School Resource Officer assigned to Marco Island Charter Middle School.

Officer Pschigoda’s presentation took the Club through his career with the Sheriff’s Office with emphasis on being hit by a fleeing driver in 2006 that almost killed him. In 2006, then Corporal Pschigoda was assisting in apprehending a suspect in a speeding car. At the intersection of Collier Boulevard and Tamiami Trail, he positioned vehicles and a fire truck to funnel the car into a single lane so he could throw down stop sticks.

As the speeding vehicle approached, another motorist unintentionally blocked Pschigoda so he had nowhere to back away as the vehicle sped toward him at over 80 miles per hour. He had to choose going under cars or over and he chose over. The speeding car hit him, knocked him through a windshield, and the only thing that saved him was his ballistic vest, which stopped the shattered glass from penetrating. His uniform shirt was shredded.

Although the ballistic vest helped, it could not protect his head or prevent impact injuries. Paramedics were on-site due to the fire truck positioning and knew Pschigoda well as he was also a trained EMT. They called for helicopter evac instantly. Pschigoda stopped breathing at least once. Those on-site saved his life.

Many who saw the crash were sure Pschigoda’s law enforcement career was ended, but he proved them wrong. After emergency and later medical treatment and over a year of rehab, Pschigoda rejoined the Sheriff’s Department 17 months after being hit by the car. He has physical reminders of his experience and continues missing memory of the month before and two months after the crash.

Officer Pschigoda, or Officer Billy as he is known to students, now serves as the School Resource Officer for Marco Island Charter Middle School and is a full-time member of Marco Island Police. He explained he has lived on Marco Island his entire life and has always wanted to take care of his fellow Islanders. His service with Marco Island Police is a continuation of his effort to do just that.

Many would have given up after such serious injuries. Return to the dangers of law enforcement would have been farthest from the minds of others. Officer Pschigoda’s return and continuing service in Law enforcement is a testament to him and his concern for others.

Marco Island Rotary Club Sunrise meets Tuesdays, 7:15 AM at Stonewalls Restaurant, 551 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island, Florida.