2023 Locals Love Us Favorite Law Enforcement: Bill Edwards

Llano County Precinct 3 Constable Bill Edwards has been laying down the law in the Buchanan Dam area for 20 years, and locals love him for it. Edwards was voted a 2023 Locals Love Us Favorite Law Enforcement officer by The Picayune Magazine readers and KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune listeners. 
“I have a reputation for being fair,” Edwards said. “Whether you’re a bad guy or a good guy, I’m going to take care of you. People are people. I don't ever talk down to anybody.”
Edwards has made it his mission to give everyone a fair shake when it comes to serving justice. As constable, he has the powers of other peace officers in Texas, but his main duties are protecting the Precinct 3 court, acting as bailiff, and serving warrants handed out by Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Deb Edwards, who also happens to be his wife.
“I’m a people helper. It's the only thing that has kept me in it so long,” he said.
This is Edwards’ second big career, after spending 26 years in the U.S. Navy. This also will be his last term as constable, which will end in January 2024. Constable is an elected position.
He earned his reputation through acts of kindness while on patrol, like handing out meals to those in need during the holidays or teddy bears to kids having a hard time at a crime scene.
“I help people that are having trouble,” he said. “I have an opportunity to give back, and it makes my day. I don’t expect anything in return.”
Edwards has been the recipient of Locals Love Us awards at least six times, and this might very well be his last as a constable for Llano County. Also voted Favorite Law Enforcement were Inks Lake State Park's Ted Preston for the Burnet area and the Cottonwood Shores Police Department's Eddie McCoy for the Marble Falls area.
Flip through the digital 2023 Locals Love Us magazine for a full list of winners.
dakota@thepicayune.com