Honored

Bill Wadsworth chosen as Person of the Year

William Wadsworth

An extraordinary example of public service will be honored by the Romulus community during a special celebration later this year.

Honored will be William J Wadsworth, the longest serving member of the Romulus City Council and the moving force in multiple community improvements during his more than five decades in the city. Wadsworth has been named the 2023 Romulus Person of the Year, the 36th individual to ever be accorded the honor by the Greater Romulus Chamber of Commerce.

Wadsworth, a 55-year resident of the city, was selected for his dedication and devotion to improving the community of Romulus, a spokesman from chamber said. One of his most public efforts was the funding and construction of a new animal shelter in the city. Wadsworth was determined to replace the aging and inadequate facility located in an old fire station in the city. It took many years, but Wadsworth both organized and worked at multiple fundraising activities, including special bingo nights and charity bowling outings. In addition, he was responsible for cash donations of more than $355,000 donated by local residents and businesses. In addition, Wadsworth obtained in-kind donations of materials and services totaling more than $42,000.

William Wadsworth, Romulus Person of the Year for 2023, 

stands with the award committee who selected him for the prestigious honor.

His efforts led to the construction of the current animal shelter located on Wayne Road in Romulus.

Wadsworth and his wife, Virginia, are the parents of three adult sons, all graduates of the Romulus Community Schools. Following his three years in the United States Army, Wadsworth joined the Wayne County Sheriff's Department where he served from 1969 until 1982. During that time, Romulus was part of his patrol area as no municipal police department had been established. In 1982, Wadsworth began his career with the Detroit Metro Airport police, where he served as a sergeant until 2004.

Wadsworth has served on multiple city boards and commissions in the City of Romulus and is a long-time member of the Romulus Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife have been members of Saint Aloysius Church for more than 50 years where he has also volunteered for multiple events, including the former Labor Day weekend festival the church sponsored annually.

A chamber spokesman said that a banquet is planned for this spring to honor Wadsworth for his extraordinary and exemplary service to the city.