William C. Bonanno serves as a police officer for the Tucson Police Department in Tucson, Arizona. Assuming his role in 1998, he has focused his efforts on traffic enforcement, with a strong emphasis on identifying and apprehending impaired drivers. Notably, Mr. Bonanno is the most senior member of this specialized unit within an agency of approximately 750 officers, and he holds credentials in every area related to impaired driving enforcement. As part of his responsibilities outside of field work, he teaches the impaired driving enforcement program at the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Training Center and has been a school safety officer for several years. He has participated in over 15,000 DUI investigations since commencing his career.
Inspired to enter law enforcement by his family members, many of whom were police officers, Mr. Bonanno was hired by the City of Tucson, where he enrolled in a 16-week police academy and completed a 12-week field training program. Upon the completion of both programs, he earned certification as a police officer through the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board and completed pertinent coursework at Pima Community College to enrich his professional credentials. In 2005, he earned a phlebotomy certification through the college, allowing him to perform blood draws in the field as part of impaired driving investigations.
Alongside his efforts in the field, Mr. Bonanno is committed to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), having served as a frequent keynote speaker at industry events. In this regard, he earned the MADD Arizona Law Officer of the Year award by the Tucson Police Department in 2025, having also been recognized by MADD with a Dedicated Service Award earlier in his career. Among other noteworthy accolades, Mr. Bonanno received an award from the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers and the Medal of Valor from the Arizona School Resource Officers Association, both in 2025. The City of Tucson also bestowed upon him the Medal of Valor and the DUI Public Safety Service of Excellence Award.
Civically involved as well, Mr. Bonanno maintains an active affiliation with the Special Olympics and the Women in 9-1-1 Alliance, part of the National Emergency Number Association. He is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, which recognized him as a drug recognition expert for more than 20 years. Among the many highlights of his career, Mr. Bonanno is particularly proud of apprehending a school shooter, intercepting the individual before any harm could occur. This success invited much support and gratitude from his community, and he continues to work in the school to the present day.
Looking ahead, Mr. Bonanno intends to step away from law enforcement to further impact his community through teaching and working with youth in schools. He would also like to mentor and educate up-and-coming officers and provide training services through various organizations. He is scheduled to retire in February 2026.
