Calling hours were held Monday for William Chamberlain, the city of Troy's operations director, who was fatally stabbed last week. Hundreds of people line the streets to pay their respects to Chamberlain. As TWC News' Tanja Rekhi reports, many will remember his dedication and hard work for the city of Troy.
While loved ones try to come to terms with the loss of William Chamberlain, lines wrapped around Bryce Funeral Home as hundreds paid their respects to Troy's late director of operations.
"It's just heartbreaking and I still can't wrap my head around this whole ordeal," said Troy Police Sgt. Sam Carello. "It was a senseless and tragic loss. Bill was one of the nicest people I know."
Chamberlain was found dead after being stabbed multiple times outside his Wynantskill home Thursday night.
"I don't understand how anyone can have such a disregard for life and do this to another person," said Rodney Wiltshire, Troy city council president. "Bill has big shoes and I don't know how they'll be filled, to be honest with you."
Friends describe Chamberlain as a true hard-working leader. He served the city of Troy for more than 30 years.
"Bill was the city of Troy. He lived and breathed to make things work," Carello said. "I was just on the phone with him the day before this happened and we were discussing issues that we needed to address. He was taking my calls on his day off. That's the type of person he was."
No charges have been filed in the deadly stabbing, but North Greenbush police have arrested 28-year-old Joseph Vandenburgh. While he's not been charged in the stabbing, Vandenburgh is charged with a parole violation. He's been on parole for one year after serving seven years on a burglary charge.
Police haven't said if Chamberlain and Vandenburgh knew each other and are asking anyone with information to contact them.