Serving others was all he wanted to do — Bill Dramann hangs up the uniform after 57 years

The story of Bill Dramann’s life as a law enforcement officer can’t be told with one interview and a short story in the local newspaper. This is a story of a man who has dedicated his life to law enforcement in every sense of the word from the time he was a boy in grade school.

This year marks Dramann’s 57th year as an officer and at the young age of 79 he feels it’s the right time to do something else with his life! He will finish his career – and what a career it has been – at the village of Oldenburg as their Marshal. His last day is December 31.

This life of service began when Dramann was just a kid and saw a black and white movie with an officer driving a 1956 Plymouth who was assisting a lady. “Right then, I knew what I would be,” he told The Versailles Republican, as he relaxed with his wife, Martha, at the Mid-Town Diner in New Point.
He said it might sound “corny” but that’s exactly what he wanted to do with his life. He said he’s surprised himself a few times over his career with his achievements. And, he has those. Many lives saved, plaques given, acknowledgements made, and what means the most to him is the people he served. Yes, served. “Policing is different now,” he shook his head, but was still certain being in law enforcement is a service. He started the finger printing program in Ripley County going around with his bus. Dramann was honored when he served as security for Sir Harold Wilson of the Scotland Yard Broadway, London, when he visited Batesville and stayed at the Sherman House.

“There were two things I never wanted him to do,” his wife of over 50 years shared. “One was an over the road truck driver, and the other was a police officer.” She said she was outnumbered when the police position became available, and her husband began his career at the Batesville Police Department in 1968. “My dad, Victor Stenger, approved and I knew it was over,” she laughed.
She never has been completely at ease with it but knew it was what her husband was meant to do. Dramann said he was never afraid while on duty and while he isn’t a particularly religious person said he is a firm believer in “the man upstairs” and knew He had control.

Dramann has stories. He’s been shot at – more than once, pulled his gun – more than once, seen horrific sights, watched people die, been in high-speed chases, stand-offs, been in on surveillance stings and so much he says no one would believe it!

In 1969 he became a full-time deputy with Batesville Police Department and in 1973 became the Chief of Police there. He says he owes a lot of his career to others with Ed Hunter, ISP, being one of the men he respected and relied on. He became Batesville’s first detective in 1982 and settled into a life in Batesville. But there was more for Dramann. He would go on to run for Ripley County Sheriff in 1994 and, as a Democrat, run again and serve a total of eight years. When asked what his best day was, it was a quick response. “When I was elected Sheriff. I was elected by the people for the people.” And he never forgot who put him in office.

In 2006 Dramann was offered the position of Sunman Town Marshal and he accepted. He enjoyed his time there but moved on to being the Marshal at Oldenburg since 2014.

He’s had some bad days. He remembers the tornado at Hamburg like it was yesterday. His sister lived there and while he raced to the storm-torn area, he had a feeling. He was right. He lost her, her soon to be born baby and another niece that day. He’s seen his share of heartache. He’s also seen his share of joy and has had people he’s arrested come back and shake hands with him.

Dramann said the worst calls were when he would have to go to a home where a child or baby had been molested. “I wanted to seriously hurt whoever did it and knew I couldn’t.” He always trusted the system, saying he knew he did his part to the best of his ability and never tried to throw any blame toward fellow officers, the prosecutor or the justice system. “You just have to do your best,” he said.
As he reminisced over the years, he had many stories and would sometimes stop and say, “Now that one I really enjoyed!” It would be about driving fast and always helping someone.

“I’m going to miss being out in the public,” he agreed, when asked what he would miss most. He said he will miss being involved to the level he has been for all his life.

Dramann said law enforcement has changed drastically – some for the good and some not – and he is thankful he served when he did. He won’t just sit in the house. He plans to mow in the summer (he’s known for mowing lots of yards) and plowing snow in the winter. Martha looks forward to spending some real time with him. After all, he’s been doing this since he was 22-years-old.

His future plans include spending time with family, his daughter, four grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.

“I have truly enjoyed serving the citizens of Ripley and Franklin counties,” Dramann said in parting. It has been the honor of his life.

Who will replace Dramann? Well, no one. But Adam Boesken of Brookville, will be the new Marshal at Oldenburg.