William Nicholl, 75, a 30-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department who rose to the rank of lieutenant, died Thursday at home in Phoenix, Ariz. Lt. Nicholl started as a police officer in 1946 after returning from duty in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, said his son, William. He helped start the department’s internal investigations division and served for a time as acting commander of the 16th (Jefferson Park) District. After retiring in the mid-1970s, he purchased and operated a Wisconsin resort. He moved to Arizona in 1986. In addition to his son, Lt. Nicholl is survived by his wife, Helen; three daughters, Sherry Ferrara, Carol Phillips-Florez and Donna Nicholl-Lewandowski; three sisters; three brothers; and 12 grandchildren. Mass will be said Monday in Phoenix.
