Willie Halliburton

All-American Defensive Back (1984-85)

Willie Halliburton attended Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kansas, and won varsity letters in football both his junior and senior year.  He represented Wyandotte High School in the 1984 Big Brothers/Big Sisters High School All-Star game against the Missouri All-Stars.  

Willie received a scholarship to Coffeyville in 1984 and started at cornerback his freshman year.  He completed his freshman year with the team going 10-2 and winning the Jayhawk Bowl.  Willie entered his sophomore year with big expectations having been mentored by his close friends and teammates, All-Americans Limbo Parks and John Randolph the previous year.  Willie played strong safety where he led the country in interceptions.  Willie was voted the player of the game in the 1995 Jayhawk Bowl where he set the record for most interceptions in a game (4).  Willie was voted first team All-American in 1985.

Willie transferred to Kansas State University where he started at strong safety.  His senior year, Willie was named one of the team captains for the season.  Willie finished his career at Kansas State where injuries prevented him from furthering his football career.  Willie graduated from Kansas State with a degree in social sciences/criminal justice.  

Willie was hired by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office in Olathe, Kansas in 1988.  After two years as a deputy in Kansas, he and his wife Christine Viveros, relocated to Portland, Oregon, where he was hired as a Portland Police Officer.  Willie has enjoyed a highly successful career with the Portland Police Bureau and as accumulated numerous awards and commendations for his outstanding work in patrol and investigations.  After only five years as an officer in Portland, Willie was named 1996 “Police Officer of the Year.”   Willie will retire as a Sergeant from the Portland Police Bureau in January 2016 after 25 years of service.  

During his time in Portland, Willie has pursued different interests outside of police work.  Willie has worked as a professional actor and comedian.  He has appeared in television and feature films.  Willie was blessed to star in his own reality show called “Willie”, broadcasted on the A&E network.  Willie has performed comedy shows across the country, leaving audiences doubling in laughter due to his unique high energy comedy set that blends police work, family life and social issues.

Willie married his college sweetheart Christine Viveros.  They recently celebrated 25 years of marriage.  Willie and Christine are the parents of five wonderful children (Latricia, Willie Jr., Xavier, Jaima and Elle).
“I thank God every day for the opportunities Coffeyville gave me” said Willie. “I am forever indebted to the coaches at the ‘ville for giving me the drive and the ability to become all that I am today.”