Constable William Buist was a native of Denhead, Fife and joined the City of Glasgow Police on 25 December 1909. He was posted to ‘F’ (St. Rollox) Division and had the Register No. B-25.
On the night of 25 November 1910, Constable Buist, without regard to his own safety, entered the waters of the Monkland Canal and effected the rescue of a man who had jumped into the Canal with the intention of committing suicide. For this action he was awarded £5 and a certificate from the Carnegie Heroes’ Trust Fund and a certificate from the Royal Humane Society.
In April 1911, Constable Buist again entered the waters of the Monkland Canal, without regard to his own safety, and effected the rescue of a boy who had fallen in. For this action he was presented with an inscribed silver watch by the Carnegie Heroes’ Trust Fund and a certificate from the Royal Humane Society.
In January 1920, Constable Buist was belatedly awarded the King’s Police Medal in respect of both of these rescues. (London Gazette 1.1.20)
On 13 April 1922, he was promoted to Sergeant in ‘A’ (Central) Division and on 9 June 1926 he was promoted to Inspector in ‘D’ (Southern) Division where he served until his retiral on 28 December 1933.