The Defense Department confirmed Wednesday that Sergeant William Wilson of Getzville was shot to death by someone who appeared to be a member of the Afghan Local Police.

Defense officials said Wilson died of gunshot wounds on Monday.

Wilson's body is expected to arrive in Western New York from Dover Air Force either Thursday or Friday.

Wilson was a member of the Army Second Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment based in Germany.

GETZVILLE, N.Y. — Pictures show the impact 27-year-old Army Sergeant William Wilson, best known to his family and friends as Billy, had on his community.

Wilson joined the Army in 2005. His close friend and former Marine, Brandon Terry, says he was killed Monday by Afghan security forces. Terry says Wilson was stationed in Germany, but serving another tour in Afghanistan.

"It sucks, and I hate to use that word, but it sucks,” said Terry. “When I found out how he passed, it was based on Afghan Police, we trained them, we trained them to protect their own country and what they're doing instead is retaliating for mishaps that have happened in the past few weeks in regards to the Sergeant or Staff Sergeant who unfortunately killed those civilians.”

Wilson's family was too upset to talk about his death, but as the news spread, a steady stream of people with flowers and food in hand began offering their condolences at the family's home in Getzville.

"It was something that they choose to do, something that he loves to do, and protecting our country is something you’ve got to admire in any solider that's over there,” said Stephen Ola, lacrosse coach at Williamsville North. “I mean, it's a horrible thing to lose someone like that, to lose someone this close and in this community."

Ola played lacrosse against Wilson in high school. Wilson was the captain and goalie for the Williamsville North men's lacrosse team, while Ola played for Williamsville South.

"He's a model guy. Graduated from here, graduated from North, no problems ever in high school, served his country well,” Ola said.

Wilson's father tells YNN they have a "welcome home" banner the family proudly displays in front of their home every time Sgt. Wilson comes home. Mr. Wilson says he had it out last month when his son was home for a brief visit, and said he now plans on putting that banner out one last time for his son's final homecoming.