“Willie”, as he was referred to by his fellow firefighters, started his career in the volunteer fire service as a member of the Lindenhurst Fire Department, Lindenhurst, New York on July 18, 1939.

He served as a member of the Chemical and Salvage Company No. #1 until June 16, 1942 when he moved to Wantagh, New York.

In 1942 he married his wife Dora and joined the Wantagh Hook Ladder & Engine Company No. #1 on January 3, 1947.

Upon the formation of Wantagh Volunteer Fire Co. No. #2, Willie transferred to Company #2 in October 1954 and became a charter member of the company.

As a member of the Wantagh Fire Department and Company #2 he held the following positions:
 

Every year since 1989 the Wantagh F. D. in partnership with Wantagh Hook Ladder & Engine Co. #1, Wantagh Volunteer Fire Co. No. #2 and the Wantagh F. D. Exempts Association present the Bill Haps Scholarships.  This scholars is in memory of Bill Haps, a 42 year veteran and charter member of Wantagh F. D. Co. No. #2 who died on July 24, 1989.

There are four basic principle that these awards are based: the applicant must indicate a desire to pursue a career in the Humanities, must demonstrate a need for financial assistance, is rated on their extracurricular activities both in school and involvement in community activities and finally their scholastic accomplishment.  In addition the applicant  In addition the scholarship committee requires a written recommendations from the high school's guidance counselor, two faculty members, and an individual from outside the school or family.  And finally a personal interview with each finalist

These awards are made each year to four graduating seniors who reside within the Wantagh Fire District.  The awards are each in the amount of $1,000.00.  In those years where there is a tie between two individuals the committee may decide to reduce the amount of the award to these individuals and give the award to five graduating seniors.