From the December, 1905 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine
The coal trestle and sheds of J. Frank Post, opposite Erie's North Newark Station, were destroyed by fire recently. The depot was in considerable danger from the burning trestle owing to its proximity. Through the efforts of Engineer William Laird, Assistant Agent George Krum, and Harry B. Weller, of the Erie Station at Fourth Avenue, with several other employes, pending the arrival of the fire department of Newark, excellent work was done to prevent the fire spreading to the station. The one-inch hose which Agent Cole has in readiness at all times was put promptly into action and the sides of the building washed down which undoubtedly prevented the destruction of the station.

From the August 24, 1906 issue of the New York Times:
Montclair, NJ, Aug. 23 - The quick action of William Laird, an engineer, prevented what might have been a serious accident on the Greenwood Lake branch of the Erie Railroad yesterday afternoon. The brakes of a heavily loaded freight car standing in the Montclair yard in some manner became released and the car started down the track, and soon was under full headway on a steep grade. Engineer Laird, who was in charge of a locomotive standing in front of the Montclair station, saw that the car had escaped. He disconnected his engine and started after it with several freight men on board his locomotive. The car by this time had gained great speed. There is a steep grade from Montclair to the meadows, and it was feared that the car would cause a wreck before it reached level land.

The runaway car and the engine in pursuit flew by grade crossings at a great rate of speed, while residents in the vicinity of the railroad watched the chase, and wondered what it meant. When Bloomfield was reached the locomotive was about 150 yards from the freight car. The engineer was anxious to catch the runaway car before it reached the Passaic River, as he feared the draw might be open, and there were several passenger trains on their way from Jersey City. As he drew near to the runaway car, he ordered two brakemen to go to the pilot of the engine and get ready to swing themselves aboard as soon as the engine ran against the bumper of the car. Just after the Soho station was passed the brakemen were able to accomplish this, and they were soon setting the brakes on the freight car. Gradually it was brought to a standstill. The car was coupled to the engine and pulled back to the Montclair yards. The chase had covered two miles.

From the October, 1937 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
New York Division Engineer W.M. Laird of Jersey City was retired on the new Federal Railroad Retirement statute recently at age 66, after 47 years, two months of service.

From the March, 1943 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
W.M. Laird, retired engineer, died at his home in St. Petersburg, FL, Jan. 20 (1943). Interment was at Newark, NJ.