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Police Officer Richard P. Wentlandt | Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida

Police Officer

Richard P. Wentlandt

Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida

End of Watch: Saturday, March 15, 1997

Bio & Incident Details

Age: 48

Tour: 10 years

Badge # Not available

Cause: Duty related illness

Incident Date: 5/29/1981

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Police Officer Richard Wentlandt died on the evening of March 15, 1997, from a Hepatitis C infection that he contracted during blood transfusions after being shot in the line of duty on May 29, 1981.

While on patrol Officer Wentlandt spotted a car parked in a remote area. As he exited his patrol car to approach the vehicle the occupant fired on him, striking him six times. He was able to return fire, wounding the suspect. The subject was in the process of raping a woman whom he had just abducted. Officer Wentlandt is credited with saving her life.

Before his death, Officer Wentlandt's health deteriorated to the point where he was completely bed ridden.

In February 2012 Officer Wentlandt's killer was denied parole.

Officer Wentlandt had served with the Metro-Dade Police Department for 10 years.

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i first met rick when he came to speak to our class ble 123. he played the dispatch tape of that night, the night that changed his life and career. when it was done, an eerie silence fell over the room and rick proceeded to tell us in detail what occured that night and what transpired after relating to his life.he advised that due to his wounds he was forced to leave the job he loved. he described the will to live and not give up and everyone of us left that room with awe and reverence and a a belief if faced with same odds we would overcome just as rick did. throughout my career i always remembered this and id see rick every once in a while. he was a great guy very down to earth and pleasant to talk to. survival city is named after him and i couldn't think of a more fitting tribute to his memory. rest in peace rick.

lou sacco
mdpd
May 18, 2014

 

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