Waterloo Police Department, Iowa
End of Watch: Sunday, October 11, 1908
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: October 11, 1908
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Never apprehended
Night Patrolman Fred Widmann was shot and killed by burglars while walking his beat. He interrupted the burglars at work at the rear door of the Coburn bicycle and gun store.
One robber, without warning, shot twice at Patrolman Widmann. Although fatally wounded, Patrolman Widmann returned fire and then managed to get to the sidewalk where he was able to call for help. He was take to the hospital where he died that afternoon if internal bleeding.
Although the entire police department assisted in the search, and a reward of $1200 was offered, no suspect was ever apprehended.
Patrolman Widmann had served with the agency for two years and is survived by his mother and brother.