Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Detective Duane Dean Winkelman

Illinois Central Gulf Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police

End of Watch Thursday, December 28, 1972

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Detective Duane Dean Winkelman

Det. Winkleman,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 28, 2022

Duane was my father. I followed in his footsteps proudly. I near 25 Years and remember he never got the opportunity. He was also a member of the KCPD (MO) before working for Rock Island.

CPL Thad D Winkelman
son of DET Duane D. Winkelman EOW 12/27/1972

August 26, 2020

Rest in peace Detective Winkelman.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 10, 2019

Duane was my father, I did not get to know him well as he was taken from me at a young age. I do remember he was strong and kind. I know he was good to my mother. I know he painted a train around the inside of our bedroom and the engineer was on the inside of the door. Unfortunately while my mother was grieving in Kansas there was a flood where we lived and almost all of our photographs were lost. Thank you all for your kind thoughts. Even after all this time there is still a hole in my life where he should be.

PFC 502nd MP company 82-85
Son, Proud big brother to Thad

August 22, 2015

For those who have posted here. I thank you. This was my father, I will never know how my life would have turned out if he were still here. However I hope that he is proud of me as I am finishing my 20 + year career in Law Enforcement having followed the example of public service that he left.

P.S. SGT Flowers, please feel free to contact me as I would love to hear more stories about him.

CPL Thad Winkelman
Son

July 20, 2015

Rest well, brother....we won't let you be forgotten

POMFCC
Peace Officers Memorial Foundation of Cook County

November 29, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service as a leo and for your service to our country as a Vietnam veteran. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 28, 2011

"Wink" and I served together in Vietnam in 1967 on Army Landing Craft (LCUs). He was a good friend both in combat and in preserving our spirit. His Christian principles, strong and constant, still guide me. He became a "forever" friend and role model for strength, honor, and care for others. His Christmas card in 1972 came late and arrived after we knew that he had been killed. I still have it, and it is treasured. He is remembered and missed greatly.

Bill Flowers
SGT, USA, RVN 1967

May 2, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 24, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 27, 2007

RIP, Detective Winkelman and thank you for your service to the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad Police Department.

Pecos Police Department
Pecos, Texas.

October 20, 2006

Your sacrifice has not gone without reflection……….

April 29, 2004

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