Detective Manuel Christopher Widner

Detective Manuel Christopher Widner

Paris Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Sunday, August 22, 2021

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Manuel Christopher Widner

Detective Chris Widner died from complications of contracting COVID-19 while performing his duties as an investigator.

Detective Widner served with the Paris Police Department for 11 years. He is survived by his wife and son.


The Effects of COVID on Law Enforcement

Beginning in early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country began to contract COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Due to the nature of their job, law enforcement officers were required to work and interact with the community even as the majority of the country was self-quarantined. As a result, hundreds of officers died from COVID-related illnesses and other complications.

Corrections agencies, in particular, suffered tremendous losses due to the constant and close proximity between the corrections officers and large inmate populations. Since March 2020, ODMP has verified that over 900 law enforcement officers have died as the result of a confirmed or presumed exposure while on duty and continues to work with hundreds of other agencies that have suffered a COVID-related death.

Visit ODMP's COVID-19 memorial listing every officer who has died as a result of a confirmed or presumed exposure.

Bio

  • Age 47
  • Tour 11 years, 3 months
  • Badge 2435

Incident Details

  • Cause COVID19
  • Incident Date Sunday, July 11, 2021

COVID-19, communicable disease

Most Recent Reflection

View all 46 Reflections

Rest in peace Detective Chris Widner and thank you for your service.

CBP Officer(retired), Luis R Otero
DHS/Bureau Of Customs And Border Protection

November 2, 2021

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