Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My condolences to the members of the Richmond PD and to the family of Ofc. Wendel. Rest in peace brother, you served with bravery and dedication. we have the watch now.

In the past few years, the Chattanooga Police Dept. and
Hamilton Co. Sherrif's Dept. has lost a brother and a sister,
both shot & killed. It is a difficult time to go through, but
remember Douglas, the Warrior is with God. There will be
justice. It might take time, but it will be done. Our thoughts
and prayers are with Douglas' family and Depatment.

Detective Larry Lockmiller
Chattanooga Police Dept.

God Speeed Warrior

K-9 State Trooper OZ
Tennessee Highway Patrol

my thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones. You died with honor.

Anonymous

... my heart is filled with sorrow to hear that I have lost another BROTHER IN BLUE... to the family I say TRUST IN GOD. To my fallen brother... my GOD be with you....

PATROLMAN M. SANTOS, JR.
CHATTANOOGA, TN / P.D.

MAY GOD BLESS THE FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND COWORKERS OF THIS GREAT HERO. MY BROTHER IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, IT IS MY PRAYER THAT YOUR KILLERS BE CAUGHT AND JUSTICE BE DONE. YOU WILL ALWAYS LIVE ON IN THE HEARTS OF MANY. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER IN BLUE. ONCE AGAIN, MAY GOD BLESS.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

Final Inspection

The officer stood and faced his God
which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To your church have you been true?"

The officer squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because all of us who carry badges
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent
because the streets are tough.

But I never took a penny
that wasn't mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
when the bills got way too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept an unmanly tear.

I know I don't deserve a place
among the people here.
They never wanted me around
except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, it needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
but if you don't...I'll understand!

There was silence all around the throne
where the saints often trod.
As the officer waited quietly
for the judgement of his GOD.
"Step forward now, Officer.
You've borne your burdens well
Come walk a beat on heaven's streets,
you've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

May it help to ease the pain and suffering of Officer Wendel's family to know that he is now resting in peace with the Lord and his ultimate sacrifice is greatly appreciated by the citizens of the streets he protected.

Tammy Batkins
Spouse of VA State Police Special Agent

My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Wendel's family. My family is still mourning the loss of our loved one so I know of the ache in all of your hearts right now. His sacrifice will not be forgotton.

Michele Luthringer, Erie PA
Cousin of Officer Ryan Cappelletty-Chesterfield, VA
EOW 5/28/03

Michele Luthringer

Rest in peace brother in blue, your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Inspector
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

To Officer Wendel's family you are in my prayers. Doug you will not be forgotten. My anger will strengthen my resolve and rest assured THE FIGHT WILL CONTINUE.
Steve code 2271
4th Precinct CRT
Richmond City Police Department, Virginia.

Police Officer, Steve
Richmond City Police Virginia

To the Friends, family and co-workers of Officer Wendel,
It makes no sense to lose any officers and especially by a faceless coward. No words that I can write will ease your torment and pain, however, always know that you have an extended family that will pray for you during your time of sorrow.

Deputy Faith Hill
Shelby County Sheriff's Office

Yet again, another peace officer slain in the attempt to keep us seemingly ungrateful civilians safe. It would seem that way, you are out protecting us and are shot in the back. It is tragic that his life was taken, even more so that he left behind so many a family, his parent, brother, children and fiance are all in morning.

Stunned, how such a noble man could be slain by the scum of humanity. That is the greatest question I have always asked, a person with a future a respectable job, why is he slain by the lowlife scum of the universe who bathe in a life of crime and shame. God, let his soul rest in peace...

Civilian
State Of Florida

We are truly saddened at Doug's loss.
--------------------------------------
We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
---------------------------------------
Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton (NY) P.D.

Rest easy, brother. God obviously thought you to be a special man. A hero needed for a greater cause. May He also hold your family in this time of need. Our ranks one man thinner, yet we will continue.....and never forget those who fall before us. God bless you.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)

To the friends, family and Co-workers of Officer Douglas E. Wendel....
My heartfelt condolences go out to you in this time of need. 8 months ago, my brother was taken away, so I know the grief that is going to be coming in the next few days, months possibly years....the pain just seems to never go away....but with each other, we can get through it. I am sure Officer Wendel was a wonderful officer, only the Lord calls the best! He can now help the other blue angels patrol the streets of gold. Thank you for your time Officer Wendel, thanks for protecting us!

Stephanie Betts
Surviving sibling...Officer CR Betts EOW 12-22-02

Stephanie Betts

We are so sad to learn of the line of duty death of Officer Douglas Wendel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family,friends and members of Richmond PD as we als mourn
the loss. Officer Wendel was a hero out protecting the streets in the community to make it a safer place for others to enjoy their freedom. Rest in Peace our Brother in Blue and Thanks for your dedicated service.

Steve & Diane

Sgt.Steve Hunt
AMory PD (MS.)

Officer Wendel was a fine and honorable man and I was fortunate to know him. Thank you for protecting my family Doug, we were safer because of you.

Lane McColl
Private Citizen

It's with great sadness that I see your face on this page. May your family and friends deal with your death with strength and may your killer be brought to justice. We will pray for your department and family.

Lt. Mark Gilbert
Martinsville Police Dept.

We have the watch now Doug, rest in peace.

Senior Trooper
Virginia State Police

TRUE HEROS ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE.

Anonymous

To Doug's Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time or loss. Please remember that your father is a fallen hero and a role model for others to look up to, including you. His loss has not only hurt you, but hurt this entire community. We all mourn his passing. God bless you as he watches over us with your father.
Sean and Sarah Swineford

Officer S.R.Swineford
PBP

My deepest sympathy to the Family, Friends and Coworkers of Officer Wendel, May god bless you all and he Rest In Peace...

Master Police Offcer Brian D. Decker
Virginia Beach Police Dept.

As a previous long time resident of the City of Richmond, I am saddened to learn of this incident. I hope that those responsible are brought to quick and firm justice. I also hope that the other law abiding citizens of Richmond appreciate the sacrifice that this officer has made in order to keep Richmond a wonderful place to live. Officer Wendel, your efforts will never be forgotten and your cause will never end.

Concerned citizen from Gainesville, FL.

My sincere condolences to Officer Wendel's family, coworkers and friends. It has been a trying year in Virginia for law enforcement. I thank all of my brothers and sisters who have answered the call of duty with honor and dedication. Officer Wendel will live on through all of us.

Officer T. Walters
Virginia Beach PD

Another hero lost, another sad day for America. Rest in peace blue warrior, rest easy, be assured your fellow brothers and sisters in blue will find your cowardly killers and bring them to justice. God bless.

A Brother in Blue, upstate NY

Ptlm
CPD, NY