Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Andy was an excellent role model for everyone. I went to school with him, but he was a few years older than me. To think that such a good hearted and fun loving man was shot down so brutally breaks my heart. Andy will always be in my heart and my prayers go out to his family.

Ptlm Brett Bethel
Fostoria Police Dept

July 18, 2008

God Bless this fallen Officer, his family, friends and his Dept. God Speed.

Gloria Lytle-Comeaux
HPD

July 18, 2008

On behalf of the men and women of the Camillus Police Department, our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and co-workers of Police Officer Andrew Widman. Rest in Peace Brother, We now have the Watch.

PBA
Town of Camillus Police Department, Central New York

July 18, 2008

We can honor Police Officer Andrew Widman by remembering his name and reflecting on his contributions to our lives and to our community. Join me in honoring this brave man who made the ultimate sacrifice of losing his life while protecting the lives of others.

America is richer because of his service. America is poorer because of his loss.

The Gospel of John 14:27, offers comfort in the words of Jesus, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

God bless Police Officer Andrew Widman and his family. We will never forget you.

Detective Jamie Davidson
Highlands County Sheriff's Office

July 18, 2008

May he rest in peace and my sincerest condolences to his wife, children and extended family

Deputy Don Catland-Retired
Bexar County Sheriff's Office- Texas

July 18, 2008

Rest in Peace my Brother, God Bless you, your family and your Dept.

OFFICER BOB SWOPE#5609
OLMSTED FALLS POLICE DEPT.OHIO

July 18, 2008

A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes the best

Godspeed to you Andrew. Watch over your family and friends and keep us safe.

Ofc Kelly Gaudet
Gainesville Police

July 18, 2008

FMPD lost other Great Officer today. Rest In Peace Brother. I will pray for your family may God keep them strong.

Deputy Kevin Martin
St.Clair County

July 18, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Widman's family and with all of the Ft. Myers Police Department.

Elizabeth Drake
Department of Children and Families, Substance Abuse & Mental Health P

July 18, 2008

Sincere condolences to the family, friends, and department of Police Officer Andrew Widman. May he rest in eternal peace, and may God bless and keep you all.

Leo J. Kennerson #2814
RETIRED TROOPER, NYSP

July 18, 2008

So sorry for your loss. Please know that we are praying for Ft Myers PD and the family of this dedicated officer.

Florida Dispatcher

July 18, 2008

Officer Widman,

My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends, and to the members of the Fort Myers Police Department. May God Bless you all.

Tonya Stephenson
Private Citizen, Pella, IA

July 18, 2008

Well done good and faithful servant. Rest in peace my brother. You are a hero and will never be forgotten. I will keep your wife and family in my prayers. God bless them.

Ptl. Jim Hovan, Retired
Teaneck, New Jersey PD

July 18, 2008

God bless you and your family.

Officer

July 18, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.

But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from Heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through
God picked me up and hugged me and he said,'I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.
I need you here badly, you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.'
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the days chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....In the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human they are bound to bring tears.
But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you would not understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you, and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one step at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you to;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night...."My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented...that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low:
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go...from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...you're coming here to me.
I will always be with you!
Another officer killed by someone who gave no regard for anothers life.
Your family and all who knew PO Widman GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Canon City, CO

Marilyn Robinson
KWLF internet radio

July 18, 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

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

July 18, 2008

Andy and I went to college together and he was a great friend. He will be greatly missed by myself and all of his other classmates. He was a very kind and thoughtful man who always stood up for what was right and above all, he yearned to serve people.

RIP Andy.

David Scaglione
Friend

July 18, 2008

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to seperate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38,39

Yelithza Paramo
citizen

July 18, 2008

Andrew was a dedicated father, friend, and law enforcement officer. He always had a smile on his face and was never discouraged no matter the situation. He was loved and admired by his family and his peers. He truely had a positive affect on everybody he came in contact with. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was taken from us too soon but he died doing what he loved. During our academy I remember saying to myself, Andrew was going to have a long and properous career. He is the last person that should of been taken from us. Words cannot describe this tragedy. Andrew was truely beautiful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. On behalf of class 112 we will miss you dearly and will never forget you.

Deputy George Camacho
Lee County Sheriff's Office

July 18, 2008

Rev,

You will be missed by all those you have touched in your short life. You will never be forgotten! You will always be one of the few that would give anything you had to someone else that needed it, and not expect anything in return. You were and still are a true friend. I know that you will be in the “no waiting line” to get inside the gate. Service before self!!

R.I.P.

Deputy Robert C. Margrander
Lee County Sheriffs Dept/friend/classmate

July 18, 2008

Rest in Peace Sir.

Jersey Trooper
New Jersey State Police

July 18, 2008

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO.

Deputy Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriffs Office

July 18, 2008

As we prepare to mourn the loss of our fallen brother, May
god speed healing in the family of our fallen brother, and
his fellow brothers and sisters of the Ft.Myers Police Dept. Officer Widman thank you for your service, We have The watch from here.

Mark Miller
Ocala Police Department /City Watch

July 18, 2008

AGAIN, we bury another one of our heros. Another piece of America has died, like so many before! May God Bless your family and friends in their time of grief and may your children ALWAYS know that their daddy was, and is, a HERO! Thank You for protecting us. God Bless and Godspeed.

Lisa
GEORGIA CITIZEN

July 18, 2008

I read in a newspaper article that you were a missionary at one time. As soon as I saw the news, I prayed for your family. I will look forward to shaking your hand one day in heaven.

Patrol Deputy
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

July 18, 2008