Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace, brother.

Deputy First Class Ryan Clifton
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office

August 5, 2008

Rest in peace my brother, you have taken your last 10-7. I sincerely hope and pray for your family that the good Lord gives them strength and peace in their hearts in this trying time. Like the other brother said, God only takes the best. Alas my brother.

Eric Daniels (Capt. Ret)
Collier Co. S.O.

August 5, 2008

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
because those of us who carry a badge
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 awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
that wasn't mine to keep
though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

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 a silence all around the throne
where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
for the judgment of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
you’ve born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
you’ve done your time in hell"

Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, TX

August 5, 2008

God always picks the best to be at his side.

Patrol Officer
James City County Police Department

August 5, 2008

Another tragic loss for the L.E. community. My heart goes out to the family and friends of this fallen hero. Thank you for your dedication and bravery.

Andrew / Narcotics Detective
Baltimore City Police, MD

August 5, 2008

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Widman. May God comfort you all.

Heros are never forgotten. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

August 4, 2008

It is sad to hear about officer Widman, we sometimes ask ourselves why things like this happens to those who protect us, the very heroes that day and night wear the uniform keeping the community safe. But we must remember that the lord works in mysterious ways. My condolences to the family of Officer Widman and always remember that Andrew died doing what he loved he died as a hero. Rest in Peace brother.

POLICE OFFICER RENE SANCHEZ
BOSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT, BOSTON MA.

August 3, 2008

Rest in peace brother in Blue and Brother in Christ. I know you are in a better place. I will pray for your family and your department in Florida.

T.E. Davis
U.S. Customs

August 3, 2008

It is not how Andrew died that made him a hero but it is how he lived.

Andrew was and still is an example to us all. Even though he is with Jesus now, Andrew's testimony lives on. My family's thoughts and prayers are with the Widman family.

Andrew will never be forgotten and niether will his family!!!!

K-9 Officer Glenn Thompson
Ft. Myers Poilice Department

August 3, 2008

I have been a Dispatcher with the Ft Myers Police Department for 20 years now. During the last few years, I have seen 4 good men that I have had the privaledge of working with, and the honor of being friends with, taken away from us while protecting and serving. All of these men were strong believers in their Faith, and that is what I cling to when my own Faith is rocked by their passings. I know that each of them is in Heaven now doing what God needed them to do. Be it walking the beat wearing a white cowboy hat symbolizing the good, dancing and protecting someone very special, being an example of a devoted family man collecting baseball cards in his spare time, or a preacher spreading the good word and still trying to change the world we ans his children still live in. All have lived wonderful lives and are watching over not only their own families and friends, but our law enforcement family also. It is their Faith and the Faith of their families that will help us all. They say God doesn't give people more than they can handle, and that everything happens for a reason. Perhaps that is why God needed them in Heaven, and knew that those they left behind were touched by thier spirits, and would be able to carry on knowing that they are now serving on the ultimate Law Enforcement agency with St Michael and their Savior.
Ofc Dan Starks(FMPD) - Agent Phil Lebid(FBI)
Sgt Mick Bernard(Airport PD) - Ofc Andrew Widman(FMPD)

Lisa Ann

Lisa Ann Lewis - TCO2
Ft. Myers Police Dept - Dispatcher

August 3, 2008

Andrew, thank you for your service to our nation. Given the hate and greed in this world, and in the world only LEO's contend with on a daily basis, now you may know firsthand our Creator and what his master plan is. Please look over us as we go to work every night and rest assure, you family, your wife and children, will always have a huge family to turn to when things become difficult. I'm sorry they have to experience the worst pain imaginable. I know you'll be just as graet an angel as you were an officer here. Rest in peace.

Anonymous

August 3, 2008

I understnad you were also a minister of the Gospel. I, too, was a pastor while serving in Law Enforcement. I will pray for your family. The scripture says, "Blessed is the peacemaker." Rest in peace my dear brother.
Rev. Dr. Michael Layne

Fmr Deputy Marshal Michael Layne
St Paul PD IN, Fmr Deputy

August 2, 2008

I was watching AMW and saw the segment on this officer.
I just wanted to say our prayers are with his wife, children and other family members.
We are all blessed to have men and women that protect and help us.
God Bless You Andrew & Family.

John Crowell
US Citizen

August 2, 2008

Thank you your service and dedication to your community. May you rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

August 2, 2008

The Latino Officers Association Florida, would like to express our condolences to the family of Ofc. Andrew Widman, and the Fort Myers P.D. We ask the Lord to comfort the family in their time of need. The Lord will comfort Andrew under his wing forever. " I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” May the Lord bless all.



"In God We Trust".

Latino Officers Association Florida

July 30, 2008

One day Andrew Widman called me up to go out to lunch with him and some friends. I then realized I was the only Cape Coral Police Officer going to lunch with that crew. I then jumped inside a SUV, which was driven by Fitz... According to Fitz we were going to the Lunch Box, a hole in the wall restaurant. As soon we all walked in, I was like "Oh no, I don't think I can’t eat here". Fitz, Widman and someone else that I can not remember started the ordering process... I order the Gyro sandwich... After I ate that thing and returned to the academy grounds, I had to run to the bathroom. After I got out of the bathroom I encountered Andrew, who told me that the next time we go there it will be better.
The next day we all returned to the famous Lunch Box. I then order the hot dog and fries but I realized that I had left my wallet at the Academy, inside my personal vehicle. Widman then told me that I did not have to worry about it, because he was going to pay for my lunch. We all received our orders within a reasonable time. I then realized that Andy did not have anything to eat. When I asked him why he did not order anything? He stated "I only had enough money to pay for your lunch and not mine". Fitz them stated "I'll pick up the Bill so everyone can eat.

To this day I think that was that best HOT DOG, I have ever had.

Thank you, Andrew Widman for allowing me to share the same table with you.

May god bless you and your family.

Officer Luiz (Kyle) Dias
Cape Coral Police Department, 112 LE

July 30, 2008

Rest in peace.....

Patrolman
New Hartford Police Department, NY

July 30, 2008

You are a hero to us all, brother! May God bless your family, who will miss you dearly.

Cst.Spencer
Winnipeg Police Service

July 30, 2008

It is always a tragedy when a brother or sister is taken. RIP Officer Widman, enter into your savior's arms and eternal home. May the family have peace and comfort knowing you are home. Bob

robert lester

July 29, 2008

Andrew Widman is one of my best friends, and it was a pleasure and an honor to be his partner and his friend. I have never worked with such a great guy. You've heard of the good cop bad cop, well he was always the BETTER cop. I’ve never seen him loose his pleasant demeanor and the worse thing to date ive ever heard him say was "gosh darn it" followed by my personal favorite of "leapin lizzards!"


Prior to being sworn in we worked together in the Supply room at the Police Department with Bryan. The first time I met Andy, I saw him stacking light bars for the new police cars sky high in the rear of the police department pickup truck and we were supposed to take them to the maintenance yard. I walked over and we introduced each other and then started on our way. Andy was driving; however he could not start the truck. He was just about to call Bryan, when I looked over and informed Andy the truck wouldn’t start because it wasn’t in park. He looked at me and said “gosh darn it!” Much to my surprise with his choice of words, we both laughed and he explained to me his background prior to accepting a position with FMPD.


Much to our surprise, we both ended up on the same shift, working the same zone. Every call we went on was an adventure, because we enjoyed our job that much. When one of us would be sent to a simple call that wouldn’t require two officers, we always stopped by anyway just because it was the right thing to do. But some of the best times were when we weren’t on any calls at all. Routinely, we would enjoy coffee time sitting on the corner of Fowler and Winkler where we would discuss the most random things from what were doing on the weekend, to working our 25 years and turning Thailand into an all inclusive resort.


I think the best part about working with Andy was his enthusiasm for the job. I remember one alarm call we went on to a model house in new community, the model neighborhood was fenced in by an iron slat fence about 5 feet high. Andy walked up to the fence and climbed it like he owned it. I simply opened the gate, walked through, and burst out laughing. He laughed harder, and we went about checking the model house. After we determined the house was secure, we wandered the other model houses, and as always, I was getting sidetracked and Andy gave me the line I heard so much, “let’s go fight crime Fitz.” When we were exiting the model village, I went through the gate, and was surprised that Andy once again jumped the fence. He said, “your not gonna let me live this one down for a while so I might as well do it twice.” One other thing that sticks out, that he said on that call, which easily demonstrates his views on life, was that he didn’t understand why anyone needed such a huge fancy house, when its only a place to sleep; when you can save your money for other things that are more important.


Another adventure involving Andy climbing things was an alarm call at the Dunkin Donuts. I pulled in and Andy’s car was already there, and the manager was standing outside. I spoke with the manager and he told me he set off the alarm accidentally while locking up, and all of a sudden we heard a loud commotion from the rear of the building. We walked around and it was Andy jumping down from the roof ladder. As soon as we looked at each other he smiled and said, “yeah Fitz, I-I got nothing,” and again we laughed.

Of course I have to mention one of the best calls of all time, an Alarm at Chuckie Cheese, which was not even open yet, and all of the video games and arcade games were on and working without putting money in them so they could be tested by the employees prior to opening the business. Lets just say we thouroughly checked this establishment and made sure nothing was damaged or faulty - like two big kids.


One of our last adventures together was when we were actually locked inside of nursing homes secure Alzheimer’s wing. We went on 911 hang up call, which turned out to be nothing, however the nurses went back to their duties and disappeared within the patients rooms and we could not exit the building. All of the doors were alarmed, so instead of breaking the glass to hit the emergency exit button, we wandered around for 10 minutes. Here we were, two grown, fully sworn police officers and we were locked inside a nursing home. In those ten minutes, I don’t think either one of us kept a straight face and couldn’t stop laughing. Especially when one patient said to us, “you look lost, just look at the pictures on the room doors and you’ll find your room.”


Outside of work, the fun continued. The most classic story was when the newest edition of Harry Potter came out. Andy was supposed to wait in line at Barnes and Nobles from like 8pm to about midnight when it went on sale. Instead, we were able to persuade someone else in line to purchase two copies, while we hung out at Dwyer’s Irish Pub, one of Andys favorite establishments in Fort Myers. But even on our nights out, family always came first. Andy never came out until his kids were asleep, and always made it home before his wife went to bed. Family is always first to Andy.


The last time I saw Andy we were walking around an Apartment Complex looking for a noise complaint of a loud party in the area. These were always our favorite because we got to get out of the car, talk about anything and everything, and then be the party crashers. What sticks out about that night was it was my last call before leaving early for vacation and Andy told me that when I got back, we would only have two more weeks to work together before we went to different shifts; but he stated he was happy our shifts overlapped and was looking forward to at least 6 hours of laughs and good times per work day, and having the same days off.


I never thought that would be the last time I saw my friend, Officer Andrew “The Rev” Widman, but he will never be truly gone; for it is up to all of us to keep him alive in our memories and within our own work ethic that we display everyday.

- Sean Fitzpatrick
FMPD

S.T. Fitzpatrick
FMPD

July 28, 2008

Rest well, my brother in BLUE. You are now with your father. keeping peace in heaven. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

Deputy
L.C.S.O.

July 28, 2008

Your sacrifice is appreciated brother. When one is taken from us, each and everyone of us also loses a part of ourselves. One team, one breath, one heart. Go with God. You're a hero to your family, department and community. You're an example for every officer who is just starting his watch and to the ones who are nearing the end of theirs. No such thing as routine. Look over us brother. Be our protector still. Thank you for your sacrifice. You will be missed. Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

P.O.
Dearborn P.D.

July 28, 2008

May God watch over your family as you walk the beat in heaven. May God open his mighty arms to a mighty warrior. I know the streets are safer b/c of you! You ARE a true testament to what being an officer is all about. You have made your family, your brother officers, and your profession proud. Walk tall, spread your wings in heaven.

Ptl. DJ

July 28, 2008

RIP Brother.

Officer Marc Mowery
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Dept

July 28, 2008

The Florida Police Chiefs Association would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Andrew Widman, and the Fort Myers P.D. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sadness. Please take comfort in knowing that your extended law enforcement family grieves with you. Officer Widman, we thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.

Members and Staff
Florida Police Chiefs Association

July 28, 2008