Today started out with a phone call that was tragic news. My cousin Susanna's husband, Andy Widman, was killed in the line of duty. He as a Fort Myers Police officer. He leaves behind Susanna and their 3 small children. My hear goes out to them and I really wish I lived closer right now. I have put a copy of the article here so you can read the story. It really is a senseless tragedy.
Fort Myers Police Officer Killed
Posted: July 18, 2008 03:37 AM
Updated: July 18, 2008 04:01 PM
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Fort Myers Police Officer, Andrew Widman, 30, is dead after being shot point blank during a disturbance call early this morning.
The incident started in front of a nightclub at Main and Patio De Leon and ended near Main and Broadway with two people dead. Officers responded to a domestic disturbance call in the area of Patio De Leon and when they arrived, they say 26 year-old Abel Arango pulled a 9mm gun, shot and killed the police officer. Offficer Widman never pulled his weapon. Officers then fired back and killed the Arango.
Major Doug Baker of the Fort Myers Police Department says that the Widman leaves behind a wife and three kids (an infant, a two-year old and a 3 year-old). Baker describes Widman as, "quiet, easy-going and friendly." Widman joined the force in April of 2007.
The Fort Myers Police Department is conducting an investigation that will be turned over to the Office of the State Attorney. Per policy officer involved shootings require officers to be placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The officers placed on leave are: Officer Alain Gagnon, Officer B.J. Ades, Officer Wolfgang Daniel and Officer Mike Perry.
Several streets were closed downtown for the investigation, but they're open now.
The Free Summer Concert Series scheduled for tonight on Patio De Leon has been cancelled.
A Memorial Fund has been set up for Officer Widman's family. You can donate at any Fifth Third Bank location to the "Andrew Widman Memorial Fund" account number #7432124563.
Statement from Governor Charlie Crist:
Statement by
GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST
Regarding the Shooting of Ft. Myers Police Officer Andrew Widman
"Today I share the sorrow of Florida's law enforcement family as we mourn the loss of Officer Andrew Widman who was tragically killed in the line of duty this morning. I join the Ft. Myers community and all Floridians in expressing my deepest sympathy and prayers for Officer Widman's wife and three children.
"Officer Widman will be remembered as a hero who cared deeply about keeping his community safe. His life will long symbolize the outstanding work Florida's law enforcement officers perform every day and I thank every officer for protecting and keeping Floridian's safe. "
Florida's Attorney General Bill McCollum released this statement on the incident today:
STATEMENT ON THE FATAL SHOOTING OF FORT MYERS POLICE OFFICER ANDREW WIDMAN
TALLAHASSEE, FL -- Attorney General Bill McCollum today issued the following statement on the shooting death of Fort Myers Police Officer Andrew Widman:
"I'm deeply saddened by the shooting death of Fort Myers Police Officer Andrew Widman, who lost his life while protecting other citizens. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife and young children, family, friends and colleagues.
"This is a difficult time for Florida's law enforcement community, as Officer Widman's death comes just weeks after the line-of-duty slaying of Tomoka Corrections Officer Donna Fitzgerald. Like Officer Fitzgerald, Officer Widman will always be remembered for his dedication to the safety of his community. I offer my prayers and support to the victims' families, friends and colleagues during this challenging time."
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