Statement from Officer Widman's Family:

"The Widman family and the Rickards family would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the tremendous outpouring of support we've experienced over the last few days. Words cannot express how grateful we are for the cards, letters, meals and errands run for the family while we prepare for the funeral. It's truly amazing the level of support we're experiencing. A special thank you to the men and women of the Fort Myers Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff's Office and the Cape Coral Police Department for the unending dedication to the cause of taking care of Susanna and the three children Andy left behind. Thank you.

Andrew Widman was a good man, a man who spent his life in service to others. Ultimately, he gave his life in that service. His friends, family and coworkers will sorely miss him.

Andrew was a strong Christian devoting much of his life to the pursuit of a calling in the ministry. He went to college to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Languages, followed by a Master's of Divinity Degree at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Boston. After that, Andrew and Susanna desired to serve as missionaries in Thailand. However, after three years of support-raising efforts and moves from Massachusetts to Ohio and Florida they prayerfully decided that Andrew would pursue a career as a police officer. Andrew was hired by the Fort Myers Police Department and completed the academy in September of 2007.

Being a policeman was more than just a way to provide an honorable living for his wife and children. Police work was a continuation of the life of service Andrew had already led up to that point. By serving others Andrew was serving God in the process. His mission field turned out to be the streets of Fort Myers. He truly loved his job and planned to remain in the force as a career officer.

Andrew leaves behind three children, ages 4-years, 20-months and 5-months. His wife Susanna Widman, daughter of Tommy and Bonnie Rickards of North Fort Myers survive him. As well as his parents Joseph and Martha Widman of Toledo, Ohio, his sisters Abby, Alyse and his brother Tony."