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Brotherhood of the Badge

By Maggie Crane, WINK News

FORT MYERS, Fla. - It's not just local law enforcement officers paying their respects to fallen Fort Myers Officer Andrew Widman today.

One-thousand officers strong from one end of the state to the other, from east to west come for the same reason:

"It's a fallen brother, a family member," Officer Billy Ellis, Del Ray Beach Police Department, says.

Each one pays their respect.

"We're all one in the same, regardless of color or badge or uniform," Corporal Gary Morgan, Collier County Sheriff's Office, says.

The death of a comrade serves as a sobering reminder to those who pledge to serve and protect.

"It's rough because it's one of those things that you know everyday you could leave your family, your home and never come back," Officer Ellis says.

"It is scary, but days like today reaffirm you and reassures you," Corporal Morgan says. "Hopefully it will, in a way, help other officers go home safe to their family and their kids."

"Even though their loved one is gone, we'll still be there to support them," Officer Glenn Garceau, Palm Bay Police Department, says.

"The officer will never be forgotten, and it's our job as Honor Guard to honor him and remember him and the family, as well and the fellow officers that worked with him and lost a brother," Corporal CJ Woronka, Palm Bay Police Department, says.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 11:25 PM Anonymous wrote ...

As a mother of five children, spouse of a Charlotte County Deputy, and an employee of the FL Department of Corrections, my heart and deepest sympathy goes out to the family of our fallen brother, FMPD Officer Andrew Widman and his fellow officers. May the Lord provide guidance and strength to the family of Officer Widman and all dedicated law enforcement employees during this time of tragedy. We have lost one of our finest but he will never be forgotten! Always remember - We never walk alone!

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 10:42 PM Fellow Law Enforcement Officer wrote ...

Cuba may have refused your killer, but heaven couldn't wait any longer for you.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 9:44 PM C. Ciampoli wrote ...

Thank you,all for giving everything, to us. To the Widman family, our hearts and prayers go out to you all. May the whisper of the wind that blows apond you, be the tender touch of your husband, and your childrens father. Saying Hi I'm here with you. May the warmth of the sun, be his hand on your shoulder, saying. It will be ok. May the smile of a stranger, remind you of his.And may the raindrops,bring you peace and release of old dreams and room to make news. God Bless you and give you peace.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 6:57 PM Diana Grosser wrote ...

We as Floridians wish to thank the Widman familyfor the service of their husband,father,sonand brither. Thank you to all who serve us so well. God Bless you all.Officer Widman and his family and felllow officers will never be forgotten. Our prayers are with you. I had the distinct honor of having your fellow officers save my son and three of his four children in a house fire. They are never out of my prayers as well

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