FORT MYERS, Fla.- "If you knew Andy, you knew he was a dreamer, he dreamed of changing the world," these were the emotional words of Officer Andrew "Andy" Widman's wife, Susanna.

She was lead up to the podium at the side of her brother, to tell the more than 2,500 people attending her husband's funeral, about the life he lived.

Andy Widman's family and friends say he deeply believed he could change the world by dedicating his life to serving others.

Before he became a Fort Myers Police Officer, he served his church as a missionary.

But, life happened. With a wife and two children and another on the way, he searched for a another way to earn an honest living. This search would take him down a path to serve and protect as a police officer.

"There was a new light in his eyes, suddenly he was inspired again. He thought, I might not changing the world, but at least I am making a difference. He was a good cop, a good cop. The best kind I think," said Susanna Widman.

His family says he loved his job, a job he would ultimately give his life for.

To the men and women who put their lives on the line right by his side, Widman's family said thank you to the more than 1,000 uniformed law enforcement officers attending Wednesday's service.

Widman's brother-in-law, Air Force Major David Rickards told them,
"You know what it means to be called to a life of service, to raise your right hand and swear support for something that is bigger than you. You know what it means to die in defense of the American way of life."

"There's more we can learn from this remarkable young man, his selfless example of dedicating his life to serving others. There is no higher calling than serving others," said Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp.

In a tremendous show of support, more than 1,000 of the people attending the funeral service were uniformed law enforcement officers, representing local agencies as well as 100 agencies from across the state.

A showing that was not lost on the Widman family, "He'd be thankful to all of you...brothers and sisters in law enforcement....and thankful to God for giving him the opportunity to live a life of purpose," said Major Rickards.

Widman was more than a police officer, he was also a husband and father to three young children, too young to understand what has happened.

Perhaps one day, when they look back at their father's final send off, they will see what their father's life and service meant to the Fort Myers Police Department and the community.

"There's no sense that I can find in all of this. We didn't have enough time, my kids didn't have enough time," said Susanna Widman, "But, from what I understand of the events, Andy saved at least on life that night. I believe he saved even more, but maybe by saving at least one life he changed the world a little bit just like he always dreamed of."