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"Thank You Southwest Florida"

By Maggie Crane, WINK News

It's been nearly a week since Fort Myers Police Officer Andrew Widman was shot and killed in downtown Fort Myers.

Since his death, the Southwest Florida community has banded together, opening their hearts and wallets to support the wife and three young children Officer Widman leaves behind.

Community members have raised more than $100,000 for the family, and today it was officers' turn to say thank you.

They took to the streets again this morning -- this time to get their message of thanks across.

"On behalf of the Widman family, thank you residents of Southwest Florida for your kind generosity." Beginning at daybreak, that's the message Fort Myers Police and other officers sent to drivers, thanking you for your support of them and Officer Andrew Widman during an emotional week.

"It'll stay fresh for a while. It'll be on the backs of our minds probably for the rest of everyone's career here," Officer Nichole Sechrist, Fort Myers Police Department, says.

Familiar sounds of cars honking signify a mutual respect -- for community and for the officers that serve and protect it.

"It's a blessing to see them out here and to know that they appreciate what everybody's done and for us to appreciate the work that they do," Don Hamilton, who honked while driving by police, says.

"It means that they do care and do respect law enforcement, and their sadness and prayers go out to us and the Widman family everyday," Officer Sechrist says.

Some of these Fort Myers Police officers take their shift for the first time since laying a brother of the badge to rest.

"Everyone's standing strong, mostly in support of Officer Widman, and we're still here to back the family and back each other and try to make it through this rough time," Officer Sechrist says.

Officer 413. Gone but never forgotten.

"We'll miss him," Officer Sechrist says.

Thursday, Jul 24 at 7:15 PM Paul M wrote ...

With all the respect to the Widam family and hearing what Susanna Widman had said about her husband.Imagine By John Lennon would be a very befitting song about her husband. God bless you and your family and the FMPD. I also want to thank the other three officer's for putting the end of a nightmare when they shot and killed Officer Widman's killer. It could have gotten a lot worse with a lot more casulty's.

Thursday, Jul 24 at 1:05 PM Kathy in Cape Coral wrote ...

I could not believe my eyes this morning on my drive into work when I saw officers with thank-you signs at the same intersection where earlier in the week they were asking for donations. They are thanking us? Officer Widman and his family paid the ultimate price for us and these same officers and firemen put their lives on the line every day and yet they are still respectful enough to say thank-you when they get a little help in return. I say we don't do enough for these fine men and women.

Thursday, Jul 24 at 10:49 AM RYAN wrote ...

I WONDER IF THEY WILL RETIRE THE BAGE # 413

Thursday, Jul 24 at 10:36 AM Betty Cassa wrote ...

I think it was wonderful the way the entire area pulled together and donated to the family. If only everyone gave a little something I am sure Andrews wife could pay off her house and provide for their children until they are old enough that she can return to work. So everyone please give a little something. Keep up the good work Fort Myers Police.

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