Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Anne, Erich, Brigitte & Charlie; My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take comfort in the knowledge Doug was loved and respected by all whose lives he touched both personally and professionally. Anne-hold on to the happy memories from the life you shared for 18 years. Children-your daddy is a hero and know he is always there for you even if you can no longer see him, you can talk to him any time.

Anonymous

This year has been a trying one for the law enforcement community in this area. My heart goes out to the family of Douglas Wendel and to the Richmond Police Department. Rest in peace, Douglas.

Recruit
VCU PD

Doug for the short time we worked toegether at the sheriff's office it was a blast. I looked forward to shift change. I always knew you were on top of things and I never had to ask if something was done. It also made for a good time because just when the inmates thought they were getting rid of one crazy man I showed up. We never let them get away with anything.

Just like the jail, on the street you never let them get away with anything. I will miss that fire of yours... And so will others.

Rest well, you have earned it my friend!!

CPL. Rob Joyce
Bowling Green Police Dept.

On behalf of the Officers of Henrico County Security, we extend our deepest sympathy to Officer Douglas Wendal's family, friends and to the brave men and woman of the Richmond Police Department who have tragically lost a comrade and continue to fight the battle. Be assured that this Officer will always be remembered as a hero.

Chief Kelly E. Quinn
County of Henrico Security

To Doug, his family, friends and fellow officers

It saddens us all to loose those that work so hard to protect us. I just wanted you to know that we gave everything we could and fought a good fight. Doug, we gave it our all, just as you did.

Terri Elliott, RN
MCV ER

To Officer Wendel's children:

I was once told as a little boy that there isn't anything in life that time doesn't take care of ......If you find something come back and tell me what it is. Now that I'm older I can't even remember who told it to me and wouldn't begin to know how to find them because they were right. I hope that the same holds true for all of you. It is apparent that your father loved you very much. Always remember that your father was a very brave hero who did a job that not just anyone can do and he did it well. I hope that as you get older you can read these reflections and better understand what your father was all about when he was working. Be very proud of him for he certainly was proud of all of you. God bless you all.

Sgt. WD Norris
Chesterfield County Police

Officer Wendel,

My deepest appreciation for the work you did for me and my loved ones here. I know that you have just begun the new job on Heavens PD and a fine job you will do. We will be watched over by another of Gods finest.

My prayers go out to your family, friends, brothers and sisters in blue. Go In Peace Sir.

Dennis

DJ Gordon
Citizen

We shared a lot of times on the streets together in hopes of making it a better place yet feeling it was to no avail. We continued to try against all odds to bring a sense of safety to a City where crime has seemed to have taken over.
My friend rest easy in the Lords hands for you have done your time in hell.

Police Officer Anthony V. Papaleo
Richmond P.D.

In silence we remember.

G Silva
RPD/DEC

Doug, it was an honor and a pleasure to work with you in your tireless mission to make Richmond a safer place. We will miss your dedication, your spirit, and your humor. We thank all of Doug's brothers and sisters in the Richmond Police Department for their often-unrecognized heroism.

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, Doug. Rest peacefully.

Manchester CAs Office
Richmond Commonwealth's Atty's Office

To Officer Wendel and his family

My most sincere condolences go out to you for the loss you are suffering. The tragedy that has struck the public service community this year are horrifying, but I know that Doug died while doing something that he believed in with his heart and soul.

For his children: I cannot imagine your grief and confusion over the loss of your father and friend. Please know that he will always be with you, always love you, always hear you, and if you listen closely with your hearts, you will hear his answer.

For those who cared for Doug, both in life and in death, I wish you the ability to overcome haunting memories and remember him as a hero. I know that his brothers and sisters in uniform will push forward until his killer is convicted and prosecuted.

To Doug: thank you for for this ultimate sacrifice in your attempts to keep the citizens of Richmond safe. Thank you for wanting a better place for your children to grow up. And thank you for caring about the people around you on a daily basis.

A concerned citizen of Chesterfield, Virginia

Anonymous

Deepest sympathy to the family of PO Douglas E. Wendel.

Anonymous

I have not met Officer Wendell in person, but I drive through the neighborhood every day to work... I learnt from a colleague of his that he was raised by German parents and spoke German, my language... I just felt completely knocked off my feet when I heard about his cold-blodded killing... The person who killed him was a coward! He came from behind... I admire the Richmond Police Drug Depts undertakings and exposures...
I am in very deep sorrow for his children and fiancee, God will be watching over them and so will their father, he will always be there, and they have someone to really look up to:
I wish that we can get more people of the background like the killer more educated or at least in some way occupied/off the streets - I see it every day!!!

I am from Europe and moved to the US about 7 years ago, I have never seen or heard about so much shooting and cold-blooded killings like lately here in Richmond - there are kids carrying guns and just go ahead and shoot someone....

I just happened to have left my office on time ... otherwise I had probably just driven through this!!!

Everyday I drive by 33rd St/Midlothian, my thoughts are with Officer Wendell that evening, that specific call...

My very deepest memories, on behalf of other German peopel who want to share this!
My thoughts go out to his parents, whose heart

Anonymous

Blink your eyes. When you've been in Heaven for ten thousand years it will only be a blink in the time of eternity. God knows your hurt, He's been there. Some say his Son was "only" gone for three days. To him it was like three million years. Years he can't get back with his Son. All for you and Doug. Through his Grace We all can unite with Doug again for Eternity. Ten thousand years from now this pain will all be forgotten. Doug was a fine officer and a good human being, God knows this and wants you to know that He cares.
To Doug's children I say this: Always love and respect your dad. He Believed in what he did. I know, I've been there.

Officer (ret) Robert Wade
Richmond Police (Ret)

We are truly saddened at Doug's loss.
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We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
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Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton (NY) PD

Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Doug Wendel's family, friends, and co-workers. Officer Wendel was devoted to combating crime in the City of Richmond. His service to our community and dedication to the cause will not be forgotten.

City of Richmond Victim/Witness Assistance Program

To Gary & Karen Wendel-my good friends who became part of my family-my prayers are with you as well as the entire Wendel family. I met your brother Doug back in the "old" neighborhood on Long Island, where we all lived at one time. Although I didn't know him as well as I know all of you, he was a brave, family man who was sadly cheated out of the rest of his life with his children and his soon to be new family life.

Stay strong, Gary......We will all wait patiently until Doug comes home to Florida.

Tracey, Civilian from Port Orange, FL

Dear Warrior, I'm sadened to know that we Virginians have lost another officer in the line of duty. But, you did what you do because you chose it. You chose to walk the thin blue line between warrior and servant and we are grateful for your sacrifice. May God provide your family with swift closure in their loss, and to yourself, swift winds to your next assignment in heaven, as you walk those streets under his command. A huge reward is awaiting you. In the meantime, please watch over us and the remaining peace officers that will continue the watch in your absence. Goodnight sir.

Concerned Military Member
USAF

It's strange how we never realize the amount of lives we touch in a lifetime. I found myself first being touched by my friends and co-workers that knew officer Wendel. I hurt because they hurt and cried because they cried. Then I found myself scared as a dispatcher because it could have been one of "my guys". Next I cried remembering Ryan and all of the memories that came with it. I cried the most however when I realized that Officer Wendel made a difference in the City everyday that he went to work. The City I'm sure will not be the same without him. But know this, Doug - Richmond and Chesterfield have the watch. We won't forget how you died. Most importantly- we won't forget how you lived!

Anonymous

Doug,

I have read through what most have had to say, and I am finding it hard to put anything better into words. I cannot tell you how much it hurt to hear that your smiling face (and glowing cigarette) would not shine on the streets of Richmond anymore. I have struggled for words and they fail me...

I just remember one night after a MV stop at Cary/Meadow; you and I were just leaning against the car for a little B.S. session in the middle of yet another busy Friday night. You had your customary cigarette and we were laughing at something, I don't remember precisely what, but we were just enjoying the moment. We didn't stay for more than a few minutes, but I will always remember that moment, your smile and the laughter that carried me through another long shift.

That is how I will remember YOU...I will never forget all the times you backed me up, or all the good deeds done, or all the good police work you did, but I will remember you for a smile that brightened an otherwise dreary shift. Keep smiling Doug...we have the watch from here.....you will surely be missed.

To Doug's family...you are in my prayers. When you think of your father, know that he was loved both at home and on the streets of Richmond.

Earl
Formerly RPD code 2325

Special Agent Earl D. Camp
FBI

Rest in peace my brother in blue

P.O. M.Rodriguez
Howard County Police,MD

My heart mourns for the lost of any Lawenforcement Officer and especially for any Richmond Police Officer who has made such a sacrafice. It takes a special individual to do what we do for Public Safety and our love for what is right. God Bless Officer Wendell , his family and all of those who have given their life for such a worthy cause. C.T.Woody, JR.

Det.Sgt.(retired 34yrs)C.T.Woody
Richmond Commonwealth Attorneys Office

As the mother of a police officer on Long Island, who is the same age as this fallen hero, my heart goes out to his mother, father and children. He died a hero.

Anonymous

To Officer Wendel: Thank you for your dedication to the force and for your tireless efforts to make Richmond a safer place. I promise you, your death will not be in vain. You have not left us, you are simply watching over us from above.
To Officer Wendel's family: Know that Doug is covered by the grace and mercy of God and you will see him again. I pray that God grant you strength, understanding and peace.

W. E. Warren, ACA Richmond

I know that saying "I'm so sorry" seems so lame or trivial. However, I am truly sorry that our community lost another person who was there for us, who was trying to keep our streets safe for everyone...children and adults alike. I am especially sorry for Officer Wendel's family. I pray that they find peace and reassurance that Officer Wendel may have left in body, but...he'll always be here in spirit to continue to love and guide them.

God Bless all of you...friends, family, colleagues, etc.

Anonymous