Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Doug,
I will never forget the friendship and trust you gave me. You are a no nonsense type of guy and I could always count on you to make me laugh. Your family is in my prayers, you are in my heart. May God's strength and love shine on you.
This Winston is for you my friend.

Police Officer’s Ode


I place on my armor, knowing it could be my last.
Showing no emotion, the tone is cast.
I carry a shield, but not for my protection.
Still displayed with pride, and shined to perfection.
My weapon of thunder, my horse of steel.
I step into the night, into a world that is all but surreal.
The keeper of innocents, and strength of the weak.
When surrounded by evil, I cannot turn my cheek.
I cannot see the face of death lurking here and there,
But how many times have I stared into him, not even aware.
Fear is always at my side, he too I cannot see,
Yet my face remains of stone, knowing many depend upon me.
But there is something fear does not realize, with every challenge and every dare.
He is the reason I execute, with such care.
When evil has been locked away, and seems all is said and done.
I must now prepare myself, for his trial has just begun.
It is time for me to stand, and time to face my mistress.
A time for me to come forth, and bear my only witness.
She only listens, for she cannot see.
Passing on her judgment, from what she hears of me.
All of these things, I willingly face;
Finding my comfort, in my guardian angel’s embrace.
She is another, I cannot see,
Yet her unfelt touch, is guiding me.
I am only one, but there are many just the same.
For we are protectors, for some who may never know our name.

- Jason L. Pittman

Police Officer Jason L. Pittman
Richmond Police Department 3rd Precinct D-Platoon

I had the privilage of working with Ofc. Wendel on a number of different occassions. He was a tough, no-nonsense cop. Someone who was absolutely dedicated to his profession and to our city. His loss is tragic, but his service a blessing. May God comfort his family and friends and grant his soul eternal life.

"In Valor There Is Hope"--Tacitus

Allen Slonaker / Special Agent
Va. ABC / Bureau of Law Enforcement

Doug: You walked the Police Officer's Prayer: Strengthen me today, dear Lord, And help me keep in mind, The laws that you created for the world that you designed. May I stand for justice, so one day crime may cease, and let me serve all people, so they may live in peace. Your efforts will not be in vain. God Bless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sergeant J.D. Ross
Richmond Police Department

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and fellow officers who worked with Officer Wendel. My father was a officer with Richmond for 30 years, so this hits close to home. I knew officer Wendel in passing for he would come into my store from time to time while he was working. To me he was a good man, a proud officer, and a fellow citizen. To others he was more. I wrote this poem for my dad Now I wish to share it with you all...

Just Daddy
To everyone else you were That man in blue,
The hero to those in need,
The enemy to those who were doing wrong.
You were the one to call when things were bad,
You were a wonderful Son, husband, Father, Friend.
You were always there when someone needed you.
The strong one in times of trouble
The shoulder that you could cry on
The one that you could count on.
You were someone special to everyone,
And every life you touched. But to me...
You were just Daddy!


My God be with you

Angela Pierce

To Officer Wendel's family, friends and fellow officers, you have my deepest sympathy. Doug, even though I didn't know you personally your are still in my thoughts and prayers as a fellow member of the Richmond Police family. I worked Second Precinct myself and I know all the fine Officers of RPD will find your killers and bring them to justice.

Doug, you can rest easy now, the Lord will comfort you and hold you in his loving arms.

To my former brothers and sisters, please watch your backs out there. We can not stand to lose any more good officers like Wendal and Mongo. I'm sorry I will not be able to attend the services and be with you in your time of need, but I am always here for you.

Sincerely

Det. Brian E. Rodgers/Pittsburgh Police

Brian Rodgers/RPD 2375, 91-93
Det. Pittsburgh Police, Pa.

To Doug Wendel's family and friends, and to Doug:
My wife grew up in that Manchester neighborhood where you were gunned down, Doug. It was a good neighborhood back in the 40's and 50's. Back then you mentioned drugs, people thought of the drug store and medicine cabinet in the bathroom. When you talked about guns, it was about hunting and target shooting. When you stood on the street corner, it was to talk about family, cutting grass, cars, new babies.
One of those new babies they talked about was my wife. Her parents proudly brought her home from Stuart Circle Hospital to her grandparents home where they all lived together as a family. They brought her home to start her life in a house on 33rd Street in Old Manchester. They brought her home to the house in front of which you were shot by a coward, Doug Wendel.
We didn't realize that until Sunday when we drove up 33rd toward Midlothian. My wife pointed ahead to her childhood home and said, "That's Dadaw's house right there," pointing at the house in front of the police command post.
After we were a couple blocks away, I told my wife, "That's where it happened, in front of Dadaw's house." We both cried.
For certain you've met the residents of that house by now. Let them tell you about the good times there in the neighborhood.

It's a shame we lost you, Doug Wendel.

To all in law enforcement, here in the Richmond area and everywhere: "Thank you, stay safe!"

To his family, from a grateful citizen and wife, God be with you...

RussP

Russ Parrish
Citizen, Chesterfield County

You and your family are in my prayers. May God be with you and your family forever.

Investigator
Chesapeake sheriff's Office

One can only feel grief at the loss of a brother. Officer Wendel was a brother to all and a hero. God chose him to be an angel on earth, so we know he has a place in heaven.

Anonymous

To the family of Officer Wendel: I was home making funeral arrangements for my father at the time of Officer Wendel's tragic death. I found consolation and peace with the following scripture and I pray it will give you peace and encouragement during your time of bereavement:

Ecclesiates 3:1-8 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven; A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to puck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and atime to refrain from embracing; a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

I pray God will comfort you and your family and give you strenght to go on from here.

Sergeant Coretta Monts
Richmond PD

I had the pleasure of working with Doug many times. He was a good man, an honorable man, and a good cop. Doug, thanks for all the help you've given us. Rest in peace, and may God bless you and your family.

Paramedic
Richmond Ambulance Authority

Yo Dougie:

I shared more than one against-regulations cigaret with you while we rode the grimy streets which ultimately took your life.

Its been recorded by sager scribes that the truest measure of a man's life is that he left the world a better place for briefly passing through it.

You more than measured up, Doug. We'll keep your light shining.

Police Officer Randy Eggink ,RPD
Richmond Police

My deepest sympathy goes to the family of officer Wendel. Our wounds are still very fresh from the loss of our Ryan and we know your pain. This was a cowardess act from these people and we know they will be caught. May God give your family strength and comfort and we have to keep in mind that "In His Will is our peace". My prayers will be with you all and the good officers of Richmond County and all police officers in our nation.

Chris DeRosa
Officer Ryan Cappellettys' Aunt

We are deeply saddened by this senseless murder. May the ruthless criminals responsible for this murder be brought to justice and sentenced to the most severe penalty. Rest in peace brother. Your service to you community is appreciated by all of us. May God bless you and the survivors of your family.
AC

Trooper Andrew Canepa
Pennsylvania State Police

THE 23RD PSALM

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

My heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family of Officer Douglas Wendel. May God Bless and Comfort each of you is my prayer.

Civilian Employee Eva A. Bonaparte
Richmond Police Department

TO THE FAMILY OF DOUG WENDEL:


There are no words I can say that would make you feel any better. So I am going to do the only thing I know how to do in a situation like this I will pray, I just wish there was more I could do for you. Please know that your in my heart and prayers.

May Officer Wendle rest in peace.


God Bless


Bev

Beverly
private citizen

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOUR SACRIFICE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.

POLCE OFFICER
NYPD - 44 PCT

Gott segnen Sie Doug, ich wünschen jeder hatte die Eingeweide, das Mitleid und das Herz, das Sie immer zeigten. Gott segnen Ihre Familie, Freunde und Polizeioffiziere. Gottgeschwindigkeit Bruder!

God Bless you Doug, I wish everyone had the guts, compassion and heart that you always showed. God bless your family, friends and fellow police officers. God speed brother!

Anonymous

Hey Brother, I know you're resting in peace now. Doug, I just wanted to say thanks for all that you taught me on the streets. We were hell on wheels those first few weeks after I left the police academy and we rode together. Seems really ironic that you were with me for my first minutes on the street, and I was with you for your very last. Doug, there is no doubt in my mind that when I found you laying on the street, you tried to acknowledge me being there. I did everything I could for you brother, along with tons of other officers, the outstanding medics and the docs, but God was determined he needed you more than we did. Go and be in peace my friend, and I know you'll still have my back!

Officer W.R. Brumbaugh
Richmond PD

My heart and sympathy goes out to Doug's family, and most of all Linda during this tragic lost. I enjoyed working with Doug, and he was definatley a hard working police officer that was doing everything possible to make Richmond a safer place. I will never forget your accent, or your friendly greetings on the radio every evening. You helped me many nights when the pending calls exceeded the available units. At 1st I only knew you on a professional level, then when you came into Linda's life things changed. I got to know you on a personal level. You will be greatly missed, but definately not forgotten. Linda and I will talk real soon, and you know I'll be there for her. Doug we share a special bond in the masonic world, and I'll never forget the oath that I took brother. Rest in peace

Clyde Lindsey
Richmond Police -Communications

To Officer Wendel family and friends our hearts and prayers go out to you


God Bless you

Terry Miyares, surviving spouse
Officer Emilio F. Miyares, Hialeah PD, FL, EOW 11/6/86

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Officer Wendel. As a sister of a Richmond City Police Officer, I'm thankful that you all are out there protecting us daily and I'm so very sorry for the loss not only to the immediate family of Douglas Wendel but his Dept family as well. All of you are extraordinary people who put your lives on the line to make sure I, (a citizen you don't even know) will sleep better and more safely at night. I thank you all for what you do and I know now that the higher heavens are protected by one of our own.
God bless you all.
May he rest in peace.

Sherry Johnson

You will be missed. Thank you for eveything you have done to protect us all. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

Debbie (Sister of Officer Patrick)
Richmond Police Dept.

I wish there were words to ease the pain every family member and love ones are feeling at this time. All I can do is offer my prayers and commend Officer Wendel for his excellent job in protecting our city.

Patricia Gould
Citizen

This message is for the children and family of R.P.D. Officer Doug Wendel. If your Daddy, Son, Fiance, could hear you right now Doug with all that s going on, and all the hurt they feel this is probably what Dougs saying to you.

One final time Doug has something to say
If you only knew what lies awaiting , If you could only see what I can see , If you could only hear the music playing & the angels singing sweet victory, Oh if you only knew if you only knew how much Daddy Loves you !!

Doug fear not for this is your time in his presence. So go fly Brother with all the Angels up there we know you wouldnt want to come back here now. Doug send a few Angels down to fly with your family, fiance & friends especially your children. An to all whom read this remember God Loves You!!
Doug your fight here is over, let your Brothers handle the rest. BROTHER IN BLUE

Police Officer
RICHMOND POLICE DEPARTMENT

To Officer Douglas Wendel's Family
My god be watching over your today and everyday. Know that Doug is in a better place and justice will be served.
To Doug's children
You are very luck because each of you have your own guardian angel looking over you now. Your daddy was a hero to everyone and died a hero. He loved you very much.
To Doug's parents
You had a wonderful son. A son that put his life on the line everyday by being a police officer. He made diffrence in this crazy world. He changed and helped some many people change there lives. No parent should have to go through what you are going now. But know that Doug will always be with you.
To the wonderful hero's of Richmond
You have 2 wonderful angels looking over you and helping you everyday you are on the street. Doug and Mongo will always be with you.
May god bless everyone and help them through this time.

stephanie powers
with of RPD SGT.