Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Working with Doug Wendel was an experience that will never be forgotten. Doug, you enjoyed your job and you were one of our best!! It saddens me deeply to think that we in communications, will never hear that "New-York accented" voice on our radio again. My heart goes out to the family, friends, and anyone who had the chance to meet this fine Officer. Though Virginia's Law Enforcement Family has lost several "family memebers" this year, we will all pull together and be strong and supportive of one another.
God Bless all of my "blue" brothers and sisters of the Richmond Police Department. Remember when y'all E.O.T. to "Have a Great Day!"

God Bless the Family, the Children and especially Linda!!

My thoughts and prayers are with you Linda!

Senior Comm Officer Kimberly Allen
Richmond Police Department

MAY GOD HOLD HIM IN HIS ARMS,AND COMFORT HIS FAMILY

LOIS SITLER

R.I.P. with our FATHER, Doug.
Your tour of duty in this place has ended, but your efforts shall not go unrewarded. We, left here to continue the fight, will do our best to ensure that your memory will never be forgotten. Your law enforcement brothers and sisters in the metro area now will pick up your torch and try to make it burn brighter in your honor.
The City of Richmond , the entire Richmond metro area and the Commonwealth of Virgina will miss your dedication and your strength.
God bless you and we ask God to be with and watch over your family as we do what we can to make it a better world for them.
We will see you when we meet in that grand roll call session in the heavens.

Chief Deputy Joe McLaughlin
New Kent COunty Sheriff's Office

I come from a long line of law enforcement officers. My father, brother, uncle, and surrogate godfather have all worn varying colors of uniforms, and each has buried more than one friend. My surrogate brother and best friend prepares to don a uniform in the fall. In addition, I have many LEO friends, some of whom I have seen memorializing Doug in these pages. My respect goes out to all of you. For Linda - what to say? Let's leave it at this, I love you, chickee, and you know how to find me, if you need me. I have no doubt that Doug's fellow officers, no matter what color uniform THEY wear, will ferret out every individual responsible for this. I only had the privelege of meeting Doug on a few occasions, but I saw what his presence did in Linda's life - and that was always good enough for me! For Doug's Children - you have just joined an elite, powerful group - the survivors of a fallen officer. You lost your Daddy, but gained several hundred surrogates. You will not be forgotten. To my comrades at MCV - we all know you did your best, and how awesome your "best" is. I know this was a tough battle to lose. We must always remember, our loved ones choose this life - always knowing the risks involved; however, they continue to serve faithfully, and wouldn't dream of doing otherwise. Heaven's Police Department just got a lot stronger - as my fifth friend took his oath!

Gailann

Today is my one year wedding anniversary. Doug Wendel made the ultimate sacrifice last year. He did not EOT until 0300 hours in the morning, however still managed to attend my wedding ceremony that started at 0600 hrs. (The ceremony was a Native American Traditional Wedding) I remember the ceremony started and I heard this loud Harley that came roaring through Dorey Park. I knew it was him. I will never forget that as long as I live. So tonight in Doug's honor, (because he would want it that way), I went to Officer Legouffe's house, sat in his garage, (with my wife) and we celebrated our anniversary by popping some cold ones and telling Doug Wendel stories. It helped the healing process, however, the scars will never heal.

Doug and I worked the trenches together for a while. There is a special bond that we have with cops that work the inner-city. It is a totally different type of policing. The abuse that we take day in and day out can only be explained by officers who have experienced such a disregard for human life. The countless murders, and other violent crimes makes you nauseating. Doug was a street cop, and a damn good one. He worked hard at what he did. He always did everything he could to take call after call after call. When we would start our shift, there would be pages of pending calls, and he would start rocking and rolling. All Doug needed was the radio mike in one hand, and a cigarette in the other. I miss him so much, but I know he is in a better place.

Doug, you are with Mayflower and I forever. She misses you too. We are hurting, but one day we will ride in the cruiser again, laughing and talking about life.

I can only hope that one day in another lifetime somewhere I will have the opportunity to face the pathetic animal that took your life. All I want is five good minutes with that punk, and I want Doug to sit back, smoke a cig, and watch his boy go to work on that little squawny, drone-infested, coward.

Brother, Richmond PD will unite together along with the help of our fellow agencies. A special thanks to the Richmond Ambulance Authority for trying your butts off to save my brother in blue. Also to V.C.U. Police Dept. for assisting with consulting numerous RPD officers, when we received word from the Doctor on Doug's status.

All of Doug's family, fiance , children, and many many friends are in our prayers.

Brother, you might be 10-7 EOT on paper, but you will always be 10-8 in spirit. I love you brother in blue. I will go have one last cold one for you. ( I know you would want it that way)

Det. John D. Edwards Jr. c-2151
Richmond City Police Dept.

Doug,
I met you in September 1997, when I started working at the Richmond City Sheriff Office. You invited me into your family without knowing anything about me. I stayed at your house many, many, many days and nights. You showed me what family was. I don't think you realized how much of a impact you had on my life at the time. I never told you, I wish I did. You went on the Richmond Police Department and I went on to the Baltimore City Police Department. I just wish we stayed in touched more often but our schedules just didn't allow. To this day, I'm still impacted by Doug!
When I received the phone call on Wednesday night, I didn't believe what I was hearing. I called my wife, to make some phone calls to Richmond. My wife called me back and gave me the news. I keep thinking it is a dream and I'm going to wake up and Doug is going to be there.
To the Wendel family, I'm sorry for your loss! Doug might be gone but he will never be forgotten. I'm just one of the many people that have been touch by Doug. Doug's memory will be with me forever! You are in thoughts and prayers!

Detective Steven Ward
Baltimore City Police Department

May God watch over your family, and help us become stronger as you leave us. May I rest my head down tonight and remember all that you done for us. Amen.

I was working the night that I learned of Officer's Wendel death. Again I was shocked of another loss of a Police Officer in the Richmond area. Its hurts each time lose a Law Enforcement Officer. As a life long member of the Law Enforcement family it only makes it even worse. Officer Wendel will forever be in my thoughts and prayers and he is now working a beat on Heaven's Street. You will be missed and never Forgotten.

SRA Jason Slaughter
United States Air Force Security Police (192nd SFS VA ANG)

I recently attended the Henrico County Basic Academy graduation and I am struck by the thought that each of these young men and women are at risk at all times. But I am also aware of how blessed we are to have each of them as well as, dedicated personnel like Officer Wendel who serve and protect our communities to the best of his or her abilities.
Having attended the funeral of Officer Booker in Henrico earlier this year, and having seen the comraderie that was evident from his fellow officers, I can only imagine to what degree the Richmond Police Department is feeling from the loss of "one of their own".
May the family, friends, and fellow officers of Officer Wendel find peace in the Hope of the Resurrection. May each one find strength from each other, as well as, having the confidence that this "fallen hero" did not die in vain, for he was performing a job that he apparently loved and tried to do to the best of his abilities.
The more I work with the Henrico County Police Department, the prouder I am of law enforcement officers, no matter which jurisdiction they are from. I, too, feel the grief and disdain when an officer is down, and this year has been a year that has brought many a tear to the eyes of officers, families, and to all who support the local police.
God be with you, Officer Wendel, and thank you for a job well done that was performed many times without the thanks that you and so many others before and after you so rightly deserve.

Judy Schwerdtfeger, President
Henrico County S.A.L.T./TRIAD Council

Judy Schwerdtfeger, President
Henrico County Seniors and Law Enforcement Together Council

Thank you for your years of service Officer Wendel. May you rest in peace.

Lori Brown
Aunt of Deputy Renee Azure EOW 8/06/02

Rest in peace Officer Wendel, I know what a special and wonderful person it takes to wear the uniform and to go out daily and protect others. My heart breaks for your family and for their loss. Rest in peace!!
Barbara
wife of Chesterfield County Deputy Sheriff and
mother of a Virginia State Trooper

Barbara

Rest in Peace
God Bless You Officer for your service.
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family and friends as well as your fellow Officer's.
God has a plan for you.

Deputy Constable LC Downing
Wharton County Texas Pct 2

Doug -
It was an honor and privledge to serve with you. You are truely a hero in every sense of the word. Please watch over all of your brothers in blue and keep us safe.

Police Officer Mike
Richmond PD

To the family and friends of Officer Doug Wendel, he has not died in vain, He died with honor, protecting the citizens of the City of Richmond. This senseless act will not go unpunished. May you Rest in Peace at the Heavenly Fathers Throne. God will watch over your children and protect them. Rest in peace Officer Douglas Wendel.

Anne Griffin
private citizen

May GOD Bless you on your heavenly journey......

IF JUST ONE SOUL..........

If just one soul
has been enriched
Because you trod this earth,
Or if one doubting heart
can trust
And realize it's worth'
And turn to Christ
Because you shared
your joy
To ease his pain,
You'll know, beyond
The slightest doubt,
You'll not have lived
in vain!

(Alice Hansche Mortenson)

G. Hall
Citizen

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Officer Wendel. May they take comfort in the knowing that he was a dedicated officer who had the strength of conviction to do a job that few Americans would take on. He was a unique part of an elite force of men and women who dedicate themselves to keeping their part of America free of crime. He was a real hero in every sense of the word. God bless.

Retired Detective Sergeant Bob Walker
Richmond Police Department

Its hard to believe this has happened again - so soon.... We are still recovering here at our dept from Ryan's death. My condolences go to Doug's family, and his co-workers of the Richmond Police Dept. This will only strengthen my resolve and determination to carry on the fight that Doug died for. Your death was not in vain brother - rest in peace.
Ptl Wes Fertig #121
Chesterfield County Police Dept

Ptl Wes Fertig
Chesterfield Police Dept

My heart goes out to the family and members of the Richmond Police Department in the loss of there friend,family member,and partner. I will remember you in my prayers and hope with each passing day your loss gets easier to bear.

Brantley Honaker

We, at the Chesterfield Emergency Communications Center (911), offer our prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Wendel. We know that we can not bring him back, but we offer all of our support to assit in keeping his memory alive. Please keep the faith, and know that God is near you in your time of loss. Our Peace to You.

Debra L. Harris, Supervisor
Chesterfield 911 Center

Virginia has lost so many officers in the last few years...I know that it won't stop but I still pray that it will. I have close friends who live in Richmond & they have been touched by several officer deaths since 2001 - as have I also. I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers. I hope that God will help you through this as you try to figure out how to go on. I still have a hard time many days trying to live a "normal" life without Calvin around. God bless you!

Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin E. Taylor

I extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Doug Wendel. Doug you were an excellent man, and your work ethic as a police officer is an example that should be emulated by all. We will all miss you, but you will never be forgotten. Your battle is over now my friend, rest in peace!

COII L.A. McCormick
Richmond Police Communications

To the family and friends of Officer Wendel:

When i read of this tragedy i broke down in tears. My nephew was the Chesterfield ,VA officer that was shot and killed two months ago. OUr wounds are still open and very deep from our lose. It is a horrible feeling to lose someone you love and cherish so much. We are still asking our selves, why?

We do not know why right now. Doug knows now why he was called to God's side and we are left here to wonder and trust in God's choice to have Doug come home to him.

God knows all the wonderul things that Doug has accomplished in his short time on this earth and he needed him for a far greater tour of duty in heaven .

Your family will be in our prayers and in our thoughts as we also grieve for our Ryan. you are not alone in your sorrow.

Rest now Doug, the watch in the hands of your loving friends and co workers in Richmond . Please go and be there with our Ryan Cappelletty and assure him he is sadly missed by us all and Help him with God's work now. We need you both in heaven to be there when it's our turn to come in.

Deeply sadden,

Teri Whitney Clymer, NY
Aunt of Officer Ryan Cappelletty EOW 5/28/2003
Chesterfield VA Dept

Teri Whitney
Officer Ryan Cappelletty's Aunt

The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

Brother in Blue
Chicago PD

Saint Michael, heaven's glorious commissioner of police,who once so neatly and successfully cleared God's premisesof all its undesirables, look with kindly and professionaleyes on your earthly force.

Give us cool heads, stout hearts, and uncanny flair for investigation and wise judgment.

Make us the terror of burglars, the friend of children and law-abiding citizens, kind to strangers, polite to bores, strict with law-breakers and impervious to temptations.

You know, Saint Michael, from your own experiences with the devil, that the police officer's lot on earth is not always a happy one; but your sense of duty that so pleased God, your hard knocks that so surprised the devil, and your angelic self-control give us inspiration.

And when we lay down our night sticks, enroll us in your heavenly force, where we will be as proud to guard the throne of God as we have been to guard the city of all the people. Amen.

Det Sgt C. L. Israel
East Point Police Department, Ga

Ofc. Wendel, dear loved one,
the battle is over and you have won.
This is such a tragedy and a great loss to this city.

Ofc. Edwards
MCV Security Department