Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"A Letter From Heaven"
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from Heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through
God picked me up and hugged me and he said,'I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.
I need you here badly, you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.'
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the days chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....In the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human they are bound to bring tears.
But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you would not understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you, and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one step at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you to;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night...."My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented...that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low:
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go...from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...you're coming here to me.
I will always be with you!
It doesn't seem like words at this time will give any type of comfort to those who knew PO WInget. But may later down the line these reflections can be read and can show how many people come here to leave thoughts and prayers for those who, did or did not know him.
We will keep all of you close in our hearts and prayers
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Canon City, Colorado

Marilyn Robinson aka MamaWolf
Canon City Internet Radio

April 11, 2007

I went to the LAPD academy with Winget, I remember him as being a friendly and solid officer, the kind of person you were comfortable to work with. May God comfort his family in this time of sorrow....

April 11, 2007

On behalf of the men and women of the Camillus Police Department, our deepest sympathys to the family, friends and co-workers of Police Officer Robert Winget. Rest in Peace Brother, we now have the Watch.

PBA
Town of Camillus Police Department, CNY

April 11, 2007

I was one of the fortunate people who can say they had the privilege of meeting and talking with Officer Bob Winget on several occasions. One memory stands out in my mind about Bob more than anything else. Bob was the very definition of an enigma. Bob was a seasoned veteran officer with more than 30 years of experience ranging from being an officer with one of the nations largest police departments (LAPD) to a deputy sheriff with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department.

Having completed careers with both of the above departments, Bob had certainly earned his right to sit back and relax in his retirement. No one could have ever accused Bob of not giving enough to the citizens of California after he dedicated his entire life to public service. Upon Bob’s retirement from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office he applied for and was hired by the Ripon Police Department.

I met Bob shortly after he was hired by Ripon PD. I can honestly say my first impression of Bob confused me. To look at Bob (at 50+ years of age), it was clear he was older than the average new police officer. The confusing part for me came when I looked at Bob’s face and eyes. He had the look and sparkle in his eyes of a brand new rookie police officer. Having gone through the police academy with two new 50+ year old police recruits myself, I was not complete shocked, however still very surprised someone would start a law enforcement career so late in life. Although a bit surprised I assumed Bob was just an individual who had followed his dream of becoming a police officer a little later in life. What I saw next floored me.

While talking to Bob for the first time I noticed the long line of “hash” marks (indicating his years of police service) that ran down the left sleeve of his uniform shirt. Very few of us who will complete a career in law enforcement will be lucky enough to earn the six hash marks I saw on Bob’s uniform. I can honestly say it seemed an odd combination to me. How could such an energetic and excited “new” officer have so many hash marks on his uniform? How could such a seasoned veteran still have such an obvious spark and love for the job after serving all those years? These two questions were quickly answered by Bob himself.

Bob loved being a cop. Bob didn’t just say he loved being a cop, he showed it. If Bob was on duty, you couldn’t help but see him if you were in town. Getting a friendly wave from Bob as he drove by on patrol, or passing him while he was on a traffic stop, Bob was one of the most visible members of the department because he was always out on the street with the people.

Based on Bob’s years of experience and diverse work history in law enforcement, he had certainly earned the right to be a bit jaded or cynical. Often this attitude is sometime worn as a badge of honor by some older more veteran officers. In Bob’s case the badge of honor he chose to wear was the gold Ripon PD star pinned to his chest. In talking with Bob I instantly recognized the wealth of knowledge an experience he clearly possessed. Bob exuded this experience and knowledge, but in a rare skill (again not shown by many with his qualifications) he was unassuming and never once attempted to establish his seniority as a veteran officer. Bob didn’t have to tell you how much experience and skill he had, you just knew in talking with him. Bob was the type of cop that didn’t waste time telling you how much he knew or how great of a police officer he was, he just did his job and in turn showed you what a skilled police officer he was.

In the coming days, months, and years many people who were close friends and co-workers with Bob will say many positive things about his life and career. I’m confident what will be said will be true, but most of the comments will come from those that were friends of, or personally involved with Bob. For me as a mere acquaintance, I hope to give this reflection to all those closest to him from those of us who weren’t as close to him.

I hardly knew Bob, but in the short amount of time I spent talking with him I learned and developed an opinion of him the rest of you have all known and shared for years. Bob was a fantastic police officer and a good man. He didn’t tell us he was these things, he showed us. Know that those of us who were lucky enough to meet Bob (even if on a limited basis) could instantly see the great man and awesome police officer he was.

We all pray for Bob, his family, friends, and anyone else that knew him personally. You don’t grieve alone. Your loss is a loss for all of the citizens of Ripon and the entire law enforcement community.

Criminal Investigator Joe Ahuna
State Of California

April 11, 2007

While we did not know you, we are truly grateful for your dedication, mourning your death; never forgetting your sacrifice! Not to worry, dear friend, your brothers and sisters in blue will carry on your watch for you ~ may you rest in eternal peace.

Daniel & LaWanda Ross
Citizens/Iowa

April 11, 2007

Thank you for your service to this honorable profession. Rest in peace.

Police Officer
Maryland

April 11, 2007

Rest in Peace. Semper Fi

Officer Eric Newbury
California Highway Patrol

April 11, 2007

My thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Winget's family and the entire Ripon Police department. This is such a loss to all of us. Thank you officer Winget for your outstanding service.

Reserve Officer Warner
Tracy PD

April 11, 2007

We are never prepared for the loss of a loved one, but God is always prepared to help us through that loss. May His presence begin the healing in your heart and soul, and may His love surround you with the comfort only He can give.

Thank you for your unselfish service to others. You will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace.

Wyoming Citizen

April 11, 2007

Lord of all life and power,

who through the mighty resurrection of your Son

overcame the old order of sin and death

to make all things new in him:

grant that we, being dead to sin

and alive to you in Jesus Christ,

may reign with him in glory;

to whom with you and the Holy Spirit

be praise and honour, glory and might,

now and in all eternity. Amen.

PO Winget your sacrifice wont be forgotten.

Rest in Peace Godspeed your family

CE Lima Ptl
CCRPV # 2906

April 11, 2007

Rest In Peace brother. Your family and friends are in my prayers.

Officer Dwight Rackley
Louisville Metro PD, KY

April 11, 2007

My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Winget. Rest in peace, sir, you will always be remembered as a hero.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

April 11, 2007

Peace be with you always...

Natalie Jensen
surviving spouse, Detective Jared Jensen, EOW 2/22/06

April 11, 2007

Thanks for being a faithful warrior.

Matthew 5:9

P/O A. Young #112
Sansom Park P.D. Texas

April 11, 2007

Rest in Peace...

Police Officer
Syracuse Police Dept,NY

April 11, 2007

The Ripon Police Dept, Officer Winget and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. God spped my brother.

Officer Keys
Ridgecrest Police Dept.

Police Officer William Keys
Ridgecrest Police Dep.t

April 11, 2007

God bless you and your family. You are in our prayers.

DE
St. Louis City Police

April 11, 2007

On behalf of the Tampa Police Department, we offer our deepest condolences. Thank you for your service and you will not be forgotten. May God Bless you, your family, and the Ripon Police Department.

Officer Shane Gadoury
Tampa Police Department, Fl

April 11, 2007

Rest in peace my brother

Patrolman
Brush PD Colorado

April 11, 2007

R.I.P Officer Winget

Investigator Adam Yokley
Loudon County Sheriff's Department

April 11, 2007

Rest in peace brother, you will never be forgotten.

April 11, 2007

The Florida Police Chiefs Association would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Robert Winget, and the Ripon P.D. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sadness. Please take comfort in knowing that your extended law enforcement family grieves with you. Officer Winget, we thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.

Members and Staff
Florida Police Chiefs Association

April 11, 2007

On behalf of the Douglas County Emergency Communications 911 Center I extend our deepest sympathy to all who knew, love, and worked with Officer Winget. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, as well as his fellow officers and dispatchers. My you know that he served with honor and courage. He will not be forgotten.

Communications Officer B. O'Dell
Douglas County Emergency Communications 911, Roseburg Oregon

April 11, 2007

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO OFFICER WINGET'S FAMILY AND THE RIPON PD DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. OFFICER WINGET IS A HERO, KEEPING THE CITIZENS OF RIPON SAFE. GOD BLESS YOU AND REST IN PEACE, BROTHER IN BLUE.

DETECTIVE RUTILO QUEZADA
SMITH COUNTY SHERIFF TYLER, TX

April 11, 2007

GOD Bless you and your family!

Officer Paladino
Colorado Springs PD

April 11, 2007