AGENCY SPOTLIGHT Remembering our Fallen Hero – Officer Robbie German on this day.


By Chief Dave Ogden, Windermere Police Department On March 17, 2018 The Windermere Police Department Foundation, Inc. hosted its inau- gural Windermere St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and Remembrance Ceremony for Officer Robbie German killed in the line of duty on March 22, 2014. Nearly 2,000 local residents showed up to this incredible event which enveloped our community policing model. The event featured a live band, silent auction, Food Trucks, police support groups, Bounce Houses for kids, Face painting, Dunk tank (where you can dunk the chief), drinks, a photo booth, the Stars Wars Brigade, a Leprechaun and several families from our local COPS


organizations representing their fallen loved ones. At 6:30 pm we had a Remembrance Ceremony for Officer German and the other local heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. This was a tremendous opportunity for our officers and the community to come together and it was a huge success. Chief David Ogden shared this on his Facebook on Officer German’s Anniversary: Four years ago today at 0359 hours I will never forget receiving that dreaded phone call. While time doesn’t heal wounds, it does give us an opportunity to reflect on what values we hold true. Five years ago when I took command of the WPD we made significant changes in the way we do business. With the assistance of Robbie and a new staff we embraced our values with our new motto – Honor, Integrity, Service. This was a group effort and I vividly remember the discussion I had with Officer German regarding how this is how we would restore our agency. Later we shared a vision to be recognized as one of the best small police depart- ments in the entire south east US by adhering to these standards and setting the bar high. Officer German’s death was an unconceivable shock to our community and many of our young officers. I cer- tainly know it was to his family. My hope is that we have honored Robbie with our commitment to fulfill our vision and values here at the WPD. The WPD Foundation was established in honor of Robbie and has done some tremendous philanthropic efforts for our community. Each time we reach a new mark I feel as if we honor Robbie’s memory. Service to our community and service to others is what truly makes a difference and is the bedrock of faith. Robbie served with Honor, Integrity, and Service to his community. He paid the ultimate sacrifice four years ago on this day. Most people cannot fathom such a commitment made by police officers and our military personnel each and every day. I hope this will help some of you; over 32 years ago I made the commitment to serve my community, and on that day I chose to lay down my life for others. No one can ever take it from me. I hope this day we all take a moment to remember Officer German. Six weeks before his death Deputy Scott Pine paid the ultimate sacrifice and so many others have in the Central Florida area. I ask each of our resi- dents to stop and reflect on what this sacrifice means to each of you. If you are a prayerful person we appre- ciate your prayers or good thoughts.


To Serve, Chief Dave Ogden Honor, Integrity, Service


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