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Robert Dorsey Widener
Incident
Captain Widener was killed when his patrol car was struck by a tractor-trailer that ran a red light at the intersection of Ashley Road and West Boulevard. He was returning to the sheriff's office after re-qualifying at the agency's firing range. Captain Widener had served with the agency for 14 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Air Force. One record, 2 gates. Robert is one person.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Captain Widener gave the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Montgomery community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Captain Widener.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Robert Dorsey Widener served in the U.S. Air Force (1948â1974) before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Accident
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Robert is one of 182 officers lost to accidents in AL, 28.3% of the 643 remembered there.
Robert is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Robert is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1989, 5 officers in AL were lost to accidents, the 3rd heaviest of 85 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 6.
In 1989, 84 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 21st heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1989, 107 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 9th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Robert was 59. Of the 160 lost to accidents in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 47.3; the middle age was 36.5. Robert had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Robert was 59. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Robert had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 59. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Robert had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 11.5% of these deaths in AL; July holds the most, 13.2%. Tuesdays: 8.2%.
May holds 8.6% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
May holds 8.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.
Accident deaths account for 28.3% of all 643 deaths in AL, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where
Military Service
Robert Dorsey Widener served in the U.S. Air Force (1948–1974) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Robert Dorsey Widener’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 38-E
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Montgomery County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
