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Incident
Night Patrolman Fred Widmann was shot and killed by burglars while walking his beat. He interrupted the burglars at work at the rear door of the Coburn bicycle and gun store. One robber, without warning, shot twice at Patrolman Widmann. Although fatally wounded, Patrolman Widmann returned fire and then managed to get to the sidewalk where he was able to call for help. He was take to the hospital where he died that afternoon if internal bleeding. Although the entire police department assisted in the search, and a reward of $1200 was offered, no suspect was ever apprehended.
Survivors
Patrolman Widmann had served with the agency for two years and is survived by his mother and brother.
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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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Widmann gave the Waterloo Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Waterloo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Widmann.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Waterloo Police Department has lost 8 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Fred is one of 129 officers killed feloniously in IA, 57.1% of the 226 remembered there.
Fred is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Fred is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1908, 1 officer at Waterloo Police Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 4 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 2.
In 1908, 2 officers in IA were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 76 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 5.
In 1908, 129 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1908, 129 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Fred was 30. Of the 4 killed feloniously at Waterloo Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 27.8 and 30.5; the middle age was 29. Fred had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 2 years.
Fred was 30. Of the 115 killed feloniously in IA whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 51; the middle age was 41. Fred had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Fred was 30. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Fred had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Fred was 30. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Fred had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 20% of these deaths at Waterloo Police Department; July holds the most, 60%. Sundays: 40%.
October holds 8.5% of these deaths in IA; July holds the most, 16.3%. Sundays: 10.9%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 62.5% of all 8 deaths at Waterloo Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 40% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 226 deaths in IA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 18.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Waterloo Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, Fred among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Waterloo Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
