#11: In Memory of Officer Andrew Dunn

Officer Andrew Dunn

Sandusky Police Department

Last Tuesday marked the second anniversary of the murder of Officer Andrew Dunn, of the Sandusky (Ohio) Police Department. Officer Dunn had attempted to stop and question a suspicious person when the individual pulled a gun and shot him. Although mortally wounded, Officer Dunn was able to return fire and strike the suspect twice as he fled from the scene. 

In reading more about Officer Dunn it was no surprise to learn he was like so many special officers that have lost their lives in the line of duty. Sadly, he left two small sons, who were just 3 years old and 5 months old when he died. Since we have started this Act of Kindness campaign the most upsetting aspect of learning about the officers/soldiers we honor is the number of young children left behind that will grow up without a mom or dad. 

Officer Dunn's story touched me in a very personal way. His father was also an officer with the Sandusky Police Department. Apparently, it was Andrew's lifelong dream to become a police officer just like his dad. In becoming a police officer I too fulfilled a lifelong dream to follow in my father's footsteps. My father passed away three years ago. The bond that we shared through police work is something I will always cherish. Therefore, it was especially emotional to read the following reflection left for Officer Dunn by his father on the Officer Down Memorial Page (odmp.org) on the anniversary of his death:

ANOTHER GOOD DAY, AS GOOD AS MARCH 19 CAN BE ANYMORE....NO OFFICERS LOST SINCE MARCH 7TH. WELL IT'S BEEN 2 LONG YEAS SINCE WE LOST YOU, BUT THE TIME HAS GONE BY SO FAST I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S BEEN THAT LONG. MYSELF, FELLOW OFFICERS, FRIENDS AND FAMILY WERE AT THE SCENE AT 0301 THIS MORNING...MOURNING YOU ONCE AGAIN. DOESN'T GET ANY EASIER FOR ANY OF US. WE ALL MISS YOU EVERYDAY AND THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY. I LOVE YOU BOY, LOVE DAD.


BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS FOR THEY SHALL BE CALLED SON'S OF GOD MATTHEW 5:9

FELLOW OFFICER AND FATHER OF
ANDREW S. DUNN E.O.W. 3-19-11

RET. OFC. MATTHEW S. DUNN
SANDUSKY P.D. (OHIO)
March 19, 2013

Among the things I learned about Officer Dunn was that he was a very conscientious officer who was always interested in becoming a better officer. This was quite evident when I read that he paid for training out of his own pocket. Last week our company held a training course that overlapped the anniversary of Officer Dunn's death. There were two officers who paid for the course out of their own pocket. In honor of Officer Dunn, I have offered each of these officers the opportunity to attend a future class at no cost. 

Please take a moment to visit the facebook page created in memory of Officer Dunn.