On November 11, 2009 Officer Donny Widmer received the 2009 Crime Stoppers Russ Sorrow Award. This prestigious award is given each year in memory of murdered Greenville City Police Officer Russ Sorrow, along with six other Greenville law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty since his death. Officers are nominated by their chief or sheriff and are selected by a vote of the Crime Stoppers board.
Officer Donny Widmer
Nomination for 2009 Russ Sorrow Award Donny Widmer joined the Travelers Rest Police Department in March of 2008, bringing with him four years’ experience as an officer in Ohio and with the Greenville Sheriff’s Office. He immediately submersed himself into the community, quickly familiarizing himself with the areas of the city that tend to require the most attention from the police department. Donny was extremely instrumental in researching, purchasing, and installing two mobile data terminals to complement the single MDT the police department already had when he arrived. By forming key relationships with Greenville IT personnel and his keen ability to locate exceptional deals on eBay Donny had two other cars outfitted for thousands of dollars less than a typical MDT would cost. While Donny is known for being an avid team player and a voracious researcher his greatest contribution to the TRPD has been his love for police canines. Over five years ago Donny purchased Baron, a black and tan German Shepherd, and with his own funds paid to have Baron certified as a police working dog. Donny graciously leases Baron to Travelers Rest for one dollar a year and makes him available as a member of the TRPD team 24 hours a day. Undoubtedly, Donny’s greatest achievement in his short time with the TRPD was when he coordinated with the Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI in an investigation into gang-related drug activity in a neighborhood he frequently patrols. Confidential informants were utilized to purchase crack cocaine from several subjects into February of 2009, identifying seven people who conspired together to distribute narcotics. The case was presented to a federal grand jury and all seven suspects were indicted on conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. They all eventually pleaded guilty and received varying prison sentences. The cooperation between the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and the Travelers Rest Police Department made this case possible and Donny’s passion and concern for the community he has sworn to protect was key to the entire operation. Donny consistently exhibits a level of passion, thoroughness, and tenacity that is clearly in keeping with the Russ Sorrow award, and his work ethic can easily be held up as an example to law enforcement everywhere.
