Ride honors fallen Windermere officer, wounded law enforcement

At the Windermere Police Department, the memory Officer Robert German lives on, even after he was killed in the line of duty last year.

We talked to Officer German's father Tim German about dealing with his son's death.

"It's been very hard for all of us," he said. "Things change. To use the expression, we're finding the new normal. And it's not easy, but we have had tremendous support."

Support has come from the Windermere Police Foundation, which was created in Officer German's honor.

Tim says, "When it first happens, you feel like you're out on your own, but they didn't let us feel that way. And, they said we'll be there every step of the way and they have been."

But now, the Windermere Police Foundation, as well as the Wounded Officers Initiative and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 93, are getting together to help support other officers and their families.

Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden said, "For citizens to understand when officers are injured in the line of duty, they just may lose their jobs, and there aren't a lot of benefits out there, and that's disheartening."

That's why those involved are trying to raise money by organizing a law enforcement ride from Sanford to Titusville.

"At 10:30 a.m. all the bikes and classic cars leave for the escorted ride over to the police museum in Titusville," he said.

They also want to support officers who have been the focus of negativity around the nation.

"When those negative things do come around, you are seeing law enforcement agencies around the country doing something about it."

Meanwhile, German's father says he misses his son's sense of humor everyday, but takes comfort in knowing that he loved being a police officer.

"He always had an entertaining way of relating what was going on," he said. "And, I think that was intentional. He realized his mother was worried and that kind of stuff."

If you're interested in taking part in the law enforcement ride, head over to the Seminole County Harley Davidson in Sanford on Saturday between 8:30-10 a.m. for check-in.

The ride starts at 10:30 a.m.

Go to www.woundedofficersinitiative.org for more information.