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Officer Drowns Trying to Save Canines in Distress
Officer Down Memorial Page, Inc.
June 11, 2010
Deputy Eddie Wotipka drowned after entering a canal in an attempt to rescue a dog that had fallen into the water.
At approximately 11:15 pm, as Deputy Wotipka arrived home at the end of his shift, several several neighbors notified him that a group of dogs were possibly in distress near the canal.
When he arrived at the canal his own dog fell into the water. Deputy Wotipka, who was still in uniform, jumped into the water in an attempt to rescue the dog. It is believed that a swift undercurrent caused him to go beneath the surface. He resurfaced once before going under the water again.
A sheriff’s department dive team recovered his body the following morning.
Deputy Wotipka had served with the agency for 17 years. He is survived by his wife and two adult children.
SpodaB
about 3 years ago
4 Comments
I found this this morning while searching for the right words to express my sorrow:
"Almighty God, on the night before he himself died, Jesus Christ said, 'No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends.'
"Be with us, as we honour those who died in your service.
"To his disciples, Jesus said, 'Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.'
"Be with us, as we grieve, and as we seek to support each other in our sorrow.
"Through the prophet Isaiah we have heard the words, 'Maintain justice and do what is right.'
"Be with us, as together we commit ourselves to work, so that the values of justice, mutual help, and generosity of spirit, may prevail and give strength to the life of our community."
Amen.
OFCR3627
about 3 years ago
6470 Comments
Prayers and thoughts to his family and department
rhood
about 3 years ago
23592 Comments
Rest In Peace Deputy Wotipka.
darsavmo
about 3 years ago
10842 Comments
RIP...
SgtJoe1350
about 3 years ago
24540 Comments
RIP Brother
Allen705
about 3 years ago
1468 Comments
Horrible! rip brother!
OFFICER_K_CPD
about 3 years ago
2296 Comments
RIP......
terry_garza
about 3 years ago
12 Comments
It's always sad to read about an officer down, but sadder when it's a friend and co-worker. Wotipka was a really good man with a good heart and he is going to be dearly missed at the Harris County Sheriff's Office. He was a damn good patrolman too!
Lawful_Blue
about 3 years ago
1184 Comments
Rest in Peace!
copper380
about 3 years ago
2026 Comments
God Bless Your Soul Brother, God will have a special place for you for there is nothing more noble than to sacrifice your life for another, human or pet.
mark27dh
about 3 years ago
974 Comments
RIP
sirminnyme
about 3 years ago
78 Comments
Very Sad Story. I would of done the same thing. My canine is a family member. RIP
GEA212
about 3 years ago
50 Comments
RIP brother. My prayers are with your family...
KAICHARESE
about 3 years ago
2784 Comments
RIP
DALLASCRANE
about 3 years ago
19386 Comments
Deputy Eddie Wotipka RIP. Thank you from the citizens of Texas for your long service and your compassion for animals. Prayers to your family and friends.