Clearwater Police Lieutenant Wayne Andrews Retires
Photo by Carl Wagenfohr CLEARWATER - March 31st marked the end of a 28-year career for one of Clearwater's finest, Lt. Wayne Andrews. We at the Gazette were privileged to work with Wayne while he commanded the Beach Precinct, and experienced his enthusiastic approach to policing and problem solving. The following letter from Chief Sid Klein to Wayne expresses the Clearwater Police Department's appreciation for Wayne's many years of dedicated service. We share Kleins sentiments and can unequivocally state that Wayne will be missed by the residents of Clearwater Beach and the staff of the Gazette. Dear Wayne: When you joined the Clearwater Police Department in October 1980, you immediately displayed all the characteristics of a natural leader. You took a "lead by example" approach throughout your career, which gained the respect of your subordinates, your peers, and your supervisors. I was proud - and well served - to promote you through the ranks of supervision and management. It is not easy to summarize more than 28 years of dedicated service, but there are a few accolades that must not go without mention. In November 1984, you received a Medal of Meritorious Service, as a member of the Marine Enforcement Team, for providing CPR and saving a boy's life after his rubber raft capsized in rough seas. You received a second Medal of Meritorious Service in February 1988, as a Sergeant in the Patrol Division, for preventing a person from committing suicide. In July 2000, you received the Award of Excellence, as a Sergeant in the Criminal Investigations Division, for your dedication and hard work on a suspicious death investigation that produced 8,000 pages of reports and resulted in criminal charges against a corporate entity. Your tenure and accomplishments as Beach District Commander under difficult circumstances was remarkable. Your file is decorated with numerous letters of commendation from the department, government officials, and citizens who recognize your hard work and commitment to the department and the community, all clearly a reflection of your professional demeanor and consistent results. You have always been self-motivated in your professional and personal development. During your career, you earned a Master's degree and became an instructor for St. Petersburg College, Saint Leo University, and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. You will be remembered for your exceptional knowledge in many facets of police work, your healthy sense of humor, and your "tell it like it is" approach to the issues of the day. You are an exemplary manager and a fine leader - one of CPD's most valuable assets. Thank you for your dedication to the department and commitment to public service. Godspeed in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
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