Kevin Wesley Widner

Kevin Wesley Widner entered into his eternal rest on July 5, 2024, in Auburndale, FL, after a valiant battle against cancer. Kevin was born on January 26, 1957, in Lakeland, Florida, to proud parents Walter and Crella Widner. He grew up in Lakeland, attending Lakeland Baptist Academy. Kevin earned his Associate’s Degree from Polk Community College and his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University. Kevin married the love of his life, Deborah Steele, in 1998. They built a life founded on love and friendship. He was her blue-eyed gentleman, and she was his world. She was by his side as he passed peacefully to his heavenly home. Kevin’s second true love was law enforcement. In his own words, “Policemen were my heroes and I knew my calling in life was law enforcement; I wanted to protect and help people.” He committed to a lifetime of service to the community in which he was raised, as evidenced by a distinguished 45-year career at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. He began his career in 1977 as a civilian Telecommunicator, quickly advancing to supervisor of evening shift. After attending the Police Academy, Kevin was sworn in as a deputy sheriff in 1978. During his career, he served in patrol, criminal investigations, special investigations, community services, the K-9 unit, school resource, training, property/evidence, and on the Emergency Response Team. Kevin advanced through the ranks, eventually retiring at the rank of Captain. Kevin was passionate about his calling, “I could feel the electricity coursing through my veins every time I suited up for duty.” He retired in 2012, and worked for a short time at Disney World. However, he left the happiest place on Earth only to eventually return in a part-time capacity to the place that made him the most happy. Captain Widner was welcomed back at the Sheriff’s Office with open arms, where he served nearly ten more years before retiring in late 2023. Captain Widner was a pioneer and visionary in law enforcement. He pursued college education, majoring in criminal justice, before it became an expectation for law enforcement leaders. He not only prepared himself for advancement, but worked to ensure his agency was prepared. He was a trainer, expert marksman, and firearms instructor, valuing the importance of conveying his experiential wisdom and institutional knowledge for the benefit of others. Understanding the value of canine resources in law enforcement, early in his career he advocated for a K-9 Unit to be created at the Sheriff’s Office. His research and advocacy led to the eventual creation of a K-9 Unit, a resource that has saved countless lives and apprehended the most violent of criminals across Polk County for decades. Although Captain Widner attended the prestigious law enforcement leadership command school, Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville in 2001, most would call him a natural-born leader. Captain Widner credited his leadership success to the rearing of his Christian parents, “My parents’ influence instilled integrity, personal moral values, ethical treatment of all people, and leadership traits early in my life.” It is not surprising then that he was revered at the Sheriff’s Office by all who worked under his command. Captain Widner led from the front, genuinely cared for others, and was professional in his interactions with everyone – friend or foe. To know Kevin was to love him. Relationships were of the most value to him. While shooting clays was a favorite pastime, it was the company of those with whom he shot that he most enjoyed. Although he had no biological children of his own, he was a father-figure and mentor to countless Sheriff’s Office members who aspired to be like him, sought his wisdom, and who will forever be impacted by his influence and presence in their lives. Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Tilmon and Crella Evelyn (Hill) Widner; his mother-in-law, Judith Steele; and his law enforcement K-9 partners, Chief and Ceaser. He is survived and will forever be missed by his wife, Deborah; his father-in-law, William Steele; his sister-in-law, Beverly Steele Price (Andy); and countless family members at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. A celebration of life service is scheduled for Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at Berkley Chapel in Auburndale. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Polk Sheriff Charities, designated for PCSO K-9 (Polk Sheriff's Charities | Polk County Sheriff's Office), or to Good Shepherd Hospice of Auburndale (George C. Forsythe Hospice House - Chapters Health System).

Kevin Wesley Widner

January 26, 1957 - July 5, 2024