Saturday, February 26, 2005
I was sorry to hear of Andy's passing. I had known him for 30 years. I first met him when I was a rookie police officer in Vernon. We both shared a love of the outdoors and I always would stop by the Bissell Farm during my patrols to chat with him. Since I had a forestry degree, I always felt Andy had the best job in the world. In later years when I was a supervisor I would stop by to make sure he was doing ok. I sometimes took my lunch with him. Occasionally, I became an extra set off hands when he was doing a repair. After leaving the Vernon PD and working for the Chief State's Attorney I would still stop by to see him when I went to court in Rockville. He always had a smile, keen wit and a good word. He'd help anyone at anytime.
Over the years I only saw him mad on one occasion. I had caught and arrested several teenagers who had vandalized the Bissell cabin. Andy came out to view the damage. No one, no how was ever going to damage the Bissell outdoor domian which he managed. Even though he was about 65 at the time, I had all I could do to hold him back as he wanted to hit the kids. He was as strong as an ox.
Unforutnately for all that knew Andy, they don't make them like him any more. He was a prince of a man who all will miss.
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