Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper Crooks yours was the last Law Enforcement funeral that I attended and though it has been 10 years, to this day I cannot forget the service and the way your fellow Troopers took your loss. Yours was a short time on earth, yet your memory carries on.
God Bless.

Retired Road Patrol
Palm Beach Gardens Police Department

May 19, 2008

Brad,
It's been 10 years since your passing and I will never forget you. Rest in peace brother.
Fellow 91st class member.

TROOPER
FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL

May 18, 2008

Trooper, You are a hero that I will never forget. I remember the day you were reassigned to the Highway in Heaven and will always be grateful for your service...

God bless you Trooper and God bless the FHP.

Citizen
Tampa

May 18, 2008

One of the best instructors we had in the academy was at FHP when you were, he told us your story and it sticks with me. You're not forgotten. Safe home trooper.

Ranger
National Park Service

May 3, 2008

All though we're approachng ten years, it seems like yesterday we lost our young brother of the "Thin Blue Line"
Never Good bye, just solong for now.
"No one has greater love than one who's shown affection and
Lay down his own life for his friends " John 15:13

God Bless You and Your family.
Mark Miller/O.P.D. City Watch Officer

MarkMiller
Ocala Police /City Watch Officer

April 21, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 12, 2007

The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 2, 2007

Thank you for your bravery, service and sacrifice. You will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten. May God bless and comfort your family and friends.

DET SGT, Retired
AR

September 20, 2007

We lost an officer yesterday...As I read over the list of fallen officers, there are certain stories that are remembered vividly. Yours is one. very time I teach a class of new police academy recruits I tell them your story. It illustrates perseverance, strength, and the great uncertainty that is Life. Know that I am doing all I can to ensure that nothing like this happens again. Rest easy.

Officer K. Patten
MDPD/wife of an FHP Trooper

September 14, 2007

I was pumping gas at the gas station the other day and I noticed a woman across the pump from me looking at me in my uniform. I said, "hello" and she replied, "my son was a Florida Trooper." I said,"oh really, whats his name?" She replied, "Brad Crooks." My heart sank as I looked into her eyes. I had only met your mom on two occasions, at your graduation from the academy and at your funeral. I was ashamed that I did not recognize her because she is also part of my family. She said your dad and her are doing ok. We are all very proud of you.

Trooper Mike Gideons
Florida Highway Patrol

September 13, 2007

Today i met a mutual friend of yours from the patrol who has since moved on to become an officer of the Riviera Beach Police Department. I had a piece of property stolen and he was the officer who responded, and to my surprise, he was very attentive, and very compassionate... i felt like he actually cared that my piece of property (a bike)was taken from me. He filled out my report, and then asked we conversated for a few minutes when i started asking him about his line of work, and the things that being an officer entail. After a couple of minutes, he asked if i have ever thought about police work, which i actually have.... a lot.
He then told me about you. James Crooks, his old roomate. He told me that i reminded him of you, and that because of it he thought i might possibly make a good officer. He explained to me in detail how much of an inspiration you were, but also how much you affected him positively. He then advised me i could go and view your memorial on the FHP website. I am here, and i am truly inspired. I have been moved by the stories i have read about your life and your unfortunate passing. You will never be forgotten Officer Crooks and from someone who has never met you, and never will, i can truly say that you are still an incredible inspiration in so may ways.
Godspeed and blessings to your family and those who personally loved you. You are remembered.

Jason Ballard
artist

August 30, 2007

It is customary that the probationary employees are in the Roll Call Room before the veteranos. Today, as they waited, In Your Memory, I showed them the videotape regarding that tragic day back in 1998. Not a single officer had ever seen/heard of the videotape.

Every cop (especially detention/jail personnel), should be required to see how an arrestee had a handcuff key hidden around his neck...

Your Memory lives on. May You Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

July 24, 2007

Thank-you Trooper Crooks. You will never be forgotten for the ultimate price you paid.

Sergeant
Portage MI PD

July 8, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Trooper Crooks on the anniversary of his passing. He paid the ultimate sacrifice.
May God continue to give you comfort. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

May 19, 2007

May you be ever blessed.

May 19, 2007

I was in the academy when this happened and remember this incident quite well unfortunately. As is the case with any tragic loss in our law enforcement family, we used it as a training source to help us stay alive out there always. This was a devastating loss, as is every "In the line of duty death," and these three officers will never be forgotten for being the true heroes they are. Rest in peace always.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

May 19, 2007

I remember this tragedy as it unfolded. The suspect killed his small child, claiming it to be an accident. He was picked up by Tampa Police Detectives, who sadly lost their lives, and transported to their station. Admitting to having more guns at his home, they took him back home and retrieved more guns. Who would have thought he would over power them.... kill them and commandeer the vehicle that was traveling behind the detectives’?
Brad, I literally fell out of my seat at home when your lieutenant mentioned that you were from Clewiston. I am from Clewiston too! Seeing your last name brings back another memory of your mother….Mrs. Crooks was my grade school teacher! I too was a “Trooper” in Florida. My heart truly goes out to you and your family. God has ordered all of our steps. Departure will always be hard to overcome, as all of us are sad. We appreciate your courage and dedication. You did well sir. May God continue to comfort your family and friends?


Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Deputy

Keith White

Deputy Keith White
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

January 4, 2007

I did not know you but, now that I am on the Patrol I see how things are not always easy and as expected, thanks for for your heroic efforts R.I.P. brother you will not be forgotten.........

FHP
FHP

October 26, 2006

Rest in peace Brother. May God Bless you and your family.

Patrolman

August 1, 2006

Just a note to let you know i have not forgaten you.

Larry O'Donnell

May 21, 2006

Rest in Peace.

May 19, 2006

rest in peace brother, you will not be forgotten!

officer karl spellman
va federal police dept.

May 18, 2006

IT'S BEEN 8 YEARS BUT YOR STILL NOT FORGOTTEN, MY FRIEND.
REST IN PEACE

May 18, 2006

may you rest in Peace.

March 21, 2006

Just want say you are truley missed james thanks for being a friend in academy may you rest in peace and never be forgotten

cpl. ragusa
florida highway patrol

March 12, 2006