Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in Peace Brother, it has been sometime since you left us, but your family and friends are still in my prayers that they can feel your present everyday and to know that you are watching over them. Like my future son in-law you were take to early from your family and friends. I'm proud to have shared the thin blue line with a man like you and the others on this website.

To Melissa

Thank you for the nice words to Josh, it touches my heart every time I see a new posting to his sight.

Deputy John Latour (retired)
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

December 17, 2008

It has been so long since I have left you a message here...As I write this I want to thank all of those have left you reflections and it shows that you will NEVER be forgotten!! There are still tears in my eyes as I look at your picture and send this to you. A lot has changed my friend. Your dad has joined you in heaven and I am sure that you both are looking down at all of us and impatiently waiting for us to come "home" as well. I still can't believe that just a little over eight years ago you were taken from us. I can and always will remember it like yesterday. I talk about often and remember the wonderful times with you Lynn and the kids.

Melissa

Melissa

September 21, 2008

---Shane, the past 7 years have gone by so fast but there isn't a day that I don't think about you. You were a great partner and friend, a wonderful father and Christian. When ever I talk about my time in uniform, my thoghts always turn to you and your family and our long nights, patroling the north part of Cass County. I often get up to Mi to visit some friends and always take time to see the tree where your watch came to an end and also the memorial they have for you at the County. There are so meny things that I wish I could say to you, I wouldn't know where to begin. I have felt guilty over the years for the fact that if it were not for me doing some stupid things, I would have still been on your shift and this may not have happened. For that I am sorry my brother. I know that your in a better place, this world is getting bad. Take care my friend, don't have too much fun on that big fireing range in the sky and do me a favor, keep an eye on me from time to time, I can use all the help I can get and wouldn't want anyone else but you to do that.

Paul Westman
Fmr. Cass County Deputy and Partner of Shane's.

Fmr. Deputy
Fmr. Cass County Deputy

June 23, 2008

It's warming to read the memorials left to Dep. Britton. I remember reading about him in the MI-COPS tally, if you will, of officers lost in the LOD. He sounds like someone I'd have liked to have known. To his family and friends, I know it was/is a great loss. I'm thankful that each death is not goodbye but, rather, until we meet again.

Special Agent D. Paul
FBI

November 25, 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

November 13, 2007

With all the work God has to do, He requires many angels. After reading the reflections left to Shane, there's little doubt why he was called. I know he is watching vigilantly over his family and Melissa & his many freinds. May all of you live long, happy lives in honor of him. I have no doubt that he is watching over you all.

Officer J. C. Drummond
AZ Dept of Public Safety

October 1, 2007

I spoke with your father yesturday the 19th on the phone as we do every year on this day. Your dad wishes me a Happy Birthday on the 19th and we think of you and your family on this day. The Brittons will always be in my prayers.

Corporal J. Welbaum
Seminole County Sheriff's Office

July 20, 2007

It is seven years to the day! Your memorial is at the Cass County Sheriff's Department. Your family is there but unfortunately I'm not able to be there being so far up north now. I still miss you terribly.

Melissa
Friend

July 19, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Britton on the anniversary of his passing. May God continue to comfort you all.
Another Hero that was taken too soon. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

July 19, 2007

It has been almost seven years since the Lord called you home. Not a day goes by that you are not thought of, now with more smiles than tears. I still remember the last 4th of July that you and kids spent at our house. It was so much fun.

Now another Officer has come to join you. Officer Kozminski from the Grand Rapids Police Department. But you already know that. His EOW is so close to yours that I had to come here and write to you again. I have not attended another Officer's funeral since yours, as the 21 gun salute and the bagpipers, and Amazing Grace still bring tears to my eyes. I have offered to help out with this Officer's funeral in any way that MI-Cops needs me to. I do this in your memory.

Melissa

July 9, 2007

Shane--

I received an email from your mom yesterday saying that Chris Carder had a new album out and that it is dedicated to you! I've seen the front cover and it has picture of you as a child on it. I haven't heard the song Trust yet but your mom sent me a copy of the CD to have. When I talked to her she said that the inside cover tells about you and the reason for the dedication. I just wanted you and everyone that comes to this site to know that although the days and years have gotten easier you will never be forgotten and are missed terribly. Your mom also told me that when your grandparents visited them in Florida a few weeks ago they went to the Police Officers Memorial in Titusville to see your name on the wall there. When they got there, there was wreath near your name the had been sent from the Cass County Sherrif's Dept. I think it's wonderful that they thought enough to do this! Your mom also told me a story about one of your co-workers having sent her an email. She told your mom that she and her family had taken a vacation to Florida and had gone to the memorial in Titusville to see your name and take and etching of it, her little boy who is around 8 years old asked his mom why she had tears in her eyes and she told him again about you and what had happened. Her son then told her that maybe she shouldn't be a police officer if this could happen. That brought tears to my eyes as well. You are definitely loved and missed my brother.

Melissa

May 26, 2007

Shane--

I haven't visited this site very often lately, but I have been thinking of you often. I visited your grave site recently and brought some flowers from your mom. As you know there were other flowers there already, which makes me happy to know that there are others that still think of you like we do. I still find myself wishing that you were here and there is so much that I want to talk to you about. You were always so good at helping me solve a dilemma or giving me good advice. Your memory lives on....

Melissa

April 23, 2007

Hi Son,
I am sorry that I didn't tell you more often how proud that I was and am of you. Your family is such a joy to Mom and I. We do miss you and look forward to going to be with you at the appointed time. Thanks for caring for others and serving Cass County. I wish that I would have ridden with you on some shift. Mom, Seth, Jimmy and I think of you often and are thankful to be part of your family. It is hard to believe that in one month Luke will be 10 and Alise is already 7 yrs old. We see you in them.
Their mother has done an excellent job of raising them. Their new dad is a very good man and invests lots of time in them too. We miss you and know that you see it all from a perfect vantage point today. Love you, dad

Jim Britton
Father

October 1, 2006

AFTER BEING A RESERVE DEPUTY SHERIFF WITH CASS COUNTY FOR 5 YEARS IT WAS A SAD DAY WHEN I HEARD ABOUT DEPUTY BRITTONS DEATH.IT WAS A SAD DAY FOR THE PEOPLE OF CASS COUNTY AND FOR THE SHERIFFS DEPT.KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR HIS FAMILY AND FRENDS

P BRUNOW
FORMER RESERVE DEPUTY SHERIFF

August 14, 2006

Please know that you are being remembered today, the 6th anniversary of your passing. Thank you for your service and dedication. God bless you and those who still mourn your loss. Rest in peace, Deputy Britton.

Lori Johnson Rowley, wife of NC LEO
Daughter of Fallen Hero, Sgt James Johnson, EOW 11/11/04, FCSO, NC

July 19, 2006

Remembering your sacrifice on this the 6th Anniversary of your tragic death. God bless you and may God bring comfort to your family and friends.

Anne (Civilian) UK

July 19, 2006

I have never written anything to you, but I think about you every day. It has been almost six years and it still hurts, you would be so proud of your kids they take such good care of each other, but I know you already see that. I miss you and love you

Seth Britton
Brother

April 20, 2006

Shane--

It has been so long since I have written anything here. I come to your memorial site so often and just couldn't leave anything. You have been on my mind a lot lately and I have told so many people about you lately.

The kids are getting so big now. Luke is the spitting image of his daddy and Alise is such a beautiful child! I miss them terribly too. A lot of things have changed around here. I've gone through a lot in the past 9 months. Had to have a hysterectomy, the doctor made a mistake and had to have another surgery less than 10 weeks later and am now battling a very large blood clot in my leg. But I'm making it through all of this. Your mom has been wonderful through all of this.

Just wanted to stop by and leave you a message. You are though of often....

Melissa
Federal Protective Service Dispatcher

March 20, 2006

Came upon this site after the recent loss of Sgt. Kevin Kight, Panama City Beach Police Department, EOW 3-27-05.

Ed and I worked with Shane at C.C.S.D. and we remember him fondly in our thoughts and prayers to this day.

Shane was a an exceptional deputy, husband, and father. He was an incredibly well rounded person and I wish we had been given the opportunity to have known him longer.

Our love to Shane's family and friends, and to everyone still touched by his life and loss.

Missy, wife of Ed Capiak, Investigator
Panama City Police Department

April 11, 2005

Shane--I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with your mom. We had a very nice lunch together and talked about our memories of you! We laughed and cried at the same time. You are still thought about often, but now it is with more smiles than tears! Although those still come at times too. She showed me pictures of Luke and Alise, boy does Luke ever look like his daddy! They are just as cute as they ever were. Alise is growing up fast too! I had a very good time going through your mom's scrapbook of you, as she also got to see mine. Your parents have since moved back to Florida, but we still keep in touch via email and hopefully I will get to make a trip out to see them this Spring. Your mom has given me some flowers to plant at the cemetary for you as well as your Christmas wreath, so I will be there again soon. I know that your mom is sad that she won't be able to come and visit there anymore, but I assured her that she could send me whatever she wanted left there and that I would do it for her. Please watch over them and the rest of us to as we miss you everyday. Until we meet again, know that many people love and miss you!

Melissa
Department of Homeland Security/Dispatcher

October 30, 2004

I never dreamed it would be me
My name for all eternity
Recorded here, at this hallowed place
Alas, my name, no more my face

"In the line of duty" I hear them say
My family now the price will pay
My folded flag stained with their tears
We only had those few short years

The badge no longer on my chest
I sleep now in eternal rest
My sword I pass to those behind
And pray they keep this thought in mind

I never dreamed it would be me
And with heavy heart and bended knee
I ask for all here from the past
Dear God, let my name be the last
(Author Unknown)

Shane--Was just thinking about you so I wanted to say Hi! You may be gone but are not forgotten.

Melissa

August 23, 2004

To Shane's family and friends:

I do remember the day I heard the news of Shane's death. I was working at my job when the news came over the radio. I prayed for comfort for his family that day.

I pray you still know the peace Shane still feels as he is with God even to this day.

RIP in peace brother!

Police Officer M Lamsma
Muskegon PD, Michigan

July 19, 2004

Shane--It will be four years ago that you left us on the 19th. I look at the pictures I have in my scrapbook of the times that you would come to the house with the kids and smile. Mom and dad and I were just talking about you this weekend and how you spent your last 4th of July at our house swimming and eating BBQ.

I remember your funeral like it was yesterday. The sound of bagpipes and the 21 gun salute still choke me up. There were a lot of people that were there that day, I wonder how many realized what a true Hero you are. Looking at articles from that day, I believe that many know the difference that you have made. The way that you loved God, your family and all those around you has been a great inspiration to me.

Unfortunately I have lost track of Lynn and the kids, but I think of them often. I tried to call, but they have moved.

I miss you and the words of wisdom that you would give to me. But I know that you are happy in your Heavenly home and that you would not give that up for anything!!! Thanks for the difference that you have made in my life, I will never forget you!

Melissa

July 7, 2004

Shane was like a brother to me. He and Lynn were two of my closest friends. I will never forget the day God decided to call him home. I had watched their daughter so that Shane could go to work.
He taught me a lot throughout the time that I was able to spend with him and Lynn. He always encouraged me to reach for my dreams and to trust God. He always told me that I needed to get a job in law enforcement, and even though I sit in a Federal Police Dispatch chair, I am a part of a Police family. I wish that I could share some funny stories with him about my job. He would share stories of his job with me. Some things only other people who are in this profession understand.
Shane, I truly feel like I lost a brother the day that God called you home. Thanks for all of your encouraging words to me, as they have helped me to become who I am today.

Melissa Nelson
Wackenhut Services Contractor for Federal Protective Service/Departmen

May 13, 2004

Shane was the second of our three sons. He loved his work as a deputy sheriff, loved his family, and loved the Lord. He is in our hearts and our thoughts, and deeply missed by his family. We know he's with the Lord, and we'll see him again some day. We see him now in things his precious children do and say, and it always brings a smile to our faces. Thanks to all who wrote their memories of our son.

Beth Britton, Shane's mom

November 8, 2003