Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mrs. Litz,

I noticed in the bio that Brian has a five-year-old child. I also have a five-year-old, and a wife who is going to give birth anyday now. My only fear as a Police Officer is leaving them behind. I cannot imagine your loss and the emptiness that your child must feel and I truly grieve for you. As the four-year anniversary of Brian's death approaches, I will keep you and your young family in my prayers. I was in attendance at Brian's funeral and I will never forget it.

Police Officer
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

November 24, 2007

Yesterday was the 23rd, you were remembered and spoke of often, as we do every day. We all had a good time celebrating and remembering that special day 9 years ago...like it was yesterday! Can't believe he's nine...we love you and miss you.
Vonnie

November 24, 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 3, 2007

Brian,
Happy Father's Day! We had little man and Cherie over for dinner last night. Brian's looks and actions are just like you, he's your little "mini-me"...
Thinking of you always....
Love, Vonnie

Vonnie Hart
forever friend

June 17, 2007

I came across your name somewhere in these many pages of heroes and thought I'd stop in and leave a reflection. I know the pain that your loved ones live with every single day and the questions they ask, "Why" and the "What If" that they think about as the silent tears fall. There are no magic words any of us can give one another except that we can only take one day at a time and keep the memory of our heores alive. I'd like to leave a poem for Brian:

Poem by Richard Fife:

No person is ever truly alone.
Those who live no more,
Whom We loved,
Echo still within our thoughts,
Our words, our hearts.
And what they did,
And who they were,
Becomes a part of all that we are,
Forever.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

May 26, 2007

HEY BRIAN ,I JUST GOT BACK FROM WASHINGTON DC, IT WAS NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL WEEK AND THE PLACE WAS PACKED WITH OFFICERS AND FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF FALLEN OFFICERS. I SAW YOU NAME ON THE MEMORIAL WALL AND IT MADE ME THINK BACK TO THAT SAD DAY WHEN YOU DIED. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT HAS BEEN OVER THREE YEARS. I'LL SPEAK FOR THE ENTIRE DEPARTMENT WHEN I SAY WE MISS YOU. I THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DID FOR OUR DEPARTMENT AND THIS COMMUNITY. I KNOW YOU ARE WATCHING ALL OF US AND KEEPING US SAFE. TALK TO YA LATER........SEE YA MAN

DETECTIVE THOMAS TINGUE #4370
MARION COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

May 19, 2007

Bri,#23

My dearest Brian, today you are forty. These are the hardest days for me, without you. Mother's Day, Police Week, your Birthday & Wedding Anniversary all this week. It hits like a tone of bricks. Living in Massachusetts & Cherie and Brian in Florida. Missing all that goes on in your memory, Lil Brian's Grandparents Day at school especially.
They did move the date for The Police Memorial Service to the old Acadamy in Agawam this week. Yes, to May 23rd. That #23 amazes me. Like when the Pilot announced our gate change to #23 as we were arriving in D.C. for Police Week. We should really write a book on that number, even the telephone pole in front of our house is #23. Go figure. I could go on forever. It's actually has a calming effect on me, it as if your spirt is here with us. It gives me a chuckle at times. Somehow, I thing you know that.

Have a Blessed Birthday & may it be as special as you are to our to us. Angel hugs & kisses.

Love, Mom

Nancy Litz

May 17, 2007

Dear Bri #23,

Looks like my 1st reflection that I left you did not even go through. Maybe it's just as well. It was much too long & mushy.

Just want to tell you that Mother's Day is all about Family. It has extra special meaning without you here. Your son picked out a Grandma Angel with him & Jack on my lap, so he told me. I thought the exact thing when I received it. Even Jack got excited, "Look Grandma! It's me & Lil Brian! I only wish that he could of been here. He did send a framed picture of himself posing on the beach. There's no denying he's yours. Cherie called yesterday & again today. I got to talk to Brian he sounds so grown up. He won an honor award at school this week. How proud you must be! Just like his Dad.

Actually the morning was just OK. The afternoon turned out busy, leaving no time too feel sorry for myself. We had dinner with Cindy, Scott & Jack. Ben & Derek stopped over, they're support means so much. There both exceptional young men. Their Mother Grace is also Amazing! No pun intended. We are blessed to have so many awesome friends & family.

Love Ya Always.
Mom

Nancy Litz
Mom Deputy Brian Litz E.O.W. 2-7-2004

May 13, 2007

Bri #23,

What a bad habbit I have of hitting enter. I wanted to put Wedding Anniversay & off your Reflection went. Not even proof reading it. Masters Degree? I think not! My emotions get me carried away, when writing to you. Another Mother's Day without you is like a day without sunshine. Be sure & watch over all of us. Send us some of those Angel Kisses!

Love, Mom
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Nancy Litz

May 12, 2007

May you and your loved ones be ever blessed.

May 11, 2007

Hey, just a quick hello, I was thinking of you today, as always. I'm on midnights now, I see the guys eating in the hospital cafe at night. Every time I see you guys in uniform or a patrol car I think of you.
Yesterday was Alan's birthday. We got together with little man and Cherie. Of course, little man helped Uncle Alan blow out the candles. We had a great time. It would have been better with you there, I know you were there in spirit. You are always with us.
Missing you as always. Your BIG 40 birthday is around the corner, you know we would be together on that day, having a celebration...remeber your 30th birthday party, oh my gosh, what a blast!!!
Love ya Big Bri....and miss you...
Vonnie

forever friend

April 25, 2007

Brian,
Just wanted to let your family know that they all crossed my mind today and that you are all in my prayers.

Terry Donovan

April 10, 2007

Bri #23

This should be a day of joy & peace. I'm feeling only frustration. Your not being here has changed our lifes forever.
You are always on my mind & in my heart. May happiness & peace bless our family & home today. I know that you see to that, from up above.

Jacks had a rough road lately. But, he's home & ready for the Easter Egg Hunt this morning. We are all off to Don & Lynns for dinner. He adores Kate & the twins. he has a lot of you in him. He loves DOGS. Especially Barkley & Sherman. Don had to put Sherman down, Jack knows he's in heaven with Uncle Brian & his Pop Pop.

On the other hand Jack sounds so much like Lil Bri it's ?.
Speaking of which, we also wish Brian were here, he still insist that, Jack is his little brother. Seeing them together bring us so much joy & happiness. Cherie made a awesome album of the boys together. It's an upper when I'm down.

Just hearing the Lil guys voice on the phone gets to me.
He's become quite the young man. Dad & Scott had a great time in Florida. I only wish, that they could of snuck Lil Bri in their suitcase & took me back to Agawam. I love the picture of Scott & Lil Bri @ Legends Field.

I made about 100 egg, chicks & bunny cookies yesterday, you & Scott use to eat them faster than I could bake them. The Bakery will make them next year.

P.S. PTM in Boston. Yes, Brian would be proud of you. He talked about you often. [email protected]

Have A Blessed Day & Happy Easter!
Love Ya Much!
Mom

Brians Mom

April 8, 2007

Hey Brian,

I was reading some of the most recent enteries. The one where you tracked the burglary suspects the night prior to all this mess I remember very well. I was the primary on it and you and Sarge went on the track while I worked the call. After it was over we joked a little and both left. We were trying to go home for the night but on your way home you got into a chase. I found out the next day while at reserves what had happened from a zone partner. As all the post here say we still miss you.

Dan

Dan Jones
MCSO

March 17, 2007

HiBrian,
Just wanted to say I love you, and think about you a lot lately. Your cousin kevin is going to be a father in May, wouldn't it be wonderful if Aidan was born on your birthday!
Please watch over all of us and I am so happy that I was part of your life for a little while

Love Aunty Denise

denise
aunt

February 27, 2007

Deputy Litz,

You were a big influence in me becomming a police officer. I want to say thank you for that, and thank you for what you taught me in the time that i knew you. Thank you Brian.

Ofc. A. Sirolli
Ocala Police Department

February 9, 2007

Three years...unbelievable. We will never forget you, Bri. And I'll never forget tracking a rabbit with you and Justice, or when you tried to push me into a ravine (SURE, you were saving me from falling! Stick with that story, right? :) So many good, good memories.

Wish you were here to see my sons...keeping the tradition (and so handsome in their uniforms!). You never knew what a tremendous influence you were on them. Watch out for my boys, OK?

we'll meet again...

Ofc. B. Sirolli
Leesburg Police Dept.

February 8, 2007

I can't believe that 3 years has passed since the day of your death. I can still remember the day like it was yesterday. Brian, your memory lives on in our organization. Stories are told almost daily from those of us who worked directly with you. Stories passed on to "the new generation" so that your legacy won't be forgotten; not that I doubt it ever will. God bless you Brian. You are still greatly missed. Until the day we meet again....

Sergeant David Redmond
Marion County Sheriff's Office

February 7, 2007

Deputy Litz,
Three years later, you are not forgotten for the sacrifice you made. Thank you for your service.

citizen in PA

February 7, 2007

Hi Brian:

Today is 3 years, I will never forget where I was and what I was doing that day, I know your in a better place. I hope your not too upset that I am on the "Other" side of the game as a defense attorney. Life takes some strange turns, after years of arresting criminals, now I am defending them?????? I was in Westfield District Court last week, I know all the way from Revere, but like Paladin "Have Gun Will Travel." I am back out in Westfield in March and I am going to track down your Mom and Dad, I hope they remember me from Graduation. A day does not go by without think about you, my prayers for your family. My heart is still very heavy, I have few regrets in life but my greatest is I let our friendship become distant and didn't keep in touch......

Pete
Boston.

PTM

February 7, 2007

Today marks the 3rd anniversary of your death and I just wanted to say thank you for serving and protecting. Your family and friends are still in my thoughts and prayers cause I know the pain doesn't go away. We lost my nephew, Officer John Logan in March '04 and it still hurts and I know it always will.Rest in peace, Sir.

Shirley Roberts
Aunt of Fallen Hero John Logan EOW-3-14-04

February 7, 2007

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN DEPUTY LITZ.

Just wanted to let your family know that you are not forgotten, I have the blue candles that burn 24/7 in my windows, he will never be forgotten.
And to the family we will be thinking of you today, love you guys lots.

Connie Barker Fort Walton Beach, Fl
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04 Prattville, Al

February 7, 2007

Three years have passed, and you are still missed tremendously. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss your voice over the radio. Thank you for touching our lives the way that you did and still do. To your family, my thoughts are with you today. God bless you all.

Sgt. Angela Rawls
MCSO

February 7, 2007

Dear Bri #23

This was left by Donna after your passing. Wednesday will be your 3rd year in Heaven & her reflection brings me much comfort. LIVE, LOVE & LAUGH. Thank you again, for everyone who took the time to tell Brian stories. Some could be printed & others could not.

I was dispatching when Brian started as a patrol deputy. I had the honor and privilege of working with him for many years. He was a wonderful deputy and a great friend. When he transferred to K9 it was great to have him and Justice working on my radio. Brian would bring Justice by for a visit to the Communications Center and he would be sure to speak to everyone in there, including the 911 Operators, EMS and Fire Dispatchers. His smile was contagious and everyone was smiling when he headed back to patrol. It is hard for me to believe that I will never hear his voice again on my radio, I will miss him.

I attended his funeral on Thursday along with 3,000 others. Justice cried and whimpered as he escorted Brian's casket down the church isle. I cried with him, for we both knew that Brain was not here, but with God. I was amazed at the number of people who lined the highway to pay tribute to you as we drove to the cemetary. Men, women and children. Some had they hats off and hands over their hearts, some held flags while others held signs with your ID number: K3483 and still others had signs blessing your family. People stopped their work day and honored you. It was a truly amazing sight.

To Cheri and Lil Brian: On Friday, the day after Brian's funeral, at work I took a call from a lady who was crying. She had met Brian and Justice one time and thought they were the nicest pair of law enforcement officers. She kept crying, and saying she could not believe they were gone and that they were so nice. She was wanting an address to send you a card, Her phone call really made me stop and think. Now I truly believe that Brain was an Angel on earth, as he touched so many people during his life. God sent him here to enrich all our lives and to remind us to LIVE LAUGH AND LOVE. He would reach out with his smile and it would feel like he had brushed our cheeks Angel wings. Just know, when you feel something brush your cheek it will be your Angel Brian touching you from above.

Dad & Scott will be heading down to Florida @ the end of the month. They're excited to take Lil Brian to Spring Traing with them. Three Litz men all together, your Lil guy will never be the same, good luck Cherie! Just wait Jack will be three soon. Then it will be four Litz men. LOL

Just wanted to let you know how much we miss & love ya. Be sure to touch our cheeks & spread those wings mega wide on the Wednesday.

Angel Hugs & Kisses,
Mom

Nancy Litz
Mom

February 5, 2007

Dear Brian-

Well we are upon your 3 year anniversary, you are still missed by everyone that knew you. I know you are smiling down on us from Heaven, and watching your little boy grow up, I'm sure he will turn into a fine young man like his father. We miss you and love you my friend.

Employee of the MCSO

February 4, 2007