Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Brian,
I wanted to remember you on your birthday, and tell you there is not a day that goes by that i dont think of all you and your family have taught me over the years. I dont ever remember a time in my youth that you and your family were not there for me and my family when we needed you.....even when we didnt. Some people are just true friends, I can honestly say I learned alot about family and friendship from you. I want you to know that you also taught me about who a person is supposed to be, and I only hope that I can learn from all that you gave, and can become a better person from the legacy you leave behind. You are a true hero my friend, I will always strive to be like you so giving, so loving.
I miss you
your friend Amy

amy lazeren thomas

May 18, 2004

May 18, 2004

Happy Birthday Brian!

The day you were born will always be celebrated with much happiness. Our life with you as been a great adventure, watching you grow up, marrying the love of your life Cherie & having a son named after you. And in a few weeks the Little guy will have a new cousin named Jack Brian, of course. How proud he will be of his Uncle Brian.
The memories of you will always be treasured. I did not think it would be possible to love you more but, tremendous pride has been added to that love in the wonderful person you became. You gave us all new meaning with your Personal Message "What we do today shall echo in eternity"

As always, I miss you & love you bunches
Angel Hugs & kisses
Love, Mom

Mom

May 16, 2004

I had the pleasure of meeting Deputy Litz's brother while on the job at Bradley Int'l Airport in Connecticut. He was heading down to Florida to be with his family when he introduced himself and informed me of his brothers utlimate sacrifice. My prayers and thoughts go out to a fellow k-9 brother who will always be an inspriration to me. Rest is peace Deputy, your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Jeff Kehlenbach, MS and Duke
US Customs & Border Protection K-9

K-9 OFFICER
US CUSTOMS & BRODER PROTECTION

May 15, 2004

We remember the officers who changed
Our lives , The Men and Women who protect us everyday and night,For when
faced w/ danger , They never even pause. We remember the officers who always stood true ,what ever color of The uniform , green , brown , grey, or
blue , W/ pride and integrity they say
"To serve and Protect", For the giving
of their life, We offer our respect.
Deputy Litz , I was surfing the web and
saw this and thought of you

Sgt. Mark Miller (security Officer)
Mcgriffs Prof. Security

May 9, 2004

To Brian and family , May God Bless you
And your family , I would like to say
Thank Deputy Litz and all the men and
Women of the Marion Co. Sheriffs Office for keeping the community where
I live and raise my Daughter Safe ,
On Behalf of Mcgriffs security , My wife Stacy and our Daughter Megann .
We,re very sadden of our Fellow brother's untimely death .
We,ll cherish his memory , GOD Bless
the Family , Friends ,and Fellow Law Enforcement Officers Every Where, May the lord Protect you and your love ones.
"Blessed Are The Peace Keepers"

Sgt. Mark Miller (security Officer)
Mcgriffs Prof. Security

May 2, 2004

BRIAN,
SINCE THAT DAY THAT I LEARNED OF YOUR PASSING, THERE HASN'T BEEN A DAY WHERE YOUR FACE AND VOICE HAS NOT GONE THROUGH MY MIND. I FIND MYSELF, WHILE WORKING DAY SHIFT, VISITING YOU AT YOUR GRAVE SITE AND JUST REMEMBERING THE CONVERSATIONS THAT WE HAD. IT SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY THAT I TOLD YOU," IF YOU KEEP UP WHAT YOUR DOING, YOU WILL BE IN CHARGE OF THE K-9 UNIT ONE DAY." I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT SMILE THAT YOU GAVE ME AND SAID," BRO, I'M JUST DOING THE BEST THAT I CAN." AS YOU PUT ON THE BACK OF YOUR CARD, YOUR VOICE WILL ECHO FOR ETERNITY WITH ME. YOU HAVE AN EVERLASTING IMPRESSION TOWARDS EVERTHING THAT I DO NOW, FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT TO MY FAMILY LIFE. YOU ARE THE TYPE OF PERSON THAT WE ALL WANT TO BE, BUT WE DO UNDERSTAND THAT GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU, AND WE WILL GET TO MEET AGAIN.
YOUR FRIEND,

CPL. GERARD T. KING JR. AND K-9 BARON
OCALA POLICE DEPT.

April 26, 2004

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from Heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through
God picked me up and hugged me and he said, “I welcome you”.
It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.
I need you here badly, you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the days chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human they are bound to bring tears.
But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you would not understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you, and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one step at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you to;
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
then you can say to God at night...."My day was not in vain".
And now I am contented...that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low:
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go...from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...you're coming here to me.
I will always be with you!

Anonymous

April 23, 2004

It has been two months since we lost a true hero. There is not a day that goes by that Donnie and I don't talk about you, Cherie and lil Brian. You have shown us not to take life for granite and to treat every day as though it were our last. Cherie's strength in dealing with all of this has been amazing.

Please know that we love you, miss you and will never forget you, Cherie or lil Brian and we will be here if they need anything at all.

Staci Winston
Wife of Donnie Winston 1251

April 13, 2004

To the Litz family, friends, and the Marion County Sheriff's Officer. You have lost a beautiful soul, but heaven has one more shining star. Our thoughts and prays are with you all. Thanks Deputy Litz for all you have done for your brothers and sisters; rest in peace.

Patrol Officer
Prince George's County, Maryland

April 13, 2004

I want to express my family’s deepest sympathies to your family. I was told Officer Litz was a truly genuine man, the finest of officers. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

April 9, 2004

I was saddened to hear of another law enforcement death. I hate knowing that we are living in such a cruel world. I can tell by the reflections that Deputy Litz was a wonderful man. My heart goes out to the family and friends.

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 4, 2004

As I sit and look at the statistics of this web page, I can't help but wonder why? You have to be a very special person to be in law enforcement. Something most of the world will never understand. As an officer, we not only have to deal with our own personal problems, but we must go out, put our problems aside, and protect and serve the public. This is something we as officers enjoy doing.

If the public only knew how much we enjoyed our jobs, they would be amazed. This job is not easy, but it's something we would never trade. There's no greater joy in helping and protecting the lives and rights of others.

You don't have to know a person to feel there pain. For the hundreds of men and women who wear the badge.....do know this....only GOD knows when our final inspection will be!!!

So let's pray for one another at all times. We all have a unique bond. We are brothers and sisters of the BADGE! We are all the children of GOD!!!!!

BE SAFE BE STRONG BE CAREFUL BE BLESSED
JUST BE THE BEST OFFICER AND CHILD OF CHRIST YOU CAN BE!!!! GOD BLESS US ALL!!!

your fellow sister down in Miami, Fl.
J.H-J angel (MDPD)

April 1, 2004

I'm Already There

Don't make a sound
I'm the beat in your heart
I'm the moonlight shining down
I'm the whisper in the wind
And I'll be there until the end
Can you feel the love that we share
Oh I'm already there

We may be a thousand miles apart
But I'll be with you wherever you are

I'm already there
Take a look around
I'm the sunshine in your hair
I'm the shadow on the ground
I'm the whisper in the wind
And I'll be there until the end
Can you feel the love that we share
Oh I'm already there

Anonymous

April 1, 2004

How does one to begin to express the sorrow and pain that Brian's family members are going through? I can say this, Brian was a part of a large band of brotherhood through out the whole world and though his watch is over on earth it is not over in heaven.
Though you have made the ultimate sacrifce of your son/husband/father Brian passed on memories to all that will be cherished and remembered forever. God bless your family and Brian keep the streets of heaven safe.

God Bless & Love to All
"ONE FOR ALL..ALL FOR ONE"

DET. DILLON MURPHY
MARTIN SO

March 24, 2004

I come to this site often as I am visiting my husbands reflection site. I was very impresed to see that while you are still grieving you are all sharing reflections filled with warmth and kidness, reflections full of hope. (especially from Ray) It is still hard for me to write on reflection sites because of the pain I feel years later.

I am still praying for you as you work through your pain. I probably always will think and pray of you because our pain is all too familiar.

The one thing that I can say from experience is that the wounds never heal, but it gets easier to live with them. Everyday brings you closer to God, and to your loved one. Live life like you want to be there....

Jessi

March 22, 2004

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you Deputy Litz for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

Anonymous

March 20, 2004

My family would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family, friends, & fellow co-workers of Deputy Sheriff Brian Robert Litz. We know your loss is great as we're dealing with the loss of our niece Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig (eow 2/16/04)..she was the Godmother to our 6 year old son Brendan. May God comfort you & give all of you the strength to go on. May God also watch over everyone in law enforcement. You're all in our thoughts & prayers.

Gail M Pabst

March 19, 2004

u where the best and thanks for coming to ft mcCoy school and showing us the kool stuff that u and justice did

austin gotcher

March 16, 2004

I met my nephew, Brian, around the time I joined the Litz family when I married his Uncle Jim almost 24 years ago. Today, when I look at pictures of his son, Brian Jr., I remember the beautiful, blond-haired, blue-eyed angel God sent us who made us smile whenever he was around!

That joy and warmth that Brian shared as a child continued throughout his life, as expressed by the wonderful stories being told by the many, many people Brian touched. I think of the fun we had at Brian and Cherie's wedding and at his brother, Scott's wedding to Cindy. Brian was there to welcome us and share in the good times.

Over the years, there was never a doubt about his love and dedication to his beautiful wife, Cherie. The pride and devotion Brian had for his son was evident in the many pictures he would send us, sharing the wonderful events in young Brian's life.

And then there was his profession as a Deputy. I was so impressed by and proud of his trip overseas to learn more about how to better serve his community. The evidence of his remarkable career are the stories being expressed by his fellow officers and those he helped.

Our family has been blessed to have had the privilege of knowing and loving Brian and by being loved by him. Our sons had an amazing role model in their cousin, Brian!!

I was unable to travel to Brian's funeral. I am using this message as a way to share some of my feelings with those who knew and loved Brian as I did.

I am so grateful to be a part of Brian's family. His parents, Ray and Nancy, are two of the finest examples I know of generosity, kindness, faith and love. It's clear to me where Brian learned his values. My prayers go up for them, for dear Cherie and Brian Jr., and for Scott and Cindy. I pray that God grant you strength and peace, especially at those times when your sorrow is greatest.

I feel Brian's spirit touch me when I smile at the thought of him. I know he is one of God's special angels.

Love from Aunt Cookie

March 16, 2004

My heart just breaks for every reflection that I have read from your family members. As a fellow K9 Officer I want to extend my deepest sympathies to your Family, Friends and fellow Officers. You did a wonderful job and it is so unfair for your life to have ended so soon. I am sure that along with everyone else, that Justice is missing you terribly. I know that my first K9 is helping you guard the pearly gates of Heaven now...he is your new K9 partner!

Officer Julie Schmidt
Louisville Metro Police Dept. Louisville KY

March 15, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family left behind.

From GPD to MCSO, "keep fighting the good fight."
Watch over us Brian and remember that you are a hero to so many of us left behind.
Lord be with the family and give them strength for today, hope for tomorrow and courage to stay the course.

Corporal Lisa Satcher
Gainesville Florida Police Dept

March 13, 2004

Dear Brian, I remember when.....you were born. I remember when....you were a toddler, the cutest ever. I remember when....you were a child, with the most infectious smile. I remember when....you were a teenager. I remember taking trips to your mom and dad's house in Massachusetts and kicking you out of your room (which your dad "made" downstairs...ha, ha, he wasn't any better with tools than you were, ha) for my sleeping arrangements. I remember when...you went to college, I always bragged about you to my friends. I remember when....you married Cherie. I remember thinking that the two of you were perfect for each other. I remember when.....you moved to Florida, so very far away. I remember when....you became a Marion County Deputy. I remember thinking how happy I was for you that you were able to achieve exactly what you wanted to. I remember when....lil Brian was born. I'm going to miss getting his pictures in my e-mail. I remember our yearly "family reunion picnics" at Spraguebrook Park in Colden, NY and how we loved it when all the "out-of-towners" could make it. I remember when Grandma and Grandpa died and how much it meant to me to have you here.....helping us all even though you were grieving. My heart breaks Brian....it breaks not only for myself, but most of all for Cherie, lil Brian, your mom, dad and Scott. I pray for all of them constantly. I know you're in heaven standing beside God with a huge smile on your face. We will all meet again someday....oh! what a glorious reunion that will be! I love you Brian, Aunt Patti

Aunt Patti

March 12, 2004

Although we never had a chance to meet, we shared a common goal.
To make the world a better place, but now it's taken a toll.
Now I say to you in words of a prayer, I will remember what you've done.
Your death was the ultimate in sacrifice, how tragic that you're gone.
One day we'll meet and talk about our common goal and then,
The heartache that I 'm feeling now, will no longer have to mend.

The Men and Women of the Green Bay Polic
Green Bay P.D. Green Bay WI

March 12, 2004

Deputy Litz,
I will think of you often and pray for your family. May your son know what a hero his dad really is. In my prayers ... GOD SPEED BROTHER OFFICER

Officer
North Carolina

March 9, 2004

It has been 30 days since we lost a wonderful man. I know that Brian touch so many people in Marion County, he taught each and every deputy something that no one else could! I know that you are missed everyday but I know that you are watching over everyone. You are loved by many, I was one of them and I miss seeing you in the hallways at central, the special treats that we got to give Justice in communications. Brian, Justice is watching over Cherie and Lil Brian and he won't let anything happen to them. I know that all your friends with MCSO are also watching over your family and helping them along the way. Brian, I am just one who really misses you, but I know that you are with the lord and he is helping you understand why this happened. Thank you for the time you spent with us in communications and thank you for being a friend to my husband and helping him with his zone coverage, it was a weight off my shoulders knowing you were his back-up when he was in Ocklawaha and South Central Zone while you were on B-Shift. Thank you for continue to be his back up and keeping him from danger. He never got a batman pin from you but you did teach him a lot and I thank you for that. You will never be forgotten!!

Gina Bicksler
EMSA and spouse of MCSO deputy

March 8, 2004