Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Brian,

I've tried so many times to say goodbye to you, but I can't. It has taken my this long to finally accept that you are no longer with us. But you are with the best, as you were.
I wanted to thank you and your family for the privalege for the chance I had to work with you. You were truely inspiring to us all. Your smile will never be forgotten. Words can't express just how much you meant to all of us. It was truely an honor to work with you. Because of you, all of us here at MCSO are better people. You gave us the strength and courage to continue with our daily lives. Thank You again for being the person you were. You will always be remembered as a "HERO", a great freind, loving father, and a wonderful and caring husband.

To Sherri and Lil Brian, my heart goes out to you and your family. May God keep you and bless you. You will always be a family member here at Marion County Sheriffs Office.

CA Loretta Gibbs #686
Marion County Sheriff's Dept

March 8, 2004

Deputy Brian Robert Litz

Son I am so very proud of you. From the moment you were born premature in London England and we had to wait 43 days to bring you home. We knew you were special. To the first day of school and you continued on until you received a masters degree. We were so proud of you.

You could not of choosen a better partner than Cherie. She is a true gift from God. Then with the birth of your son Brian Raymond we knew you were Blessed. We were so happy for you.

As the years rolled on your ability to reach your goals made me so very proud of you. When you finally became a K-9 Officer and Justice became your partner I knew you had achieved another goal. Son I must tell you when you sent me your baseball card with you and Justice on the card I did do a little bragging.

Brian I do know one thing for sure. You were a good and caring officer. You always told me that you started every job nice and that force was a last resort for you. I know you followed procedures because you always told me in your job you have to follow the book. Even on your last call they told me you did everything right. I was not surprised.

Brian now that you have passed I must tell you that my heart is truly broken. It is so very hard to believe that I will not be able to have our talks. I thank God that we always ended them with I love you. Son I want you to know that until my last breath I will watch over Cherie and Little Brian. I love them as I love you to the depth of my soul. Until we say hello again in heaven God Bless you and thank you so very much for being my son.

Dad

Dad
Family

March 7, 2004

Brian,
You gave of yourself completely as father and husband. As we have learned in the past month you gave just as much to the community. You had such a passion for Justice and your partnership. Your son if finally talking about you. Every morning and every night before we go to bed he throws you kisses. I know your catching them. He picked out clothes for you to wear in heaven the other day. Your grubbiest sweat pants and shirt and of course Scooby socks. He wanted to know if you had video games in heaven. I assured him you did. We miss you tremendously!There is a empty feeling in our life. Everyone assures us it will lessen. Do not worry all your close friends in law enforcement and outside have been taking care of us. The out pouring of support from the community has been unbelievable. It helps the healing process to see how you affected everyone. We love you! Cherie and Lil Brian 23
+
9 xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

March 7, 2004

This is my second reflection .Brians death and the deaths of the other officers /firefighters make people value life so much more everyday. I wanted both of his families to know that his life made a very big difference in mine. I have relocated and am in my new home with my new dog Zoe. The first picture I will place on my wall will be our class picture with Brian and Justice .Brian would be happy that my dog knows some sign language. I will NEVER FORGET to pray for BOTH his families and am so very glad I had the privlage to meet him/Justice.I have been blessed in my life to work with GREAT officers, firefighters, medical personal and military personal thoughout my career and all of these indivduals are HEROES !!!!!!!May God be with all of you who read these and their families who encounter such tremendous loss that it cannot be put into words!!!!!Very Sincerly, Jennifer Tozzo State Fire Instructor III/Paramedic In Memory "Kimo"

Jennifer Tozzo Fire Instructor /Paramedi
Graduate Student

March 5, 2004

When the Angels call a loved one home, heartache is left behind. May God ease the pain in your hearts. May he replace it with the loving memories and the love Brian shared on this earth. May you always look toward the skies and remember his open caring ways. When the sun radiates upon you, remember the sunshine in his eyes and the warmth in his heart. When the flowers begin to bloom remember his giving ways, and how he reached out to all. For Brian is now one of Gods Angels and he is watching over us all. So when the evening comes remember to pray for his family and to thank God for the short time Brian spent on this earth, blessing those who knew him. Our hearts and love go to his parents, Ray and Nancy, his brother Scott, his wife Cherie and his beloved son, Brian. May God hold you and always keep you in the palms of his hands.

Forever in our thoughts and prayers,
Michael and Patricia Baker

March 2, 2004

Dear Bri #23,

Thank you for always being the best that you could be. For being wise and marrying Cherie and giving us all Lil Bri to love. For settling in Marion County, what awesome friends we are all truely blessed to have them as part of our family now.

It's been (23) days and my heart is still broken. Everytime I look at my Seraphim Angels especially the Officer's Prayer I know that you are looking down from heaven and smiling. You will always be on my mind and in my heart!

Love Ya bunches! You are now my true Blue Angel!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Mom, (Nancy L. Litz)

Mother-Nancy L. Litz

March 1, 2004

Dear Brian,
There really are no words to describe the emptiness we all feel without you. I still can"t believe you are gone. I have such wonderful memories of you that I will treasure for ever and ever...Epcot, Katie Belle's, Outback, the beach(Alan's toe), when Alan made Sergeant...and many more.
Thank you for your humor, courage, honesty, loyalty and standing up for what you believe. Thank you for being such a great husband to Cherie, father to little man, brother to Scott, son to Ray and Nancy, and a best friend to Alan.
Please don't worry about Cherie and little man. They will always be part of our family, we will love and care for them forever. We love you and miss you, but you will live in our hearts for ever and ever. I know that you are still watching us, protecting us, and caring for us. You are my Hero, Batman, I will love you for ever and ever.

Vonnie Hart
wife of Lt. Alan Hart,MCSO

March 1, 2004

To Deputy Brian Litz: We've lost you brother and my heart aches. Mostly for your son, who will not be able to hold his father. I am sure you will be right by his side every moment as he grows. Tonight your family will be in my prayers, in the hopes that someday you and your loved ones will be reunited for evermore. My God Bless you brother...

Officer D.cruz
FDEP Division Of Law Enforcement

February 29, 2004

To all of the thoughtful people that have sent reflections to my son and Hero I want to say God Bless you and thank you from the bottom of our family's heart. You have no idea how comforting these reflections our to us. It is very uplifting to know that so many good people care and our praying for us.
May God keep all of you and yours safe and healthy. You will be in our thoughts and prayers forever.
Deputy Brian Robert Litz's
Dad

Dad
Family

February 29, 2004

If tears could build a stairway
And memories were a lane
We would walk right up to heaven
And bring you home again.

No farewell words were spoken
No time to say goodbye
You were gone before we knew it
And only God knows why.

Our hearts still ache in sadness
And many tears still flow
What it meant to lose you
No one can ever know.

But now we know you want us
To mourn for you no more
To remember all the happy times
Life still has much in store

Since you'll never be forgotten
We pledge to you today
A hallowed place with in our hearts
Is where you'll always stay.

Author unkown

Anonymous

February 27, 2004

OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU
The Final Inspection
The policeman stood and faced his God,which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?
The policeman squared his shoulders and said.
"No, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a Saint."
I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk is rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep...
though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got to steep.
And I never passed a cry for help
though at times I shook with fear,
and sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, but if you don't...I'll understand"
There was a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman.
You've borne you burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
You've done your time in Hell"

KINSEY AND LARRAMORE FAMILY
UNKOWN

February 26, 2004

I did not know Deputy Litz, however I attended his funeral. I'ts hard to loose a brother, and even more difficult for the people closest to him. The one thing I took from the service was that Brian was loved by his friends, co-workers, community, and most of all his family. My thoughts are with Sheriff Dean and the Marion County Sheriff's Office. I wish you all the best as you try and deal with this tragedy. As for Mrs. Litz and Brian Jr., my deepest sympathy is with you through this difficult time. Thank you for sharing your loved one with so many people.

Deputy J.D. Knepp #182
Brevard County Sheriff's Office

February 24, 2004

Under cover of night, They're paid to fight
For what is good, and wrong and right.
Somebody didn't make it home today.
They leave their families, and their wives
Kiss the kids, and risk their lives
Somebody didn't make it home today,
They work each day, out on their own
But as of tonight, a new star has shone
Somebody didn’t make it home today.
So with your family, shed a tear
Hold them close, it's what we fear
Somebody didn’t make it home today.

God Bless you Brian. Keep an eye on those of us that are left to do a job that is never done.

Anonymous

February 23, 2004

Not knowing Brian personally, I had just met him about three weeks ago. Brian, you will never be forgotten, you will always be an inspiration to all. My condolences to family and friends.

Mitchell
U.S.Customs Service/Florida

February 23, 2004

Brian, I work as a paramedic and serve the same county you did and when not on the road I work in MCSO communications at medical dispatch where you would come and bring Justice and yourself to visit with everyone. You were so nice to everyone with nobody a stranger to you! We also ran a few calls together in the field and although you did not know me personally I felt like I did! I remember one call we had together where another elderly person in not so good living conditions need a well-being check and your main concern was getting him the help he needed. I know on your last call that was exactly way you felt then also! Brian, I went to your celebration of life, because thats what it was and you are loved by so many and YOU touched many many more! Your family is in good hands here! RIP

Paramedic Specialist Chuck Baltzagler
EMSA of Marion County

February 23, 2004

Brian,
I remember back when you used to work Ocklawaha zone. You used to come in for visits every now and then. How we in the comm center treasured those visits. Then just a few months ago I had the chance to talk with you and meet Justice in the parking lot. I do not know if you remembered me, I had moved away then came back, but we talked about Justice and dogs in general. You gave me some health tips for my dogs. Then you heard a call on the radio and you said, " Got to go, I think they may need me for this call". We in the comm center will miss hearing "K3483" on the radio. Rest in peace. God be with Cherie and Lil Brian, and we at the Sheriff's Office will be too.

Katrina Krider #1163
Communications MCSO

February 22, 2004

THE POLICEMAN’S LAST INSPECTION ...

THE POLICEMAN STOOD AND FACED HIS GOD, WHICH MUST ALWAYS COME TO PASS. HE HOPED HIS SHOES WERE SHINING, JUST AS BRIGHTLY AS HIS BRASS. "STEP FORWARD NOW, POLICEMAN. HOW SHALL I DEAL WITH YOU? HAVE YOU ALWAYS TURNED THE OTHER CHEEK? TO MY CHURCH HAVE YOU BEEN TRUE?"

THE POLICEMAN SQUARED his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain’t. Because those of us who carry badges can’t always be a Saint. I’ve had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough, and sometimes I’ve been violent because the streets are awfully tough. But I never took a penny that wasn’t mine to keep, though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just got to steep. And I never passed a cry for help, though times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I’ve wept many unmanly tears. I know I don’t deserve a place among the people here, they never wanted me around except to calm their fear. If you’ve a place for me Lord, it needn’t be so grand. I never expected or had too much, but if you don’t, I’ll understand."


There was silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod. As the policeman waited quietly, for the judgement of his God. "Step forward now, policeman, you’ve borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets, you’ve done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

Rest in peace brother

We will all miss you Brian.

Kyle Strausser

Former Deputy
Marion County Sheriff's Office

February 21, 2004

I AM 18 AND WANT TO BE A K9 HANDLER AND TRAINER.I DID NOT KNOW DEPUTY LITZ BUT AFTER READING ALL THE ARTICLES ABOUT WHAT A GREAT MAN HE WAS.I LOOK UP TO HIM NOW AS A HERO.HE IS HERO.HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE NOW SERVING ON HEAVEN'S K9 UNIT.GOD BLESS HIM,HIS WIFE,SON AND HIS PARTNER JUSTICE.



DUSTY SIMON
KETTERING OHIO.

DUSTY SIMON

February 21, 2004

My heart aches for Brian's wife and son. I too have lost my husband in the line of duty after just 5 months of marriage.
Brian has made the ultimate sacrifice and is walking the beat in heaven. It is so sad to hear of another hero losing his life. You have to believe that he is in a much better place right now and watching and protecting all of you. Mrs. Litz, you and your family will continue to be in my thoughts and my heart.

Denise Zimmerman
Surviving spouse of NJ State Trooper Bertram Zimmerman 02-05-2004

February 21, 2004

Brian never met a stranger and never made anyone feel like one. We will miss seeing you in the Comm Center on those long nights. Fireboard truely feels the loss of the Sherrifs office. Sleep well brother for we all are brothers and sisters in what we do. For the family your sorrow weights heavily on our hearts.

Sgt. Tammy Gotcher
Marion County Fire/Rescue

February 20, 2004

Although I did not know Deputy Litz, I am saddened by this tragic incident. I am positive that he was an exceptional officer and stressed officer safety. My heart goes out to his family, friends and his law enforcement family. Rest In Peace brother.

Police Officer
Burbank PD, CA

February 20, 2004

I have visited this site a often, but have never been been moved to tears. When I read about Deputy Litz, and the family and partner he left behind, I was balling like a baby. I could not have sat in the funeral watching Justice walk down the isle with Brian.

Unless you are an officer, or the family of an officer you can not understand the job. We know what it is to go 41 with everyone, and come back missing someone. A piece of you is lost forever. When I lost my husband, I thought that my life was over. A little boy, that would miss his father every single day for the rest of his life, even though he was so young. Not being able to have more children with him, and growing old without him there. It seemed to be a neverending pain. Then I realized all of the support that our department had to share. See, it isn't just a job for us officers, it is a family, a life. Now my son has many dad's, all officers that also loved my husband. They do little league, and wrestling, and follow through with the comittments that my husband had to leave behind the day he was murdered. I hope the deputies at the Marion County Sheriff Department will also help you to show your son what a real dad is all about. Although he will never has his father, he deserves some dads...

And, I know you can't believe me now, but it gets easier to wake up in the morning and get out of bed. It gets easier to function knowing that he is not going to kiss you good morning, or tell you he loves you for now. And somehow, kids are very good at helping you move forward in life. God made them so precious, and I, like you appreciate the blessings of children, it gives us an everlasting memory of our husbands evertime we look in their eyes.

I return to work everyday knowing that my husband died because he was a police officer, and I am living because I am a police officer. It is only a police officer, and family that can understand why we risk our lives.

To Deputy Litz, Rest in Peace. It sounds like you have left a legacy.

Jessica

February 19, 2004

Brother, may God bless you and watch over your family. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Special Agent
FBI New York

February 19, 2004

It has been seven days since we laid you to rest. You were such an inspiration to every officer you met and all of us who worked with you are better people for knowing you. One night after we worked a call together I was blessed by receiving one of the famous "BAT MAN" pins which I still were on my vest today, and will always. You were a very special man Brian Litz and as the words on this site prove, you lived by your saying,"WHAT YOU DO TODAY WILL ECHO INTO ETERNITY". Rest in peace brother we have the watch now. Until we meet again, Later Bro

Agent
Marion County Sheriff

February 19, 2004

Brian,

I feel terrible that we were so close as kids and then time and miles separated us. Your mom and Dad were "Uncle Ray" and "Aunt Nancy" and you and Scotty were my "cousins". I remember many a night as our parents were playing Pinnochle, Scotty and Shelly were asleep and you and I were suppose to be but we weren't. We were in your room playing, very quietly, so we didn't get caught.

Reading all of these messages, you grew into as wonderful a man as you were a child. I am with Animal Services and my husband is a Deputy Sheriff. Cherie, I have never met you, but you must be incredible. Being an officer's wife is never easy and now you have paid the ultimate price. Love Lil Brian and let him love you and remember Brian together. He will never be gone because he is in the hearts and thoughts of so many.

Uncle Ray and Aunt Nancy, I'm so sorry, but be proud that your son is a Hero and gave his life to something he believed in.

I love you all!

Debbie Ferland-Baker

Officer Debra Ferland-Baker
Douglas County Sheriff's Office

February 19, 2004