Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the family of Officer Litz I just want to express my deepest sympothy. I did not know Officer Litz, but I was effected by the incident because he was doing what I am going to school to become. It hit home because it made me realize just how dangerous this occupation really is. That's why I want to thank Brian for going out every day and risking his life to keep me and everyone else of Marion county safe. Again to the family I am deeply sorry and I hope that the lord will help you through this trying time.

Melissa Vreeland
Police Recruit

February 19, 2004

The day you were born we became "Uncle Ray" and "Aunt Judy". We were all so excited to finally meet you. Over the years we all went our separate ways, but got to spend time together again when Uncle Ray was stationed at Westover. Even then, you were special! You and Scott, Deb and Michelle were a handful. You are all grown now and all have families of your own, and you had to leave! What an amazing young man you became. I just wish I could have known the man as well as I knew the little boy! I read what your friends and co-workers say about you and I beam with pride! Bri, you will be so missed.

We are moving to Georgia for retirement and will get to meet your wonderful wife and little Brian. I just wish you could be there too!

"Aunt Judy" and "uncle Ray"

Ray and Judy Ferland

Ray and Judy Ferland

February 17, 2004

Brain, Family and all the officers of the MCSO,
I didn't really know Brian but he wore the uniform and the patch that my husband and many of our friends do and with that he was part of our family. I was deeply touched and moved by the way the department and the community came together to celebrate Brian and stand by his family. I was also very honored to have been able to ride with my husband in the procession after the funeral. I was moved and humbled by the pain and grief shown on the faces of all the deputies and employees of the MCSO. I do know what it feels like to have a brotherhood like they do but I do have an understanding and a complete repect for it. I feel lucky that my husband works with such a wonderful and strong group of people. Take care of him for me while he is out there and bring him home to me and our two little ones.

To Brain's wife and all of the other wives out there waiting,

I am so sorry for your loss and there are NO words to describe what you must be going through. It is hard waiting by the window or phone wondering when or "if" our spouses will return. We too are strong and must be that way. We have no other choice.
Guys, WE love you and we will always wait for you NO matter how long it takes.
(just remember to check in with us)

Mrs. 743, Jamie Bevan
Marion County Sheriff's Office

February 17, 2004

So many of my best memories from growing up involve Brian. Playing hoop with your Dad and Danny, always waiting for that day we would win. Trips to Vermont with Dave and Carol - sledding down the road, bottle rocket wars, and always trying to stay one step ahead of Dave. So many memories that I always thought we would have time to remember together someday when our own kids were growing up.

Brian was a great friend growing up, always thinking of other people. It was truly amazing to see the incredible man (father, husband, friend, sheriff,etc) that he became later in life.

My thoughts and prayers will always be there for Cheri, Brian jr, Ray, Nancy, Cecile, Scott and Cindy.

You were like a brother to me growing up, and an inspiration to anyone that ever met you !

Bob Richard - Brian's cousin

February 17, 2004

Brian was an exceptional officer.
Brian's passing is an exceptional loss.
Brian's life will be an exceptional memory and legacy.

Assistant State Attorney, Linda Johns He
State Attorney, Brad King, 5th Circuit Fl

February 17, 2004

Amazing Grace.. How sweet is that.."God must have spent a little more time on you Brian. Brian was the grace that God sent to do a job, He did his job well and spent his time changing others lives and reactions. Many may not realize that, But for the ones who do, Remember he is being rewarded right now and doing his job in heaven.
Marion county, Im proud to say that I belong to a town that can stop and reflect upon a man that some knew and some did not. Im proud to say that the brothers and sisters of uniforms stood tall and strong on Brians day and that we all have reached out to his family.
Its kinda hard with you not around, I know your in heaven smiling down, Watching us as we pray for you, Every day we pray for you, Til the day we meet again, In my heart is where I keep you friend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God Bless,
Litz Family and of course MR,Justice..

FRIEND OF M.C.S.D. & DUNNELLON P.D.

February 16, 2004

Brian-

You were truly an inspiration to everyone that knew you, you will not be forgotten. Your memory will live on in Cherie, Lil' Brian & of course, Justice. My husband & I saw you about 2 weeks ago, and you were so happy, you had taken Lil' Brian to get his haircut, I think he was more concerned w/ Mommy liking his hair cut. You leaned down and told him not to worry that Mommy would love it. Brian we are all going to miss you & your smile. Cherie, you will always be in our thoughts & prayers. Lil' Brian, your Daddy was a true "HERO".

Communications Officer-Kimberly Neale
Marion County Sheriffs Office

February 16, 2004

Several years ago, as I began my K9 career, I had the pleasure of meeting a fairly new Deputy working midnights in Ocklawaha. He was smart, and street wise for his level of experience. He had just been made an FTO and I soon understood why he was picked to train. Always safety concious, he stressed Officer Safety to ALL his recruits. He adorned his Colleagues with the coveted "BAT MAN" pin when they demonstrated good Officer Safety and wore their vests. No matter what was going on, he remained positive, upbeat, and always knew the right thing to say to make a bad situation better. He was a COP. A good one. and he made a difference. I often took great pleasure in tormenting him when he would get out his "Soap Box" and issue some verbal correction. He would always respond to me by saying "That's what we do....We make a difference". I find myself today repeating his words to people, as I have often done since those days. He was right, we do make a difference. "HE" is Brian Litz........K3483. "He" is my friend.

Sergeant
Marion County Sheriffs Office

February 16, 2004

to cherie and lil brian

i didnt know brian personaly but i have the chance to meet him and get a baseball card of him and justice.i attended the funeral last thursday i have never seen myself cry so hard it got to me when i saw his cascet and jutice coming to the front of the church.deputy s are very special people to me i have a family member that works with mcso and has worked with brian a few times. brian was a loving and caring person from what i heard he loved his job and both his families. k3483 will never be forgottan justice take care of brian and cherie and brian will always be looking over all of you

p.s remember you are always in my prayers

alicia sprague

February 16, 2004

Rest in peace my brother, knowing you did your best and helped so many in your life. My heart felt sympathy for those who survive this wonderful Officer.

Boone County Sheriff's Dept. (Indiana)

February 16, 2004

I got to know Deputy Litz pretty well. He was a wonderful man and a great officer. I wasn't there to say goodbye in person but I have said goodbye in prayer. God Bless the family of this wonderful deputy and his family. He did his job and did it well and he will be sorely missed throughout the community. My my families prayers and hopes be with the Litz family.

God Bless You One and All

Anonymous

February 16, 2004

Brian you have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving your life in the line of duty. You are a true american hero. Rest in peace my brother "K3483" You and your family Cherie,Lil Brian and your K-9 Partner Justice will always be a part of MCSO Family.

M.Dean #3996
MCSO

February 16, 2004

Our Greatest Fear
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again, I hold back a tear.
They patrol in the state, city, county and town,
in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.
The shape of their badges may vary,
but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.
They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,
but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.
To uphold the law is the job that they pick,
with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?
They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,
after their lives have met tragic ends.
Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,
to many have been lost when gunshots ring out.
Our Heavenly Father has called them home,
no more these dark streets do they roam.
Through trial and error they have given their best,
please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
" Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again I hold back a tear.
Rest easy brother the watch is ours now. Our Prayers are with your family, friends and loved ones.

Police Officer in Missouri

February 16, 2004

I just want to say what a wonderful site this is. I hope that somebody is printing all of these reflections out to present them to Cherie, little Brian, and Justice in the future. These reflections show how much Officer Litz was loved and admired.

God Bless!

Anonymous

February 15, 2004

To the Family of Brian Litz,
I graduated with Brian from Agawam High in 1985. I do not believe I have seen him since and sadly I won't get that opportunity now. I was truly shocked when a mutual friend of ours told me the horrific news.
Brian was always kind to me and was a truly great friend. It seems like just yesterday we'd have our many arguements over who was better, Larry Bird or Dr. J. He had so much enthusiasm for everything he did and wanted everyone else to share in that. He always wanted to make sure everyone around him was doing ok.
As I read about all the things he has done and the person he became over the years, my heart was truly touched and at the same time saddened, that the world lost someone who did so much for others. As a teacher who also works with kids, Brian will be an inspiration to me, to help me remember that what we do for others does make a difference.
I am truly proud to say that officer Brian Litz was a friend. I am truly blessed to have known someone so brave to risk his life for others. May we all live our lives with the same dignity, integrity and kindness that Brian did.
I will miss you my friend.

Michael Karam
Agawam, MA

Michael Karam
Agawam, MA

February 15, 2004

When I attended Brian's memorial service and funeral, one of the most moving experiences was the drive from the church to the cemetary, and seeing so many people from the community lined up on the streets to pay their respects and offer their support for both Brian's family and the law enforcement officers who risk their live daily for all of us. For a moment, it was as though time was slowed, and all normal activity came to a halt - and briefly, we were all suspended in a timeless moment with Brian. My wish is that in Brian's memory, we can all hold on to that, and officers and civilians work closer together in mutual respect and desire to make our community better. For Brian's family - please know that there isn't a person who loves a law enforcement officer whose heart isn't breaking for you, and we all wish we could do anything and everything to make this tragedy less. Call on us, please...it was not just love for Brian that was overwhelmingly present in Ocala on February 12th, it was love coming back from Brian, from every moment he spent making his community a better place.

Lisa Pasbjerg
Morriston, FL.

February 15, 2004

Litzy 23,
We've known each other for more than 20 years. I had the honor of being your best friend for the first 10. The times we had together, both great and sad, will forever be in my memory and in my heart. Although the last 10 years of our relationship was spent apart, I thought about you always, and I always knew we would be together again someday. I look forward in anticipation for that day to come.
Until then, you will live in memories. I will miss you.

Love ya Bro.

V25

Ronnie V/more than just friends

February 15, 2004

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.

Master Dispatcher Donna Hackett
Marion County Sheriff's Office

February 15, 2004

Another HERO is gone!!

Rest in peace brother. We will continue the fight!!

In memory of Deputy Sheriff Brian Robert Litz, and all the fallen HEROS, please light a BLUE LIGHT in a window of your home and let it shine 24/7!!!

RJF
CPD, NY

February 15, 2004

DEPUTY LITZ THANK YOU for all that you did and that you gave. Because of you marion county is a better place. God will watch over your family as you watched over us. To all that keep the peace THANK YOU

Terry/Paula Ferguson
Ocala

February 15, 2004

Sir, we now know that you are in a much better place, away from the pain and suffering here on Earth. May you walk the streets of high above wearing your new badge with pride and valor because you are a true hero among us. And to Mr. Litz's friends and family I ask that you please remember that you are still a part of OUR family and we are with you always. Our deepest thoughts from all of us here at the Osage County, KS Sheriff's Office.

Your Brothers and Sisters
Osage County, Kansas Sheriff's Office

February 15, 2004

We are truly saddened at Brian's loss.
--------------------------------------
We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
---------------------------------------
Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton (NY) P.D.

February 15, 2004

I am very honored to have had known Brian but it was only for such a short time. Brian was a student of mine and my good friend Barbara Wethington. He took a class from her on Communicating with Deaf Individuals and I was a guest speaker on some ocassions and I gave them homework. This class was another example of Brian going above the call of duty wanting to be the best he could be because it was not required he just wanted to be able to communicated with Deaf individuals prior to an interpreter arriving at the scene. During our class I had to put my dog of 10 yrs. to sleep (Kimo). Brian brought Justice to comfort me. He also took his wife Cherie on a vacation during the class he was so excited. He loved life, his family , Justice, his friends and his job. I did not know Brian very well but what I did not of him is he was kind , dedicated and left you smiling when he left. Barbara and I will proudly hang our class picture with Brian and Justice on our wall always and will continue to pray for BOTH of his families. Very Sincerely, Jennifer L. Tozzo State Fire Instructor III/Paramedic Asst.

Jennifer L. Tozzo
Graduate Student

February 15, 2004

To the law enforcement officers that read this tribute: I want to thank you for putting your life on the line every time you go out the door. I appreciate and value the services that you provide for this and every community that you serve and protect. THANK YOU!

The Monument
By Sgt. George Hahn, L.A.P.D. (Retired)

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

http://www.marvelcreations.com/fallen.html

I did not know you personally, however your needless death has affected me profoundly. My mother works closely with law enforcement and through her I have met many police officers and have a tremendous respect for them. I have and will continue to pray for God's mercy to rain down on Cherie, Lil Brian and Justice. I was at Fort King Middle School on Thursday waiting for my son. I wanted to be at the funeral to be a part of the community outpouring of support and I feel in a way that I was. I could hear the bagpipes and and saw the helicopters as they flew over me and I cried. I cried for Cherie, his partner in life, their son and Justice, his partner at home and on the job.
This has no bearing on this site, but I lost my father when I was eleven. I would have loved to be able to read things that his friends said about him. I hipe someone will print these pages and present them to Brian's family at a later date. There has been such an outpouring of support that it would be nice for them to see how much Brian meant to this community and others that have left their messages here.
God Bless and Keep you all.

Barbara LaValley
Citizen of Marion County

February 15, 2004

I was unable to attend to say my good-bye as I was called to serve the county of citizens you served so faithfully and fill in for your brother and sisters so they could be there to honor you and show their love and support for you and your family.
You assited me as well as our agency several times and for this I will always be thankful. Rest in the arms of the Lord my brother your work here is done.

Please know that this world is a better place because you were in it and we know you are here with us (Your Brothers and Sisters) watching over us ever so diligently as you did the citizens of this county.

To Cherie and Brian Jr.

My prayers are with you both and Brian your father will be right there just over your shoulder forever ensuring you find all the hapiness life can bring to you. God bless you both.

All my love

Officer Brian Dean
Dunnellon Police Department, Marion County Florida

February 15, 2004