Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Today we said farewell to a hero. No words can adequately describe the grief all of us are experiencing over the tragic loss of Deputy Brian Litz. We are fortunate that Brian touched our lives, even for such a brief moment in time. I shall always remember his warm, friendly smile whenever we had occasion to meet. Brian's actions during his short illustrious career reflect the man he was.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. My faith in the Lord assures me the Angels have carried him home. May God bless his family.

Chief Deputy, Ret. J.P. Holland
Marion County Sheriff's Office

February 12, 2004

Brian was the best Field Training Officer that I ever had or seen. Brian's biggest concern while at work was officer safety. I have never seen a man who was so passionate about his family and his job. Brian was a man of inspiration. His love for helping others and wanting to make a safer place for all. God Bless you Brian and your Family.

Agent Brent Pons
U.S. Customs & Border Protection

February 12, 2004

We have lost a very special person. We did not know Brian, nor his family personally, but we feel the sadness that has fallen upon our community. We watched today as hundreds of his "brotherhood" went by our office down Silver Springs Blvd. in a procession that seemed endless. The outpouring of love from everybody was very overwhelming. We were glad to see so many representatives from around the state that came to attend Brian's funeral. It is good to know that we are proceted by such fine men and women. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Brian's family and coworkers.

First Florida Mtg employees
Citizens of Ocala

February 12, 2004

Brian
You were called into this profession and our Lord and Savior has blessed you because:
According to Romans 13.1-5...
God ordains the Peace Officer’s profession.
The Peace Officer is sent by God.
The Peace Officer is vested with God's authority to enforce the law.
A Peace Officer's badge is to be honored by us, because it is honored by God.
You will be missed my friend.

C. Army # 521
MCSO

February 12, 2004

I am not a person usually at a loss for words but I truly don't know what to say, except Ray...Nanny...our hearts are aching for you. Brian is immortal in your memories of him, your time together, his family, and all the love he has spread among family and friends in the TOO BRIEF time he was here.

Wendy Tariff

February 12, 2004

Sorry to hear about the loss of your officer. Rest in peace Brother, Matthew 5:9

Deputy J McLamb
Wake County Sheriffs Office

February 12, 2004

to the family of deputy litz
ive read the paper every day since this happened and ive cried every day for the loss of a good man,husband,father and partner to justice even though i didnt know him,i can feel how much he is missed.may god bless and keep his family safe.
sincerly
scott and susan corson and family

February 12, 2004

Fly high brother!

Cpl. Jason Woodruff
Gulf Shores, AL Police K9 Unit

February 12, 2004

To the Litz family and the Marion County Sheriff's Office family from ours:

May peace and love be with you in this trying time. Keep your chins up for a brighter day.

CCSO Communications

Citrus County Sheriff's Office Communications Division

February 12, 2004

Dear Brian,

I remember so many things about you.

Things that struck me, like the way you always were thinking about officer safety.

The way that you told me to always be thinking of scenerios in my head so that I could have a plan for when things went bad.

The way I felt when you backed me up on a panic alarm and told me I did a good job in the way I approached the building. Man, that felt good. Then you said, "Ok let's pretend there was someone getting ready to run out of the building with a gun in their hand" I came up with a solution. You came up with a better one. :)

Then I think about the last time I saw you. Working late on a burglary.

Loosing you is like nightmare and I cannot wake up.

I can still hear the way your voice sounds and see the way that you carried yourself.

I thank you for being here and for the lessons you taught.

Goodbye K3483

Deputy Sheriff A. Jordan
Marion County Sheriff's Office

February 11, 2004

Although I did not know Officer Brian Litz very well, he will always live on in our hearts. I remember when my boys met Brian and Justice, they thought they were so cool. You will always be remembered as a loving father, friend and fellow co-worker. May the grace of god be with you and with your wife, Cherie and your son, Brian. We love you and will miss you terribly. God Bless and God Speed. In our prayers always, Louis, Deborah, Little Louis & Gabriel Pulford.

Wife of a Deputy
Marion County Sheriff's Office

February 11, 2004

Brian,

You were an excellent trainer, co-worker and friend. We were all thrilled for you when you made K-9. Although I didn't get to often, the few times I did, I enjoyed being your eyes from the sky, while you and Justice tracked for those who needed to be found on the ground. It's a gift to actually have a job doing what you truly love to do and we all know that was your ultimate dream job! You will be missed tremendously by all who knew you. To Cherie and Lil' Bri, please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of myself and all the troops in the Company B -1-171st Aviation unit out of Kuwait/Iraq.

John Rawls
FL Army National Guard

February 11, 2004

To my friend Brian-The news of your death has shocked and saddened me like nothing else. To see a man so in love with life and all its offerings taken from his family, friends and co-workers is senseless and frustrating. I knew you loved your work and were doing well for yourself, but never had any idea of the impact you had on those you served. Our friend from Agawam, MA making such a difference in so many lives. You make us all proud to have been a part of your life. My memories of camping trips, graduations, weddings and reunions will be with me always. Our cirlcle of friends will never be unbroken even in death, Brian. We will always love you and we'll save you a seat at the next wino night.
To Cherie and Brian Jr.- My deepest condolences to you both. Please know that you have many friends and loved ones praying for you both. While the distance is great in miles, you are all close in our hearts. Your husband and dad was a great man who will be looking out for all of us now. Be strong for each other. God Bless You.
Scott Milliken
a friend from Agawam, MA

Scott Milliken

February 11, 2004

This is a very informitive page and resource to a new officer coming into this profession. My heart and soul goes out to the family and I hope that the family will always remember that this officer was doing what he loved. And he was doing his job to make sure that every day his family has a safe place to live and call home. God Bless ..................

David Blackburn

February 11, 2004

Several of us were in the Civil Office reflecting on how we were made better people having known Brian. A comment was made that when someone was alone with Brian, he had a way of making that person feel that he/she was his best friend. I never really thought about it, but how true!

We love you, Brian, and will miss you!

Deputy G. Michael Robinson
Marion County Sheriff's Office

February 11, 2004

To Mrs Litz & Lil Brian,

my prayers are with u and ur family, Brian was a wonderful man and a fantastic person. We have alll lost a very special person and one of Marion County Sheriff Officers best. many prayers to u.

Bobby Ergang

February 11, 2004

Deputy Litz:

You lost your life doing what all of us have done more times than we can count. It could have been any one of us. You paid the ultimate sacrifice while doing your duty. This is just another example of how unfair our job can be sometimes. No hero like you should ever fall in this way, but we do far too often.

We have the watch now. Rest in peace, brother.

N.W.
Detective
Mountain View PD
Mountain View, CA

Detective
Mountain View Police Department

February 11, 2004

The Lords Prayer

Our Father, who are in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name,
Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who
trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, forever.
Amen.

MARION COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

February 11, 2004

Wuz-up bro, I’m really sorry that you had to go that way…I’m going to miss u bro. I only knew u a short time, but just long enough to know that u were a jam-up Deputy whose passion for the job emanated from your every being. I remember the time I spent with u last Halloween; I passed out the baseball like cards of u and Justice…that was fun. I even got to meet your wife and little Brian, who was dressed as Spiderman that night. Your memory lives on in my heart and your knack for officer safety lives on in me. I know that your with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and that my daughter, Amanda Rose Garcia-Jones, was there to greet u along with all those who have gone before u…Litz, my brother, “Job well done…your home now”, I’ll see u later…love Deputy Ken Garcia

Deputy Ken Garcia
MCSO

February 11, 2004

We will pray for the Litz family during this sad time. May God Bless all of those who choose to serve and protect. Our hearts also go out to Justice who will miss his partner.

Rustina,Rob, and Kaylee Jones
Ocala,Fl.

February 11, 2004

My heart and prayers go out to the family of Dep Litz! God Bless the Litz family and Marion county as they morn the lose of an angel who has found his wings. Rest in peace your work here is done. To the dispatcher(s) and deputies on duty that day, may God bring you peace and confort knowing he has called his son home! God Bless!!

Dispatcher Donna Jean Brown
Taylor County Sheriff's Office

February 11, 2004

Dear Brian, i have known you for over 4 years and during that 4 years i have learned so much from you, i still remember all the times during training when you were my FTO that you would sit me down and talk to me about life, the job and anything else that we could come up with, and when i made a mistake during training you would make sure that i did not make it again, you went out of your way many times to help me out, even when i was on my own, thats just the kind of man and deputy that you were, always willing to help someone out . I feel that i am a better person just for knowing you, i will miss you so much. God bless you Brian and thankyou for all that you have done.

Deputy Michael Coon
MCSO

February 11, 2004

When I saw the picture of you and Justice in the paper, my heart fell. I was so saddened that I could not speak. I did not know you personally but I felt your loss as if I did. Your bravery in the line of duty will NEVER be forgotten. May your wife and child carry your memory with them forever, as I know all of us in this county and beyond will.

Adina Lenway
Ocala, Florida

Adina Lenway
Ocala, Florida

February 11, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

February 11, 2004

My heart aches for Brian's family in the aftermath of this tragedy. I cannot fathom the grief his family, friends and Sheriff's Office co-workers are dealing with. I was an acquaintance of Brian's who was always impressed with his professionalism and dedication to the job. My husband worked with Brian and was even more impressed by the fine young man he was and knew he would go far in whatever he chose to do during his earthly life. He truly was one of the best and brightest examples of integrity and compassion in not only law enforcement but in everyday life.

Words cannot express how grateful I am to have dedicated men and women such as himself protecting the citizens of Marion County. Brian made the ultimate sacrifice and will be forever remembered in our hearts and minds. I will always remember where I was and what I was doing when I was told the news on February 7th. True heroes do not come along very often and I am privileged and honored to be able to say I had a chance to meet Brian Litz - a genuine hero.

God bless you Brian. I take some comfort in knowing you are smiling down upon all of us. Cherie and your son will be taken care of and protected by the ones left behind. Rest now.

Forever grateful citizen of Marion Count

February 11, 2004