Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear family,
Although I dont know you I felt as if I must leave you a few words of comfort. I was browsing through the memorial page as I so often do when I read Officer Litz memorial. My heart goes out to the family as well as colleagues. My husband Anthony Cogdill was a trooper in NC and was killed in May of 2003. I too have a child. A little boy who will be 4 in May. I know the pain you are all feeling at this point. Although the pain will never go away I pray that God will give each and every one of you the same strength that he has granted to me and my family over the past 8 months. My prayers go out to law Enforcment families daily. To Cherie, May gods grace comfort you over these very trying and difficult times. You will make it. You must br stroong for your child as hard as it that is at times. I will keep you in my prayers. Just remeber that God will never give you more than you can bear!!!

Always in His hands!

HEIDI COGDILL
WIFE OF NCSHP TROOPER ANTHONY COGDILL EOW 5-30-03

February 10, 2004

I did not know you Deputy Litz, but my best friend worked as a deputy with you. I was touched deeply reading about how many people love and respect you so much. My thoughts and prayers are with your friends and family. Thank you for having the courage to do what you did every day for the safety of others. I feel better knowing you are now in a special place in Heaven for heroes and children. God Bless You.

Alison, former Ocala resident

February 10, 2004

Brian, I was so very priviledged to have been a close friend of yours. You were someone that you could talk to and be sure that what was said between us stayed between us! The employees in the communications center have been heartbroken that we are not going to hear your happy voice on the radio anymore. We have left you On Duty in the computer system until the day of your funeral. You were an awesome trainer and I know this because I have had numerous Deputies tell me that you were the best they had during their tour of training. I know this personally because of the night that I rode with you in Ocklawaha zone and you took me in the middle of nowhere stopped your car and just started yelling “I’ve been shot, where are we at?” Oh my gosh that was a lesson learned that night, to make sure at all time I knew where I was at all times when I was riding with you on the road. Ever since then anytime I have ever ridden with anyone else, I am always aware of my surroundings and where I am at and I still practice this when I am in my own vehicle. Scooby I miss you sooo much already. God Bless you and your Wonderful Wife Sheri and lil Bri. I LOVE YA!!

Cpl. Frances Taylor
Marion County Sheriff’s Office
Communications Division (Dispatch)

Cpl. Frances Taylor
Marion County Sheriffs Office

February 10, 2004

Hey Scooby I can't believe that you are gone. I guess I will never get a chance to pay you back now. I remember you teasing me about all the interest that I had piling up. You had such an amazing smile and sense of humor that I have never met in anyone else. I will never forget you or the conversations we have had in the past. You are truly a hero to all of us and made the ultimate sacrafice. I miss ya Scooby/K3483 may god bless you and your entire family. It's sad to met that I will never get a chance to pay you back and you teasing me about it. I love you Scooby and will never forget the impact you made on my life!

Anonymous

February 10, 2004

IN MEMORY OF K3483

HE WAKES UP BEFORE DAWN
AND PLACES A STAR UPON HIS CHEST
HE TAKES TIME TO CLEAN THE LEATHER
AND SHINE HIS BOOTS TO APPEAR HIS BEST
HE DOSE NOT DO IT FOR HIMSELF
FOR HE KNOWS HE STANDS FOR SOMETHING BETTER
WHAT WILL COME OF EACH DAY
IS LIKE A UNSETTLED BREEZE PUSHING A FEATHER

HE HEARS THE RADIO CALL
WHAT WILL BE HIS NEXT DESTINATION
HIS MIND BEGINS TO WONDER
WHAT MUST BE DONE IN THIS SITUATION
WILL HE BE THERE AT THE MOMENT IN TIME
TO HELP SOMEONE IN NEED
HE RECONGNIZE'S HE'S NOT SUPERMAN
BUT HE DOES NEED STRENGTH AND SPEED

HE ARRIVES ON THE SCENE
TO TRY TO AID SOMEONE FILLED WITH PAIN
HE APPROACHED WITH OPEN ARMS
BUT DEPARTS IN THE BITTER RAIN
WHAT IS DONE IS DONE
AND NOW IT'S TIME TO CONSOLE THE WIFE
EACH STAR MAN KNOW
THAT THIS WAS HIS CHOSEN LIFE

MOURNFULLY THE WORLD IS NOT ALWAYS
OCCUPIED OF LOVE AND SERENITY
BUT GOD SENDS UP PEOPLE
TO LABOR EACH DAY FOR HARMONY
SO WHICHEVER DANGER
OR SORROW THAT ARRIVES BY YOUR SIDE
KNOW THAT THE STAR MAN
WILL BE THE FIRST SHIELD TO ARRIVE

THIS PROFESSION IS NOT FOR ALL
BUT FOR ALL IT IS FOR
THE STAR MAN WILL DEFEND YOU
IF YOU'RE WELL TO DO OR POOR
HID DID NOT ACQUIRE THE PLACE OF DUTY
FOR THE RICHES A SILVER GUN OR FANCY CAR
HE TOOK IT FOR THE COMMUNITY
WHO RELIES ON THE INDIVIDUAL WHO BEARS THE STAR

R. ROBBINS PATROL
MARION COUNTY S.O

February 10, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, God Bless.

Laura,Jennifer, Jack & Chris
American Aluminum Acc.Inc.

February 10, 2004

I had the honor of serving with Deputy Litz for 10 years. He always had the most positive "can do" attitude. As a shift supervisor, I utilized him and his K-9 partner Justice constantly. Deputy Litz was confident, safe and knew the job of Deputy sheriff inside and out. If he was responding to a call with a newer Deputy, I did not worry about the outcome because deputy Litz would insure it was handled correctly. Usually during the course of our shift, I would meet with him to discuss calls we had worked, current events and we always would wind up talking about our families. He was a proud father and I, being a new father of a son, valued his advise based on his experiences with his son. He made a statement to me one time while we discussed the termination of a Deputy. He stated " I always base my decisions and actions on whether my wife and son would be proud of what I did". This stuck with me and I now use this same measure for myself. I will miss our discussions, his enthusiasm for the job and his dedication to all of the people he helped. I am a better man having known Brian Litz! Good bye and God Bless.

Sgt. Mark Kelly
Marion County Sheriff's Office

February 10, 2004

My friend Brian- Seems like yesterday when we were in high school, running around with out a care in the world, parties at your parents house when they were away..........boy how time changes everything.......My heart and prayers go out to your family and your fellow officers....I am glad that you were able to reach your dream of becoming a K-9 handler, we are a special breed and there is no partner better than a four legged one!!! Brian, I know that you have a new K-9 partner now and you are gaurding the gates of heaven...so until we meet....I Love you and you will be missed by all....

Lt. David DeMatteo
Connecticut Department of Corrections K-9 Unit

February 10, 2004

As parents of a Police Officer, our thoughts and prayers are with Brian's wife and son. To Brian's parents, Ray and Nancy, you're hearts are broken forever. May your memories of Brian and the legacy of love he has left behind in his son, bring you some comfort in this devastating time.
Our hearts and prayers will be with you forever.

Ron & Sandi Richard
Granby, Mass.
2/10/04

February 10, 2004

A Brother Warrior has fell and died today in battle.

This Brother Warrior has made the ultimate sacrifice.

He has given his life for his Fellow Warriors, his family and friends too.

Brother Warrior, pass your sword to us, so we can keep your spirit alive.

You, my Brother Warrior will not be forgotten.

God Bless you, your family and your friends.

We honor and respect all of the Fallen Warriors who have gone before us.

We ask you, Brother Warriors to guide us, protect us and pray for us.

We will meet again my Brother Warriors.

For this time not to fight another battle, but to live in eternal peace.

God bless all of the Warriors, past, present and future.

Sgt. Chad McDaniel
Seminole County Sheriff's Office (FL)

February 10, 2004

God bless you and your family at this time of sorrow.
You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

February 10, 2004

BRIAN, YOU WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED BY ALL OF US WHO HAD THE PRIVILEDGE OF WORKING WITH YOU.THOSE OF US WHO WERE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE TRAINED BY YOU WILL FOREVER BE BETTER OFFICERS, AND WE THANK YOU. YOU WERE A BROTHER, A FRIEND, AND MENTOR TO EVERYONE AT THE MCSO. YOUR SACRIFICE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN,AND YOUR FAMILY WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR PRAYERS..GOODBYE K3483

DEPUTY BOBBY YOUMANS
MARION COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

February 10, 2004

God Bless you for your service to your community! May our Lord bless your family and friends during this difficult time.

A Brother in Blue
Nampa Police Department, ID

February 9, 2004

Brian, K3483, aka Scooby, I remember 8 years ago when we started and all you wanted was to become a K-9 Officer. You did it and you were the best. There are so many things I never told you thanks for: Thanks for laying in the woods with the nightvision getting ate up by mosquitos watching the hill so I could do the 1050, Thanks for shooting that hurt deer so I didn't have to, Thanks for hitting me with your flashlight when I held mine in my gun hand, Thanks for letting Angela out of the backseat, Thanks for Xena with the blond hair, Thanks for always making me laugh, Thanks for always being my friend and my zone partner. Thanks for always being someone I could trust. I am so proud of you. I will never forget you and I will always miss you

Sgt. Erica Sonnier
Marion County Sheriff's Office

February 9, 2004

Brian, there is no greater love than for one to lay down his life for a friend. You have paid the ultimate sacrifice and in doing so, you have now touched the face of God. The word "hero" can never be said or heard again, without your face coming to mind. Rest, brother.

Lieutenant Mike Forte
Marion County Sheriff's Office

February 9, 2004

I have never met you but I feel that I have always known you. Conversations with your wife have always been about how much you loved your job and being part of the K-9 unit was so important. I am sure God has a special place for you.

Gloria Smith
Co-workers of wife Cherie

February 9, 2004

Brian, from the hearts and souls of all your fellow officers we will miss you dearly. You hold a special place in my heart not only because we worked side by side as brother officer's, but because you and i became friends back in 1994 when we attended the Academy together. You had just moved from up north and not had many friends yet. I am honored to have befriended you and your family. We had good times in the academy being detac partners and learning how to be Officers. Our study sessions at our homes with classmates will never be forgoten, you helped me get through some hard times. You became a Hero to all of us by doing your job, but most of all you became our Hero for being our friend, our co-worker and for the K-9 handler who would never quit on trying to catch the suspect. Brian, we will miss you something fierce, not to hear " K3483 Marion " on the radio will be heartbreaking. Rest in peace my friend, my brother, my co-worker. Cherie, Lil Brian and Justice will be taken care of here, they are our family too. You track the clouds and keep the heavens safe, and we will try to keep the peace here on Earth. Your brother, Nicky. P.s, you were the only person to call me Nicky, why i let you I'll never know, it sounded good from you.

Master Deputy Nick Ragosta
Marion County Sheriff's Office

February 9, 2004

Dear God,
I write this letter to you since Brian is now with you in body and soul. We feel such a deep and painful loss. But we want to thank you for giving Brian to us for the time that we had him. Words will never be able to express how honored we feel that we got the chance to have had Brian in our lives. His sincere love and concern for people stood out. And just his presence alone brought joy to everyone. Brian was one of those few people who "GOT IT." So I thank you God for giving him to us to learn from and to learn how to become less of ourselves. I know his spirit will always remain with us. Tell him God, that we miss him and we will always remember him.

Sergeant Angel Hughes
Marion County Sheriff's Office

February 9, 2004

My son-in-law Eric knew Officer Litz, having been an officer himself. Eric reflected his admiration for Officer Litz and his gentle ways.
I live in Pine Run, where all this happened. Although I didn't have the pleasure to know Officer Litz, I am terribly sad over his death in the line of duty. He is a hero in my eyes. I want the department, his wife and son to know how important his job was to those of us he helped to protect.
Thank you Officer Litz for being the kind of person you were and for making such a difference in the lives of others. I would be proud to have called you my son.
Respectfully,

Fran Tilton

February 9, 2004

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Deputy Litz.

While I did have the privilege to have known him personally, I am certain that he has found a place in heaven. Rest in peace my friend; those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin blue line.

Anonymous

February 9, 2004

Our sincere condolences go out to the family of Deputy Litz and to all the personnel of the Marion County Sheriff's Office who worked with him.

While it is no consolation for your loss, remember that we, and many others in this country, appreciate the sacrifice that he made in his effort to ensure the safety of the public.

God bless.

Southwest Central Dispatch
Palos Heights, IL

February 9, 2004

I was shocked and saddened to hear about what happened to this man. I did not know him personally, but from what I have heard and read about him, he seemed like a wonderful person, and I know he will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to his wife and little boy. God bless all the law enforcement out there, and thank you for putting your life on the line each day.

Amanda Proffitt
Johnson City, Tennessee

February 9, 2004

Hello,

I am using this forum to convey my sincerest condolences to the family of Deputy Sheriff Brian Robert Litz.
I am one of the three stepdaughters related to the suspect, and had been so for 22 years. I cannot express my utter horror and shock as to the events that happened this past Saturday. This has taken a terrible toll on all members of both families involved. I am deeply saddened, as are all of my family members. As I loved my stepfather, so did we all. I cannot imagine the man I knew doing this sort of thing to himself and certainly never to another human being. I don't think I will ever completely know the "whole" story but I pray for my stepfather and for the brave officer who came to do his job, neither of them knowing of the horrible fate that would take place that day. God bless my stepfather, and to the dedicated officer that tryed to step in and negotiate a better way to undo the pain that he had been going through. God bless the familys involved in this tragic event. I continue to pray.................... sincerely, a loving stepdaughter

February 9, 2004

There are no words to express the loss of this special young man. Brian was a joy to everyone and had a heart of gold.
He will always hold a special place in my heart. I loved him as if he were my own son. I love you Brian
Aunty Denise

denise manseau
family member aunt

February 9, 2004

I've already left a reflection, but I wanted to let people know how much we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of...hands to help us up with, shoulders to cry on, prayers sent, grief shared...many of us are checking these reflections a few times a day, and we're so touched at how many people are taking the time to let us know they care.

Those of us who know....KNEW Brian also know that he would never have wanted this for himself. He was a merciless self-critiquer, and I can just about hear him now, reaming himself over what happened, and not allowing that this was a mindless, senseless, awful moment that cannot be changed, something no amount of training or experience could have prevented...He was "Officer Safety" at its best, constantly preaching it, always demonstrating it... Besides "later, bro" (never goodbye) and "Oh, no doubt!" he always said that no matter what, the important thing was that we go home to our families at the end of the shift. We learned so much from him....

We all know how much he loved his wife and son...and his dog, Justice (most of the time!!)...he loved to have fun....he loved doing things for everyone else....every deputy considered him their good friend....

And not one of us truly believes this guy is actually gone. Like its some cosmic joke, or a huge mistake, or an awful nightmare and WHEW, glad we finally woke up!

So anyway, the time you've all been taking to post a note, make a phone call, or say a prayer.....it's making a difference, and we can't say thanks enough.....

A Deputy
Marion County Sheriff's Office

February 9, 2004