Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Brandon, I will always remember the way you made me laugh even when I did not want to. I look forward to the day when we meet in Heaven. I know you are there watching out for us all. I miss you Fat Daddy!

Jodi

May 13, 2004

Words cannot describe the tragic death of this officer. Of all things, a drunk driver is the cause of this 10-42. What a terrible way to end your tour of duty. Brandon Lassiter wanted to be a Covington County Alabama Deputy Sheriff for several years and was never given the chance to prove his capabilities until recently. He was an aggressive officer with great potential. Driving a patrol car with many miles logged; he washed, waxed, buffed, polished, added lights, radios, antennas, wheel covers, and many other items. This reflected Brandon's personality. He wanted to look the best, be the best, and do the best at his profession. Brandon was constantly looking to attend the latest classes in law enforcement. He wanted to be aware of the changes in law enforcement before the changes occurred. Always wanting the best, and never afraid to do what it took to be the best. On the night this 10-50 occurred, Brandon wore his Class A uniform for the first time. He, I'm told was very proud to wear this uniform "All Brassed Up!" Brandon's funeral was unbelievable and was attended by many. An impressive show of support and emotion by law enforcement. The way we all want to be remembered, but not the way we all would like to go 10-42. Gunslinger........ I hope your happy up there peeping through the "Thin Blue Line" sending many watches over us while we continue to fight for justice. Thank you for your encouragement, your friendship, and your loyalty.
B L Wilson (Peace out Brother)

B L Wilson
Andalusia, Alabama Police Department /Former Covington County S O Depu

May 1, 2004

Why did you have to leave so soon? I had just talked to you earlier that afternoon. We were laughing and carrying on had I only known. Had I known how the afternoon was going to end all wrong. It hasn’t been the same since you’ve been gone. I heard the call and I was on the way, I’ll never forget finding you that day. It ripped my heart to see you injured like that. I did for you what you could not do filling your lungs with each breath, while others did the rest. I stayed with you till you were flown from the scene hoping to wake and find it all to be a dream. It was extremely hard to face the fact, you were gone and never coming back. You were a great cop and a good friend, but why did it all have to suddenly end. So tragically taken from this world your friends, family and wife. You paid the ultimate price and they all represent the supreme sacrifice. You served mankind well and did a thankless job that few would choose to do. Knowing what the consequences could bring, you accepted the task without hesitation, giving your life for our preservation. You were laid to rest with Honors in such a glorious way we will never forget. Bugles playing, drums tapping and bagpipes piping as the twenty-one gun salute echoed in the air while we stood at attention. Now I wake to another dawn wondering why it had to go wrong. Thoughts of you will always remain, but things are not the same------ since you went 10-42.

anonymous

April 29, 2004

BRANDON WAS BY FAR ONE OF THE BEST POLICE OFICERS I HAVE EVER KNOWN, HE COULD MAKE A PERSON SMILE WHILE HE WAS PLACING THEM UNDER ARREST. BRANDON AND I TALKED ALOT WHILE HE WAS TRAINING ME, ONE NIGHT I TOLD BRANDON I COULD MIMIC HIM WITH ONE PHRASE, I SAID IT AND HE LAUGHED. BRANDON WOULD LINK ME WHILE I WAS IN ACADEMY JUST TO SAY "LET ME HERE IT ROOKIE" AND HE WOULD LAUGH AND OTHERS AROUND HIM WOULD LAUGH, SO HERE IT IS FOR THE LAST TIME... FOR YOU FAT DADDY.... HEY GIRL WHATS UP? WHATS YOUR NAME? WHAT YA DOING LATER? ROOKIE GETS OFF AT THREE...... WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!

ROOKIE

April 27, 2004

ON BEHALF OF THE ALABAMA STATE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE AUXILIARY, I WANT TO EXTEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY AND CO-LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS OF COVINGTON COUNTY. GOD BLESS YOU.
"NEVER LET THEM WALK ALONE" auxiliary motto

PRESIDENT & NAT. TRUSTEE
AL. STATE F.O.P. AUXILIARY

April 27, 2004

BUFFALO, NEW YORK

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE OFFICERS
WISH TO SEND OUR CONDOLENCES. OUR THOUGHTS
AND PRAYERS ARE WITH DEPUTY LASSITER, HIS
FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE

April 25, 2004

My prayers are with Michaels family, friends, and dept. during this very difficult time. Michael will NEVER be Forgotton!!!!!

In Memory Of Brian Litz
FF/PM Florida

April 21, 2004

I just received the notification of Officer Lassiter. This is to let you know how sorry I am for his death and to tell you my prayers are with your fellow officers and his family.

Chaplain Clyde Webb
Cocoa Police, Cocoa Fla.

April 21, 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 Lassiter 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

April 20, 2004

How do I begin? Brandon was one of a kind. He would call late at night just to talk. I would get up knowing I had class the next day to talk to him. Brandon was always there when I needed a shoulder to cry on or just to talk he was there. Brandon would often patrol by my house and make sure that everything was alright. He called me late one night sounding like a female asking if I called the police department about a barking dog. Then I caught his voice. He would do that all the time that was just the way that he was. We had a few problems down the road but worked things out and that was the best thing he came by place of work on a Tuesday and tooted his siren and I said "My Brandon is back". I will forever miss you and your smile.

JoAnna

April 19, 2004

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Michael did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Michael be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Deputy Lassiter's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Michael is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Michael was well respected and well loved.

Thank you for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Deputy Sheriff Dennis McElderry's fiancee - EOW (01/03/03)

April 19, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this wonderful officer. May you rest in peace, Brother in blue. God bless you.

Officer
Marco Island Police Dept.

April 18, 2004

Deputy Lassiter,

Rest in Peace my Brother......"Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God." Matt. 5-9. I will keep your family and the Covington County Sheriff's Office in my prayers.

Officer
NC

April 17, 2004

You are the reason I enjoy arresting drivers under the influence. Rest in peace my brother.

Officer

April 17, 2004

Brandon,
When I saw on the news that we lost another brother my heart dropped. I was even more saddened to know that you were from the area. God bless your department , family, and friends. Walk proudly as you patrol your new beat and keep an eye on all of your brothers in blue who still patrol on earth.

Inv. Sgt. R.T. Furlong
Prattville Police Dept.

April 17, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Sheriff Lassiter's parents, family, freinds and co-workers. We are all here for you and will support you. I look forward to meeting you at our Alabama COPS meetings. Psalm 55:22

Denise Nichols - surviving spouse
Alabama State Trooper Brian Nichols EOW 2/17/2002

April 16, 2004

BRANDON ONLY WORKED WITH ME FOR A SHORT WHILE BUT I HAVE KNEW HIM THRU HIS SHORT CAREER AS A POLICE OFFICER. I AM GOING TO MISS HIM SO, HE GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRAFICE AND HE WILL BE REPAID BY GOD. BRANDON I MISS YOU AND WILL THINK ABOUT YOU EVERY DAY.

GREG

SGT GREG JACKSON
COVINGTON COUNTY SO

April 16, 2004

On behalf of the Pittsfield Police Dept., we offer our condolences to the family and friends of Dpty. Lassiter. God Bless.

Officer Rodney Minoty
Pittsfield Police Dept. ME

April 15, 2004

I sit here today one week later.Know you died doing what you loved it still don't come easy but, they say a policeman or woman has it pumping through there vains. You where so special you, Brandon anyone you seen you greeted with a smile, kindness and if they needed help you where the first to jump.I only was a friend and still I felt the pain on that morning.Now your in heaven doing what you loved and We here in Florala and Lockhart still miss that smile so big and greeting so kind. I catch myself asking why of all people you the Lord knows that, We do not but, I seem to think it was for all of us who was your friend, family and the people you helped I came to you at a time of need.And you became a FREIND. We seen the turn out at your funeral and knew you where one of GODS ANGELS from up above and till we meet agian. I WANTED TO THANK YOU BRANDON FOR PROTECTING THE PEOPLE AND THE POLICE OFFICERS WHO WHERE LEFT BEHIND YOU ARE TRUELY THE HEART OF ALL PEOPLE. And my prayers goes out to your Love left behind SHERRY stay strong he will be there waiting for all of us keeping heaven safe.And for all the officers that knew you may they keep your memories in there heart. And to the family may God bless you.Till I see that smile agian Brandon may God bless you .THANK YOU

***FREIND***

April 15, 2004

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

Patrol Officer
Prince George's County, Maryland

April 14, 2004

Those we love are never really lost to us. We feel them in so many special ways.Through family and friends they cared about and dreams they left behind.
In beauty that they added to our days, in words of wisdom we still carry with us, and memories that never will be gone.
those we love are not never really lost to us.....for everywhere their special love lives on.

Teresa Goss
Shadco. Jacksonville,Fl

April 14, 2004

Your service to your community is appreciated by all of us. May God bless you and the survivors of your family. Rest in peace brother.......

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

April 13, 2004

“When God made Peace Officers….”

When the lord was creating Peace Officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, “You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.”

And the Lord said, Have you read the spec on this order? A Peace Officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn’t touch, and not wrinkle their uniform.

They have to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day.

They have to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half- eaten meals. And they have to have six pairs of hands.

The angel shook her head slowly and said, “Six pairs of hands….No Way.”

“It’s not the hands that are causing me the problems,” said the Lord, “It’s the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have.”

That’s on the standard model? asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, “May I see what’s in there sir?” (When they already know and wishes they had taken that accounting job.) Another pair here in the side of their head for their partners’ safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, “ You’ll be alright ma’am, when they know it isn’t so.”

“Lord,” said the angel, touching his sleeve,” rest and work tomorrow.”

“I can’t,” said the Lord, “I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on civil service paycheck.”

The angel circled the model of the Peace Officer very slowly, “Can it think?” she asked.

“You bet,” said the Lord, “It can tell you elements of a hundred crimes, recite Miranda warnings in it’s sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five judges to debate the legality of the stop…and still it keeps it’s sense of humor.

This officer also has phenomenal personal control. They can deal with crime scenes painted in HELL, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim’s family’ and then read in the daily paper how Law Enforcement isn’t sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects.

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Peace Officer. “There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model.”

“That’s not a leak,” said the Lord, “It’s a tear.”

“What’s the tear for?” asked the angel.

“It’s for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag, and for justice.”

“You’re a genius,” said the angel.

The Lord looked sober. “I didn’t put it there,” he said.


Anonymous

Senior Instructor
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

April 13, 2004

May you Rest In Peace...

Constable Dave Austin
Dekalb Co. Alabama Constable/K9 Handler

April 13, 2004

DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF DS MICHAEL BRANDON LASSITER.

Anonymous

April 13, 2004