Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

3/3/08

Brian,

Today should be your 25th birthday. I cannot help but wonder; how you would look, where you would be, and what you would be doing; if you had not died a few weeks after your 21st birthday. It does not feel right to celebrate without you, and it does not feel right to not celebrate. I don't know what to do.

I love you and miss you, forever and always.

Mom

Norie Haas

March 3, 2008

bianna

after all these years, i am still saddened about our short time together. i hope you new watc is going well, and that you are keping everyone safe. god bless you, and i cannot wait to work a post with you again.

sgt.tiny

ex/sgt tiny
hendry county so- retired

February 22, 2008

2/6/08

Brian,

We leave for the FL Open this afternoon. There are so many memories at that range. I can close my eyes and clearly see you shooting many of the stages from the past, or see you and Frank working in the practice bays. It will never seem right to be there without you. I miss you so much.

Love, Mom

Norie Haas

February 6, 2008

Brian,

I never had the opportunity to know you when you blessed this earth. However, you have made a huge difference in my life. I rode for your sacrifice in the Police Unity Tour in 2004. I committed to ride 250 miles in three days in your honor never knowing the impact that choice would have on my life. Several times while riding the hills, I prayed for you to use those angel wings and get my butt up the hill (you always came through). At the end, I had the pleasure of meeting your wonderful parents and know firsthand the sacrifice they experienced. Now here we are in 2008 and I am riding for the fourth year. Each year I look heavenward when riding and talk to you. I have a photo of you and the etching from the wall in the room where my police officer husband and I prepare for work.
Know that your sacrifice is never forgotten, and you have made a big impact on people you never knew through that sacrifice.
I know I will ride in and see your mom and dad on May 12 and that will keep me pedaling and talking to you.

Tracy Clark
Tallahassee, Florida

Police Officer
Tallahassee Police Department

February 5, 2008

1/28/08

Bri,

Dad and I planted a tree for you at the cabin. One hundred acres of forest, and I had to plant another tree ... for you. We put it off the corner of the front porch, easily seen from the rocking chairs where we often sit and read. It had to be a Cypress Tree, to remind me of the evenings you would fly fish in the pond. Many times I would think what an awesome picture; you in the distance, fly fishing, the big Cypress and beautiful sunset in the background. How I wish I had gotten my camera, it is a picture I never want to forget.

Everything has two sides; and the tree we planted does, too. As it grows, it will also remind us of how long it's been sence we've seen you. Some days it feels like an eternity.

We miss you and love you so much.

Mom

Norie Haas

January 28, 2008

12/31/07

Brian,

Five years ago, as our family celebrated the New Year; it was with an abundance of optimism and gratitude for our good fortune. New Years Day our house was filled with family, friends, and many of your co-workers from the Sheriff's Office. Little did we know what 2004 would bring? Sixteen weeks later, many of those same people gathered at our house, all of us trying to grasp the reality of your death. Though you had left the house for work just a few hours before, you would never be coming home.

Tonight as Dad and I toast the New Year, we will savor the good memories. Our lives have changed, but we are still grateful for our blessings and look to the future with optimism. You are in our thoughts every day, and we miss you more then ever.

Love, Mom

Norie Haas

December 31, 2007

Brian,
Another Christmas has arrived without you here. It is so hard to believe this is your fourth Christmas in heaven. We think about you every single day. Please look after your family, it is still so hard without you here. We love and miss you very much. Give Nonnie a kiss for me. Merry Christmas.
Aunt Bonnie

Bonnie Cannedy

December 24, 2007

I was thinking about you and your parents tonight. I wanted to tell them that they are remembered in prayer as another Christmas approaches without you. The blue lights in our windows shine for you, Jay, and all of the officers who gave their lives to make this world a better place. You are not forgotten.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

December 14, 2007

The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 13, 2007

10/1/07

Bri,

Your buddy, Jake, died this morning. He is one more tie to you that is gone. I would like to think that you two are together; young, healthy, and unbroken, playing and rough housing the way you used to. Dad said it's your turn to take care of him.

I wish you were here; to hug me, laugh at me, and tell me that tomorrow I won't be so sad. I miss you so much.

Mom

Norie Haas

October 1, 2007

9/19/07

Brian,

I cannot look at the early morning sunrise, the sun setting below the horizon in the evening, or the sky full of bright stars on a clear night without thinking of you. And, always I question, why did you get only twenty-one years of sunrises, sunsets, and starry nights?

I miss you more today then ever.

Love, Mom

Norie Haas

September 19, 2007

Just a little story... I happened to be in Clewiston one afternoon, and they were "recruiting" to hit a house over in Twin Lakes area. I said sure, wasnt but 3 or 4 of us and Brian was one. I remember someone saying they had a dog in the house. Truthfully Im scared of dogs, and I immediately thought "Oh great Im gonna get bit" so we get there, start to take the trailer, Im on the ram, bashing the door in, thankfully the metal stairs had a railing because the rail kept catching me everytime I swung the ram back. Door finally comes open and off goes Brian and DW, sure enough that nasty Pit Bull was on his way to the door, bang bang bang and the dog's DRT. I said to myself "Thank God the kids a good shot" and I was sure glad he was there. R.I.P your never forgotten.

It doesnt matter

August 19, 2007

Deputy Haas,
I came across your reflection page and wanted to let you and your loved ones know that you are thought of today. The sacrifice you made, one that no one should have to make, will ever be forgotten. In your brief time on earth, you made a profound difference in this world. Your legacy of honor will continue throughout the years to come. I thank you for your courage, and I thank your family for standing behind you, making you the man you were.

Pennsylvania citizen

August 13, 2007

I want to thank your Mom for remembering my son and leaving a reflection. I know all too well her daily struggle with grief as she attempts to get through another day without you. There is no greater loss than to lose a child. They say when you lose your parents your are called an orphan, to lose a wife you are called a widower, to lose a husband a widow. But when you lose a child it is so horrible that they do not have a word for it. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones, appear to them in their dreams in vivid and living color so that they know it is you letting them know you are near and watching over them. You are a true hero.

Those who we love and lose
Are no longer where they were before
They are now wherever we are.
(Authur Unknown)

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

August 10, 2007

7/8/07

Bri,

The sunsets have been awesome the last few nights. I am so sad that you aren't here to see them. I love you and miss you so much.

Mom

Norie Haas

July 8, 2007

To the family of Deputy Haas,

You do not know me, or may not remember me, but I went to school with Amanda and knew who Brian was, but did not know him personally. I know what type of person he was, just due to the fact that he works in law enforcement. I have worked in law enfprcement for over 7 years. Everyday I put on my uniform, I think of those who have paid the ultimate price for doing what they love to do for little money and less respect. Brian, will be one more person I will remember everyday as I put on my uniform, as I grew up with some of the same friends as him, and rode the same bus to school. Brian will never be forgotten.

sergeant keith harmon
collier county sheriffs office

May 29, 2007

Hey Brian,

I can't believe it's been a little more then three years. I was working on the road on 4/24/07. All night and at every call for service you were with me. I remember when you told me. "I can't believe they are paying me to do this". You loved the job so much. Just like i do. You are the one that keeps me safe out there. You are the one that tells me to slow down when i feel the need to get there in a hurry. You are the one that tells me every night to put my seat belt on. contiue to watch over us as you have been. I will never forget for you are always with me.

D/S Joshua Woods
Hendry County S.O

May 16, 2007

Deputy Haas,

I wish I would have gotten to meet you. We met your parents in Titusville. You as our son are true Hero's. My son always said, "He knew the danger the minute he put on the uniform". Still you was ready to go out and try to help your community.
It takes a special love for Law Enforcement to lay you life down for others. I pray for your family to have strength.

You may be gone but not forgotten.

Madeline Altman (Mother of fallen officer)

Deputy Mom

May 16, 2007

Dear Norie,

May Angels be on your shoulders today & always. I know our
Bri's have their wings spread extra wide & are blowing us Angel Kisses from above. Your family is always is my thoughts & prayers. I also feel your pain, it's been our 3rd Mother's Day without our sons. God Bless & stay strong!

Nancy Litz
Mother- Deputy Brian Litz E.O.W. 2-7-2004

Nancy Litz
Mom Deputy Brian Litz E.O.W. 2-7-2004

May 12, 2007

Hi Brian, I was always told that things happen for a reason and yet to this day,I haven't figuered it out.
I Didn't get a chance to know you, but if your anything like your family your awesome. My prayers are with you and your family

ALICE
HCSO

May 3, 2007

BRIAN HEY IT IS HARD TO BELEIVE ITS BEEN 3 YEARS. MAYBE BY NOW YOUVE RUN INTO BRUCE AND HE HAS TAKEN YOU UP IN HIS PITTS. I KNOW YOU YOU RODE WITH BILLY LAST YEAR AT AREA 6 WHEN HE WON IT. NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT WE DONT THINK OF YOU.
SANDY

SANDY THALHEIMER
FREIND

April 25, 2007

Brian I didn't know you but through tragedy I have had the pleasure to meet your wonderful family. You are so blessed to have such awesome parents and a loving sister. I can imagine how much they miss you and still they are always trying to help comfort others. I know you are in Heaven on watch with my David and you are both looking forward to us all being together one day but for now we will honor you both for making us all so proud and blessed to have you here on Earth. God Bless your family and all the law enforcement officers that put their lives on the line everyday.
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.

Deputy David Abella's mom
Hillsborough County Sheriff's

April 24, 2007

dear brian

you have been in my thoughts all day today. i pray your mom and dad will feel our prayers and love this day. you are not forgotten for even a second!
please give dan a hug for me.

waiting to meet you in heaven

kathe starks
mother of officer dan starks ft myers pd
eow 10/25/03

April 24, 2007

Always Protecting
Always Serving
Always in our hearts.

Dearest Haas Family,
We are thinking of you today, knowing how terribly you miss Brian, still not believing he is not here with you. But always, always, he is in your heart and memories, and we remember with you.

With much love,
The Family of Matt Rittenhouse, EOW 9/16/2004

Linda Rittenhouse
Matt's Mom

April 24, 2007

Brian, It's very hard to believe... 3 years....You are deeply missed by all of us. Your candle is lit again with love, as the little bright light that you are, in our hearts. Be in peace and be proud!
Love you and miss you!
Aunt Trish & Uncle Allen
XOXOXOX

Aunt Trisha

April 24, 2007