Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My heart aches when I think about you being gone. I have known you for so long and thought we would have you around forever. We are all doing everything we can to take care of Sara and the boys and your mom, dad, Cory and Lindsey. You are truly an amazing person and we miss you more and more each day.

December 14, 2004

Bran,
Dinner was miserable for me. Everyone was having fun, but I just didn't feel into it. I don't feel like I belong in any group of people. Most every woman there had a significant other..hubsand boyfriend or something. As they talked I felt totally disconnected from them. Their day to day lives go on and mine has totally stopped. The only thing making me get out of bed every morning is Landon and Tyler.

I don't fit in with other couples anymore. I feel like a third wheel. I don't fit in with other woman alone that have husbands because they talk about theirs and don't even know they are ripping my heart out as I listen to them talk about their normal lives. I don't feel like a single person so I don't fit there either. I feel totally disconnected from any group of people. I feel a connection with the other survivors, but they all have new significant people in their lives...but I know they have been in my shoes. They understand, but that only helps a little. They can't solve this problem for me, all they can say is been there and you will come out the other side.

I just want you back. I tried to watch a television show last night. It was funny and I was laughing but nobody was here to laugh with me. I came home tonight exhausted from the evening and just wanted someone to talk to and nobody was here. My back hurt and I wanted someone to rub my back. All those little things you take for granted on a day to day basis.

I try to call people, but their lives are moving on. They are out doing things or are busy....My life is stuck in one place. Even if they spare a few minutes to talk with me it isn't the same. At the end of the conversation I am still lying in bed crying because you aren't here.

This totally sucks, it isn't fair and I want to scream at the whole world.....I want the whole world to stop because mine has. I know that isn't fair to the people that are supporting me the best they can. Obviously they are trying very hard they just can't give you back to me....I should probably be more appreciative of what I do have it is just really hard...

I have to remind myself I have Landon and Tyler, family that loves me, friends that love me and will do anything for me. I just don't have you..............

I will try to sleep. I love you, miss you.

Sara

December 14, 2004

Brandy,
I'm thinking of you all the time. I have your picture at home and in my patrol car. I won't forget the fun times we had together; never will forget meeting in the villages that didn't have police departments!!(Green Camp, LaRue, etc.) I know you always laughed at that. The two boys and Sara will be taken care of. Can't believe how much Landon looks like you, it brought tears to my eyes thinking about it, like it's doing now. I'll never forget you buddy. This has been the hardest thing for me to accept in a long time. Don't know how Sara can do it, she's a tough woman. I'll make sure the boys and Sara are fine. I miss you.


1131

Eric Wlodarsky
Ohio State Highway Patrol

December 13, 2004

Bran

Well, Rick, Mom, Mike, Hayden, Logan and I took your wreath to you on Saturday. That totally sucked. I know I never got you a lot for Christmas, but this year was bad. Here, there's a wreath for you for Christmas. What a gift. I never, ever imagined that we would be doing this. I just want to buy you a present and have you at Christmas with us scratching off lottery tickets after opening all our gifts like we did every year. Me complaining the whole time because I never win anything and Sara always did. Help me out this year buddy, give me a big winner. Remember last year, I scratched off Logan's ticket and won $50 and I screamed so loud that everyone thought I won a million? I kept Landon and Tyler Friday night. They are so cute. Landon wanted to hold your picture when he got tired so I let him and he fell asleep with it propped up beside him so as he went to sleep he could see you. He hugged it and kissed it. So did Tyler. Mom and I took them Christmas shopping so they could get Sara some presents to open on Christmas morning. Landon and Ty picked out some good things, then I guided them with some others. When Sara opens one of the things Landon picked out she will probably laugh. But we were walking down the middle of the mall and he saw it and wanted it, so we got it for her. I am trying my hardest to help her with the boys. I hope it helps her. I know that you would want me to help out as best I can to get her through this and I think helping with them is the best help I can give. I enjoy them and want to be close to them. I want them to grow up knowing that Aunt Missy will do anything to help them out. Landon was asking a lot of questions the other day because Sara's back and neck were hurting. I just told him mommy wasn't hurt, but that her back and neck didn't feel good. I think that made him feel better because then he stopped asking so many questions. I took all 4 kids to the grocery store with me. Landon had his own little kiddy cart. He thought that was cool. Tyler rode in the back of my cart and opened the popcorn, he had all the packages out and was throwing things over the side of the cart. But I couldn't help but laugh because I was this insane lady at the grocery with 4 kids and I know you would have been laughing about it. Rick and I were talking about how funny you were when you came to Hayden's birthday party with your cowboy hat on. It fit perfect with the party though. Landon came out the other day with no shirt on and his cowboy hat. Gosh he looked so much like you it was scary. It was awesome though. It was like looking at you again. It made me smile. Our lives will never be the same without you. We always had fun with you around. Mom and I were thinking about memorial day weekend last year. Out at mom's on that swing. That was so much fun. I saw Dale Jarrett wrapping paper at Target the other day. I thought to myself if you were still here, I know I would have called Sara up and said Hey I just found a roll of Dale Jarrett wrapping paper, do you want me to buy it for you to wrap Bran's gifts in. Knowing though that I couldn't do that breaks my heart. I had to hurry and grab a couple rolls and get out of there before I picked up a roll and beat someone with it. I just get so mad about these little things that I know you would enjoy. I hope little Bacon helps Sara out a little bit. I'm sure he will be so cute. I forgot to tell ya, I contacted Kenny Chesney's record label, told them about you and they e-mailed me back saying he was very upset. He sent Sara and I autographed pictures of him. You touched so many lives while you were here, and you continue to do so. I'm so glad you came into our lives and brought us all so much happiness. Rick told me the other day how he loved showing you how to fix things and telling you how to build your workbench. He said you always wanted to learn what he showed you and always tried your hardest when he would tell you how to do something. He particularly remembers helping you with that switch and garbage disposal in Richwood. Good ole' Richwood. You had some fun days there. I remember one night when I came to stay with Sara because she thought she might be in labor. You got dressed to go to work and told me to call if anything happened. You told me to take care of her. First thing her and I did was take off walking down to the gas station and back trying to get her to go into labor in the freezing cold. You would have kicked my butt for doing that, especially since it didn't work anyway. We miss you Col. Klink. Love you always.

Mis

Missy
Bran's sister-in-law

December 13, 2004

Bran,
Tomorrow will be two months exactly...could it possibly be that long ago. It seems like yesterday but so much has happened since then. It is appropriate that I am getting Bacon on the two month anniversary. I never even thought about that until now. Bacon the bulldog puppy will enter my life exactly two months after you left mine.

I did some more Christmas shopping today. I still have a hard time focusing on it. Brian and Kathy came with me. I think I got enough for the boys. They will be a bit spoiled by Santa this year. Now I have to wrap all those toys. I hated wrapping toys, you were always better at wrapping than I was. I am dreading Christmas morning more than anything. I know the boys will be excited but I think it will be very emotional for me.

Tonight I am going to dinner with all the ladies. Leslie arranged it all. I am sure we will have fun. I am a little drained from counseling today but I will manage.

I went to visit you at the cemetary today. I checked out Mom's wreath. It is very pretty. The grass is starting to grow over your grave. I haven't taken the boys there yet. I want to wait until the monument is up and I am still not sure how to tell them what it is and what it means. Landon asked today again if you were really not coming back. I am not sure how to make this final for him, I guess with time he will understand. He misses you so much.

This morning Landon and Ty played naked football in the living room. They were cracking me up. Ty mimics everything that Landon does. Nobody knows how much I wish you were here to watch them with me and laugh at them playing together.....

Love you, miss you.

Sara

December 13, 2004

I still can't believe you are gone...I think of you daily and miss the laughs. God Bless you Winfield.

---Another sad Deputy

December 13, 2004

Sara,

I thought about you yesterday when I was in Wal-Mart and saw one of my husband's favorite movies with the song "I Cross My Heart" in it. I also read the poem by Janice Harper you left on Duke's page. How true that poem is. It is beautiful. I sometimes smell Duke's cologne to feel closer to him. I miss that smell on a daily basis. When I miss hearing his voice, I pull out the video tapes and close my eyes just to hear him. Yes I will be at Police Week in DC for the entire four days or so and hope to meet you as well. There are a couple of other ladies that I have talked to or have been in contact with over email that I think you will also like.

I put up a 3 foot sad looking little tree and decorated it with blue and white lights. I also put my blue candle in the window and put some blue and white frosted lights around the porch. I didn't even want to do that, but I know Duke put those thoughts and urges in me. It was against my better judgment to do it, but I did and I am proud of it and I know he is proud of me as well. Christmas around our house was like the Lampoon's Christmas. Our neighbors would call us the Griswalds :) I miss his homemade cookies. I just miss everything.

Continue to keep positive and move forward. We will all get through all of this and the guys will see to it. Have a safe holiday.

Love and hugs,
Jenn

Jennifer R. Aaron
Wife of Ofc. Duke G. Aaron, III (EOW 07/20/04)

December 13, 2004

Bran,
I remembered everything you taught me at bowling. I had a 149!!!! I was above my average every game. You would have been proud of me. I came home early. I didn't feel good and didn't really feel like being out.

The boys stayed with your mom. I had the house all to myself. I was lonely, but I am finding ways to occupy myself when the boys aren't here or they are in bed. It is weird that I was never lonely after they were in bed and you left for work. I guess just knowing that you were out there and I could call if I wanted to talk was enough. I am probably driving your midnight buddies nuts...I call them sometimes when I can't sleep. Mostly just to hear a voice....The silence can drive you crazy at times.

Landon was cute today at church. He actually sung some of the songs and did the hand motions. Ty sat with me because he refused to go to the nursery. He was really good though.

After bath time tonight I put the boys in their pajamas and we drove around looking at Christmas lights. We went out to the fairgrounds. Then we went to the places you used to take us to every year. I was proud that I was able to find them all myself. Landon really enjoyed it. Ty was asleep by the time we got home. It was strange doing that without you. I didn't have your running commentary on who lives in what houses, what calls you have been on to which house etc etc...It was quiet in the car except for Landon asking his usual questions. Sometimes it is so scary to do these things by myself. It seems trivial...I walked out the door a little apprehensive that I wouldn't be able to find the house with all the cartoon characters in the yard. I always depended on you to know those things. I don't want the boys to miss out on something because you were always the one that did it...I didn't want to call and ask someone because I want to learn to do some of these things on my own. I was so tempted to call and ask someone to ride along with us, but that wasn't how we did it. We shared those things as a family. That is what I miss the most, just the time we spent together alone as a family without anyone else around. It is hard because I am so lonely without you and even when other people are around it just isn't the same as having you here....God I miss you.

Good night dear. Love you. Miss you.

Sara

December 12, 2004

Brandy-I know I only met ya once and Hi is about all I said to ya, but I wish I would have gotten to know you better.
Rest In Peace brother

Sara-My condolences go out to you and the boys. I only met Brandy once in my many times of riding along with the Marion PD, but in the few minutes I talked to him I remember him mentioning you and the boys I know he really loved you guys. So I'll be praying for you the boys and the rest of the family. As a future Law Enforcement officer I look forward to doing just as Brandy did and protecting you and your community. So goodbye for now.

Marc Mays
Hopefully a future Marion City Police Officer

December 12, 2004

Sara,

I do not know you but by reading your relections, I seem to feel that I do. Please know that my heart goes out to you and the boys (they sound adorable!). Keep your chin up and try to enjoy the holiday season. I can only imagine how hard everything is on you. Please know that your and Brandy's family are in our prayers. Take care Sara....and God Bless.

If God brought you to it....He will bring you through it.

December 12, 2004

Deputy Winfield you are a true hero, I'm sorry for your wife and children. I pray that our lord will comfort them in the days to come. Please say hello to my partner Officer Mark Vance. He came to join you on Nov 27th. God Speed Brother Winfield.

"The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion..........."

PSO Robert Caudill #428
Bristol Tn Police Dept

December 11, 2004

Brandy, man I miss you.....

December 11, 2004

Bran,
I got the Thank You cards today with your picture. They are beautiful. I will try to get them done soon. Janice sent me another poem.

Memories of the Heart

I close my eyes and feel you near.
It's almost like you're standing here.
I say your name, you turn and smile.
I hold that vision for awhile.

The memories that I have of you,
one by one they come to view.
We laugh, we talk, we even cry,
within my heart, just you and I.

I smell the scent of your cologne,
a fragrance different than my own.
I touch your face. I stroke your hair.
I feel your presence everywhere.

My cheeks are wet from sorrow's dew.
I cling to every thought of you.
I cannot bear to look away.
I fear the vision then will stray.

Forever you are in my heart;
the place where dreams and visions start.
When I need to feel you near -
I close my eyes and you are here.

Janice Winslow Harper

Love you dear. Miss you...

Sara

December 11, 2004

Bran,
Good morning. The boys aren't home yet. I am waiting for them so I can take them to the rehearsal at the church. They will punish me all day I am sure for sending them to Missy's last night. Missy said they were both good. Landon fell off the couch and hit his head. He called me to tell me. I had to send kisses over the phone to make it feel better.

I feel much better today. I think all those emotions just build up inside me and I have to just take a couple of days and let it all out. Maybe someday I will be able to watch our wedding video without crying the whole time. I forgot how beautiful it was. I was smiling last night at you. Every time Rev. Jean said something about the natural beauty surrounding us you would look at what she was talking about. She said ocean you looked out to the ocean, she said trees and you looked at all the trees, the funniest part was when she said sky and you looked up at the sky. What did you expect to see dear?? I remember the day of the wedding we laid on the beach all day and got fried. Later that week we went down to find the para-sailing place and locked ourselves out of the car and had to walk back to the hotel to get the extra keys.

You were always good at locking us out of the car. I remember that time we were going out to eat with Missy and Dad. You hit something in the road and we got a flat tire. We pulled into the Sears parking lot. You checked the trunk for a spare and then locked the keys in the trunk. I was soooo mad at you. I remember jumping up and down and screaming. You were all worked up acting just like your Dad does when he gets stressed out.

I think the boys are here. Talk to you later dear.

We love you...We miss you. Watch us today.

Sara

December 11, 2004

Bran,
It has been a rough day. I miss you so much. I watched our wedding video tonight. I had forgotten some of the things. I remember that toast...I was cracking up laughing. We were so in love. Nothing else mattered. You were so nervous yet so excited. You stuttered during our vows and I was smiling at you. I remember coming home and showing that video to Bill and Rick. They laughed until they cried at the part in slow motion. They said you looked like a giraffe coming in for a leaf. I smiled at that part tonight....Hawaii was so much fun. I wanted to go back for our 10th wedding anniversary. Maybe I will, I will find our beach and spend the night after our wedding watching the sunset like we did 6 1/2 years ago. Maybe next time I won't be afraid to go para-sailing.

It doesn't seem like it has been almost two months yet it also feels like it has been ten years. I keep expecting to wake up and find you here. The last two days I haven't wanted to get out of bed. I just want to lay there forever and pretend that your not dead and you will come through the door and hold me again. Tonight I haven't been able to stop crying...

The boys are with Missy. They are having fun. I talked to Landon. I told him tomorrow we will go bowling. He wants to get a strike. Give the little man a hand with that will ya daddy. In the two months that you have been gone Ty has grown up so much. You can have a conversation with him now. He is bowling too. It is so cute. He is actually throwing the ball. He carries it to the line himself, the ball is almost bigger than him. You would love it. Not even 2 yet and he is bowling just like his daddy.

On one of the videos I watched tonight we had recorded Landon when he was a baby. He looks about 3 months old. You are talking to him and his arms are going a million miles an hour. He smiles at you then pukes on me. Mommy gets the puke and Daddy gets the smiles...typical.

I will try to calm down some..I have a lot to do tomorrow and need to get past this. Landon and Ty are going to sing in church on Sunday. They have rehearsal tomorrow. Then they have bowling. Tomorrow night Landon is going to a basketball game with your Mom. Ty is going to stay with a sitter. I am going to try to bowl in our league. I haven't been there in a month. There has been too much going on. Hopefully I can remember everything you had been teaching me..lead with the left. Last time I bowled bad. I had too much to drink by the third game there were 20 pins on that alley. I bowled a 55. The boys even did better than Mommy. I am going out with Vet and Shannon after for Vet's birthday.

Love you dear..I miss you more than anyone can ever imagine.

Sara

Sara

December 10, 2004

Bran,

I can't believe that its the 10th of December already and that Christmas is well on its way. I'm getting things ready to start on Ty's room, hope I get it finished before Christmas. You'd love the tractor bike we got him! Sara's been keeping me sane and I'm trying to help her as much as I can. I remember the first night we had dinner with you two and how well Sara and I got along. I was so excited that Ryan had normal friends! HAHA! Shes a great woman and I am so glad to have her as a friend...kind of like the cool sister I never had. I told Sara the other night I've been struggling getting Ryan off to work. He hasn't been the same since you've been gone. Blair's been on him about his paperwork, Sara told me that you weren't much of a fan of paperwork either, then again who is. Sara's right, I'm scared..but I don't let it show when it comes time for him to walk out the door. He misses your words of wisdom and know-how...and just in general his buddy and the off the wall jokes that you two shared. HAHA! He just seems to need that push...a little encouragement to know that he's okay, and to go with his instinct when he's out on the road. He's second guessing things when he shouldn't.

I gotta go press off Ry's uniform and put it together. We miss you and love you!

AT & RP

Amber Tomlin

December 10, 2004

Bran,

Cory & I went out to eat with Papa Rick, Shirley and the boys last night. I had so much fun with Landon. We had our usual war of blowing straw wrappers at each other...sorry I taught him that one...not very great table manners. But we had fun anyway. Cory taught him some crazy saying and he was cracking us up repeating it over and over...then teaching it to Ty. It was the first time in a while that I felt like we had fun together. It amazes me that people are still coming up to the family and paying their respects. You have touched so many people's lives. I know you are looking down shocked at all of the community support. Everyone loves bacon!!

I just came from the cemetery from visiting you. I guess I have more to say to you...
Sara is right, you have a lot of pretty flowers all around you.

I want to thank you for leading us to Blue...he is the best dog anyone could ask for. I just love him to pieces. He is so HUGE!! He makes me feel safe and he will be such great company for me when Cory goes to midnights. Promise me you will never leave Cory's side when he is on duty. I know in my heart that Cory will really be in a two man car.

Purse has really stepped in and is always checking on Cory. Cory laughs because it is like he has two dads now...he loves it. We hang out with Purse and his family pretty often now. Why didn't we all do that more before? I can't think about that.

I need to get back to work.

Keep us all safe.

We all miss you so much it hurts.

Love you BDub!!!

LDub

December 10, 2004

For the children of Brandy Winfield

"Dear God, I miss my Daddy"

Dear God, I miss my Daddy
My daddy is a policeman, he wears a suit of blue;
He didn't come home from work last night,
Mommy says he's in heaven with you.

I'm worried about my daddy Lord,
He's never been away this long before;
Mommy cried when she told me we that we wouldn't see daddy no more;
I don't know what it was that mommy was trying to explain;
She said the police were after a bad man, and somehow my daddy was slain.

Now I don't know what that means Lord, all I know is we miss daddy a lot;
Because tomorrow is my birthday, and I sure hope he hasn't forgot.
Lord if my daddy is up there in heaven, please tell him as soon as he is free;
To hurry back home as fast as he can, because we miss him, mommy and me.

Thank you God,
Amen


Author Unknown

December 10, 2004

Dep Winfield I never knew you, but my thoughts and prayers are with your wife and children, and also your fellow deputies and dispatchers at Marion Co. I am sure you are up in heaven watching down on everyone.

Dispatcher Aarin Stemen
Licking Co So

December 10, 2004

Bran,
Landon was so cute at his program today. He refused to sing..he sat down and kept making faces at me. He looked just like you. Your mom and dad took them out to Tri-Rivers tonight to shop for gifts. They picked out gifts themselves. Landon was upset when he couldn't bring his presents inside under the tree. Your mom told him Gabby might eat them. He wore my socks to bed tonight because they had a hole in them. I guess there could be worse things he loves than holes. He kept coming to the door and knocking on it. He wanted me to cut a hole in the other sock. He is all you....He finally fell asleep after five BIG hugs.

I went Christmas shopping today. I bought all the supplies for a puppy. I also got the boys a bunch of games. Christmas shopping isn't fun without you.

On the way to the mall I stopped at the cemetery to talk for a while. Someone made a beautiful arrangement in blue and gold with a police figurine on it.

After the mall I drove down 423 and stopped at the scene. I have felt sick ever since...I could see where your cruiser landed, all the brush is still pushed down. I almost get sick every time I see the pictures of the cruiser being hauled away still upside down on the flatbed. That cruiser is supposed to be parked in our driveway. The spot we made for it now sits empty.

I wander what happened that night and what you were thinking. I constantly think of the pictures of the kids and I that were in the cruiser. I wonder if that coward looked at the pictures of us before he shot you. I just can't stop thinking about those pictures. I know from talking with the guys that you had to be laying on my picture when they found you. Dan said he saw the pictures of the boys and was tempted to take it out of the cruiser, but knew he couldn't. Even though we were sleeping that night we were there with you....

We miss you. We love you. Come Home Soon. Keep watching over us.

Sara

Sara

December 9, 2004

Brandy,
Good morning dear....

At the service the other day during the bag pipes I was holding hands with Angie and Linda. I was shaking really hard. Then I felt like someone was wrapping their arms around me from behind. I started getting cold chills all over my body. I knew you were supporting me. Thank you, you always knew when I needed you the most. Today Landon will have a program at preschool. I know you will be setting behind your mom and I watching with us.

CJ, L-Dub, and I went to Linda's yesterday to get Blue. On the way home CJ and I were talking about how strange it is that Linda happened to have Blue and he needed a home. CJ and Lindsey always wanted a Great Dane. We agreed that you are making things happen for us.

I would have never met Linda, Angie, and Krissy if this had not happened. Thank you for bringing them to me, they are my new family. I keep thinking back to seeing Krissy at Frank's funeral and standing next to you there. I remember us talking during the procession about a cop's funerals and you telling me what you would want if it was ever you. Because of that I knew that morning everything I needed to do for you.

I am going next week to get a puppy. I considered another boxer like you wanted again. I just don't think I could handle one. I settled on a bulldog. I think his name will be Bacon in honor of you. I know you can appreciate that. As Cheryl says, "Everyone loves Bacon." I know the boys will be very excited and Bacon will keep me company during the lonely times after the boys are in bed. (SLSB) I know I have Gabby but she really was your dog...she misses you a lot. I told Linda that Gabby judges me and I don't need more judgement now. She has never forgiven me for moving in on her man. Gabby stands at the window all the time waiting on you to come home.

I better get ready. Keep watching and guiding us. We love you, we miss you.

Sara

December 9, 2004

Brandy,
Although I only met you one time, it was enough to know what a compassionate person you were. You have honored our country and humbled so many of us with your sacrifice for our well being. Thank you for being who you were. Although it makes none of this easier to face. You are one of God's most cherished angels Brandy Winfield and will NEVER be forgotten.

Sara,
I've known you for YEARS. Way back to the spoiled brat stage when we (me and Missy) had to bribe you not tell we that we had snuck out! On a more serious note...As you know, Dave and I have been through a lot lately. I know where your heart is and how it aches (at least some what) and how the nights are so dreaded because there is no escape from your mind and memories. I know it's been a while, but if EVER you want to talk or 'not talk' about life, you know where we are. I have those moments myself quite frequently. I agree with the 'your so strong' comments. People are being so kind, or at least trying to be, and could never imagine their reaction to situations such as what we have experienced, but they don't understand that it's all a front. Maybe we are strong enough to put on a front for tomorrow or the moment of, but they don't see us when we are alone and don't have to pretend any more. I will tell you this, as much as it hurts, remember, there are 2 beautiful little boys and whole lot of amazing people that love you, Brandy and the boys and would give the world to support your needs. Call me if you need to.

A long time friend.

Rhonda Erwin
A Long Time Friend

December 8, 2004

Bran,

Sorry it took me so long to do this....
I miss you. We all miss you. I always wanted a big brother. I wish that I was around sooner so that I could have more memories to hold on to. I will always remeber that when we would first see each other you would say "Hey L-Dub!" and I would shout back "Hey B-Dub!"...then we would laugh. That never got old, did it? I wish I would have hugged you the last time I saw you. At least it was at the bowling alley...how appropriate, right? I will never forget the family dinners. I will never forget when Ty was born. I will never forget how excited Cory was to move back to Marion so we could all be together. I just want to remember it all. I carry pictures with me daily so I can take a moment to say hey if I need to. I am trying really hard to be there for Sara and the boys. We all are. They have been such good boys. I am also trying to be there for Cory. He misses his big brother so much. I know he is hurting, he just won't say how much. We all think of you daily. I am so proud that you are my brother-in-law. I hope you know that.

Much love to my B-Dub!
I miss you so much!!
L-Dub

Lindsey Winfield (L-Dub)
Bran's Sister-in-Law

December 7, 2004

Windshield,

Hey Hey,
You know me, I am always calling you that right? I was looking at this page and saw all the letters to you. I decided to drop you a line or two. I still remember when we were working parking detail at the Marion County Fair as Explorers. We were making each other laugh out loud and making people wonder what our problems was. That is where it started when we were wearing the gray uniforms and people calling us "kiddie cop". I still have a vision of us playing basketball on Sunday morning and you walk in with red, white and black. Everything you had on either had Michael Jordan on it or it said Nike. You came to play whether you could or couldn't.. When we start bowling, I am going to attempt to throw the ball like you. I will have a medic on standby because I know I am going to throw something out of place or something will detach. I tried once before and I think I almost lost a toe. That is how much it took out of me. I am going to sign off now but not forever!
Love you man, Bad boys for life!!!

December 7, 2004

Bran,
We put up the Christmas Tree tonight. Landon is so excited. He thinks Santa Clause will come tonight and leave presents under the tree. I tried to explain it was still a few weeks away. We switched to all Blue Lights this year and it looks wonderful.

I went to the cemetary today, there was another funeral so I didn't make it back to see you. I think it was Trevor's funeral. We went to his calling hours, he shared a birthday with you. All the pictures reminded me of our life together. I am not sure if you knew him or not but he would of been hunting with the same party you planned on hunting with. I talked to John and he is devastated. Watch over John, let him know you are still with him.

I looked over the plans for your headstone. It will be beautiful. Nothing can do your life justice though. Here is the poem I chose for it, Janice Harper wrote it for you and made an obituary card...

True Love Never Dies

I cruised the freeways, far and near,
and patrolled the highways long.
I assisted those in need of help,
and tried to right the wrongs.

I knew my job put me at risk,
thus faith came into call;
I never drove without the Lord.
He was with me through it all.

I didn't want to leave you,
but God said that I must go.
So, I held your love inside me,
and let my spirit flow.

Tell my family, and my friends,
that everything's okay;
Up here a deputy uses wings,
to cruise the Great Highway.

Teach my children to be proud,
and to not live life in fear.
Tell them Daddy's still on watch,
and that I am always near.

And you, dear wife, remember, please
that true love never dies.
What lives today, within the heart,
lives on in Paradise.

Good night dear. Keep watch over us. Wish I could say see you in the morning....I love you, I miss you.

Sara

Sara Winfield
Wife of Brandy

December 7, 2004