Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To think, its been 7 years today since you were taken from us. Not a day goes by that we don't think of you & our volleyball tournaments with your bright smiling face. My heart goes out to the Brann's today.

Taylor
Friend of Melina and the Family.

May 9, 2012

Vern,
Its been almost 6 years and you are still missed and in our thoughts and prayers.

Kevin
Springfield Department of Public Safety

May 4, 2011

Uncle Vern,
Thanks for watching over us all these years. I still remember your smile and your kind heart! You are the best uncle I could have ever asked for! 6 years later, not a day goes by that we don't think of you.

Lyndsie
Vern's neice

April 7, 2011

Uncle Vern,
Your family LOVES YOU so very much!!

Not a day goes by..Lonestar

Got a picture of you, I carry in my heart
Close my eyes to see it, when the world gets dark
Got a memory of you, I carry in my soul
I wrap it close around me, when the nights get cold.
If you asked me how I'm doin', I'd say just fine
But the truth is, if you could read my mind...

Not a day goes by, that I don't think of you..
After all this time, you're still with me its true,
not a day goes by...

Wish you were here. Thanks for being our angel Uncle Ver

Lyndsie
Vern

April 7, 2011

It's been almost six years, and still, I miss you a much as the day you left. I dont think I'll ever get over this. Love ya bro...

DH

April 6, 2011

To Det. LavVern Steven Brann, his family and his fellow officers with the Battle Creek City Police Department:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Det. Brann’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Det. Brann and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc.
Members and Staff

May 9, 2009

Lavern,
Just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas.

Still thinking of you

December 25, 2008

Vern, I can still remember talking to you when you were working at Leila Hospital as a security guard, and how passionate you were about your job then and how you desperately you were trying to get a job with BCPD, and when you finally got it. YOU GAVE YOUR ALL! in life and duty. you shall never be forgotten.

Bill Craddock

July 6, 2008

Your not forgotten, and always missed.

May 18, 2008

Stopped to see you the other day and your death hit me like a ton of bricks, again. It doesn't seem possible that your EOW date was almost 3 years ago. You are with me like a handprint on my heart. We talk about you often and fondly. You are NOT forgotten and never will be.

your friend

March 27, 2008

"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

November 13, 2007

thank-you

September 5, 2007

LaVern,

You are still missed. I could always depend on you to call me back. You were my contact in BC. You will NEVER be forgotten. If only this country had more people like you willing to serve. God Bless you LaVern, your family and your department.

Sgt. Brian VandenBrink
Portage Michigan PD

May 13, 2007

You have not been forgotten nor will that ever be the case. You are a true hero. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement. Continue to watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

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

May 9, 2007

G-d Bless.

May 9, 2007

Det Brann,

I cannot believe it will be two (2) years since we lost a great police officer that you were. You and your family have been in my hearts ever since I heard of the tragic events of your death.

I can remember when I first hired in with BCPD and how even though I was a "Cub" you took me up under your wing and I saw how passionate you were still in being a police officer (Detective). It wasn't just a job to you as it is to some. Your compassion shown towards your duty to 'protect and serve' displayed great honor, integrity, and respect.

I remember seeing you two days before your slaying at the Federal Center and how good it was to see again since I left the ranks of BCPD. If only I knew that it would be the last time I would see you on this Earth, I would have told you how much you inspired me in being the police officer I am today and how much of a privileged and blessing it was to have worked along side you.

Vern, I will be visiting the National Officer Down Memorial in Washington D.C. next weekend to honor our fallen brothers and sisters and I'll make sure to find you there and pay my respects to you and your family and let you know how much you inspired me. God Speed and until I see you again, you will never be forgotten.

Nicole Caroffino

PSO
KDPS

April 26, 2007

May God Bless the Brann Family for their horrible loss. My deepest thoughts and prayers are always with Mrs. Brann and her two daughters. God Bless the Officers of the Battle Creek Police. I'm pleased that justice was finally served for the Brann Family and the Officers of the Battle Creek Police.

Jesse Cummings
Battle Creek Resident

April 2, 2007

Vern...
I still think of you everday. It's hard to believe we're coming up on 2 yrs since we lost you. You set such a fine example of professionalism for us. One that I try to copy everyday.

You're still in my Nextel.....I wish I could still "2-way" you! If only it was that easy........

Till we all meet again my friend........

March 18, 2007

Today the man who took you from us was sentenced. There will never be enough time given to him that will stop the hurt, sorrow we have. We miss you Vern! A life well lived will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Edwina Keyser
co worker friend

March 16, 2007

THANK YOU DETECTIVE BRANN FOR THE SERVICE THAT YOU GAVE. GOD BLESS AND BE WITH YOUR FAMILY. MY FATHER WAS SHOT AND KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY 16 YRS AGO. I THINK OF HIM EVERYDAY. YOU WILL HAVE A LONG HARD ROAD AHEAD OF YOU. IT IS STRAIGHT AND NEVER FORKS. YOU WILL FACE MANY BAD DAYS. GOD WILL GIVE YOU STRENGTH. DETECTIVE BRANN WILL GIVE YOU STRENGTH. REMEMBER THAT HE IS A HERO. HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. AFTER 16 YRS PEOPLE STILL WALK UP AND TELL ME HOW THEY APPRECIATE MY FATHER. HOLD YOUR HEAD HIGH AND BE PROUD THAT YOU HAD SOMEONE AS WONDERFUL AS DETECTIVE BRANN TOUCH YOUR LIFE.

KIMBERLY KIDWELL
DAUGHTER OF FALLEN STANFORD KY OFFICER GARY KIDWELL

March 5, 2007

Vern,

It's been almost 2 years now, and still you are in our thoughts nearly every moment of the day. The trial has begun, and soon your killer will be behind bars for life. While that is not enough justice for us, it will have to do.

We miss you, and will love you forever...

DH

DH
Bro. In-Law

February 12, 2007

i am writing an article about your awesome life and i feel honered to be able to write about you, your family will always be in my heart... thank you for your kindness!

January 31, 2007

Vern, it's been a while. Just wanted to stop by and say hello. Keep watch over us while we watch over your family.

January 16, 2007

merry christmas my friend

December 24, 2006

Lavern:

Today I saw a picture of Melina in the paper receiving the Student of the Month award. She looks more like you everyday! I know you are so proud of both your girls. Neither you nor your family will ever be forgotten.

someone who misses you

October 5, 2006