Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sir, thank you for serving. You will never be forgotton. I pray for you, your family, and yours friends. God Bless you.

Ryan C.
Phoenix,AZ

November 18, 2006

As I listened at your funeral today, I heard tears all around knowing the thousands of Deputies and Officers present couldn't have possibly personally known you, yet I joined them and wept for many reasons. I cried because three children lost their father, I cried because your fellow Deputies lost a friend, I cried because you had to work an extra detail to cover your bills, I cried because there are animals in this world that take the lives of law enforcement officers that would surely protect them from people just like them.

Today was the first funeral that I have attended for a LEO killed in the line of duty. After 10 years of wearing a uniform, you helped me fully realize that there is nothing routine in our job. I take solace knowing you a truly in a better place patrolling heavens streets. Today and forever I will honor you and the sacrifice you made for the citizens of Broward County.

Fellow Officer

November 18, 2006

I was at the funeral today with the honor guards, giving you the send off to heaven that you rightfully deserved. Rest In Peace Brother, we have the watch from here.

D/S J.B.
Polk County Sheriff's Office

November 17, 2006

Here is a letter written by Alyssa, D/S Tephford's 4-year-old daughter. She asked the BSO pastor to send the letter to her Daddy in heaven. It was read by Sheriff Ken Jenne at his memorial:

“My Daddy”

“My Mommy told me a very bad man hurt my Daddy and now my Daddy is dead. I was very sad and I cried and cried and then I asked a lot of questions. I asked my Mommy how the bad man hurt Daddy. She said he shot him with a gun. I wanted to know why my Mommy couldn’t fix it since she was a nurse. I’m very angry at the bad man who hurt my Daddy because he hurt my Daddy really bad. I will never be happy with the bad man. After Mommy told me, I made Daddy pictures and cards. Mommy tied them to balloons and we went outside and let them go to heaven where my Daddy is. I said Daddy, I hope you like the cards and pictures, I miss you. Then I saw Daddy on TV and I was very proud. Grandma Gwen told me he was on TV because he was special and was a hero. My Daddy is in heaven because he’s a good man. My Aunt Jamie told me only good people can go to heaven and my Daddy can’t hurt anymore. I asked how she knew that and my Aunt Jamie said because there’s an angel at the gates of Heaven and he only lets good people in. I miss my Daddy very much and I will always remember him and love him.”

November 17, 2006

Deputy Tephford,
You lived your life in courage, you left this world in honor.
May God welcome you in the highest rank of his heavenly kingdom.
You fought the good fight.
Rest in peace my brother,
God bless you and your family.

Officer Bryan Phelps Badge#320
Bethlehem City Police Department P.A.

November 17, 2006

To a fellow brother,

You and your family will be in everyone's throughts and prayers. Although I did not know you, we both shared a special bond when we took the oath to "PROTECT AND SERVE". Rest in Peace!!!!!!

Detective Sean Bozdech
Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office

November 17, 2006

Rest in peace Deputy Tephford. You were one of the first people to encourage me to get into law enforcement.Thanks for the advice and motivation.

Officer Cadet
BCC Academy

November 17, 2006

Mat GOD bless this fine man's family, friends, and co-workers during these and the difficult days ahead. May GOD comfort you all as only faith in HIM can do. We here in Polk County, who lost a beloved friend of our own on a traffic stop in September, will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers!

EVIL prevails when GOOD men do nothing!

Deputy Sheriff
POLK County Sheriff's Office, Florida

November 17, 2006

Rest in peace Brother Brian you are a true hero and will never be forgotten for your service and courage. May your family, friends and co-workers find peace.


Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham Retired
Sand Springs Okla Police Department

November 17, 2006

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. -Albert Pine

Deputy Tephford -- The sacrifice you made for your community will never be forgotten.

To all those touched by the loss of Deputy Tephford -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Association

November 17, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this tragic loss. The State Of Florida has lost another soldier on the street. I know you will be watching over all of us as we keep following what you did......

R.I.P. Brother,

Marc Sweeney #136
Denton Tx Police Department

Officer Marc Sweeney
Denton Tx Police Department

November 17, 2006

To the family and friends of D/S Brian Tephford - May God grant you the peace that passes all understanding as you face the future. I am sure that D/S Tephford is with Polk County D/S Matt Williams and his K-9 Diogi as they watch over all of us. Thank you, D/S Tephford for your service.

Sid and Sharon Glynn

November 17, 2006

Even though I am no longer a member of the BSO family, I feel the pain in my heart with the loss of another brother.
I know you will be in God's hands now, and will not have to face the dreck of society anymore.
Please watch over you BSO brothers and sisters, and may you rest in peace.

Former BSO Sergeant

November 17, 2006

I lived in Ft. Lauderdale for a couple of months back in the 80's. It still feels like home and I feel the pain and sorrow at the lost of our brother. May you know he's now in heaven, free of pain. To all the co-workers, friends and family of Officer Tephford, my prayers go out to you. Be safe and know that there are others lifting you up in prayers.

Citizen, Gallup, NM

November 17, 2006

"A PIPERS PRAYER TO BRIAN"(author unknown)
On an emerald hill the piper stand alone,in the crimson of the day.
And before he raises his pipes he looks to the sky and prays.
He scans the sea and rolling land, in appreciation of his masters hand.
Father, I thank you, your spirit is in my body and soul. Through your son I know your love....
He bows his head and continues his silent prayer, to his God in heaven above.
The bird are hushed as he strikes his drones and then a single wailing note becomes a silver tear...
Amazing Grace....How Sweet...How Sad...Oh Danny Boy...How Perfect.
The tune and love drift out to sea and my soul hears my piper searching for me.
The moonlight rests her light on the curl of his hair, as he waits and hopes for his love to share.
I will go to him and to the rose of his love, ignoring the thorn.
When he awakes on that emerald hill. he will se me in the mourn.
The Sun,the Moon, the Sea and the Land....
Father, Son,Holy Spirit....
The Piper is holding my hand.
God speed and sleep well our brother Brian...
And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Ptlm. Chuck Handerhan
Pgh. Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums

November 17, 2006

Rest in Peace, Warrior.

Special Agent #1393
State of North Carolina

November 17, 2006

Dear Family,Friends and Co-Workers of Deputy Tephford, May the peace only God can give be with you as the days pass. I am so sorry for the loss of another HERO,my heart hurts with you. We ask why????? And the answer never comes. Just know in your heart that we will forever keep the memory of Deputy Tephford alive. Much to young, these precious Fallen Hero's.........But forever to patrol the streets of gold. For Brian now rest in the arms of God. Thank you Brian for a job well done,your sacrifice for the rest of us. Keep watch over your loving family and know we will keep them in our prayers. Carolyn Moore Mother-in-law of Sgt. Jeffrey T.Hewitt EOW 04-04-04 Asheville,N.C.

Carolyn Moore

November 17, 2006

At 1400 hours just know all will stop today as you make your way through all our hearts and minds. Rest now you earned it.

Det, Andrew Raphael
Hallandale Beach P.D.

November 16, 2006

Dear Tephford family:

I know that there is nothing that anyone can say right now to ease your pain. I will pray for you and pray that you find peace somehow thru this tragedy. Deputy Tephford seemed to love his job, look at the happiness on his face in his reflection picture. Some people search all their lives and never find happiness...

May God Bless all of you. Please take one second at a time, one moment at a time, one hour at a time, one day at a time.

Have faith in God and turn to him especially when you are hurting and in need and cannot handle the pain; give it to him.


Reality

Imagine how our world would be
If every police officer quit
Turned in their gun, turned in their badge,
Just finally had enough of it.

No respect, no loyalty,
No appreciation of all they do,
They’d give their lives for all of us,
These wonderful officers of “Blue”.

Kicked at, spit on,
Punched, stabbed and shot,
Everyday assaults on officers,
Done…without thinking a second thought!

Our laws are in favor of criminals,
There’s always some loophole in their case,
Out again to commit more crimes and murders
…creates pain, that we, the family and friends
…in time will never erase.

Why should they do it?
Why take the risk?
Why put their life on the line?
Subject their loved ones to endless suffering,
When their precious life is lost while fighting crime.

More murders, more kidnappings, more robberies and rapes,
Just to mention a few,
Please ask yourself how life would be,
If there were NO officers in Blue!

Would you do it? Could you do it?
And for how many…would YOU give it all?
Rewards are a 21 gun salute, a Medal of Honor,
And your name gets added to the Wall.

Think about it. Why are they here?
And why do some hate them so?
Because they enforce the laws that put convicts and murderers
In jail serving time, or on “Death Row”.

All give some and some give all,
It’s a risk they chose to take:
To put their heart and soul in it,
To put their lives at stake.

So, please take a moment,
Please give it deep thought,
Think of what “you can do”…

To help show respect,
To help follow the laws,
So we’d quit losing our Heroes in Blue!

Written by Jaclyn Pocceschi Mosley
Sister of Fallen Officer Rodney F. Pocceschi EOW 6/23/03
Fallen Officers Remembered, Founder & President

Fallen Officers Remembered

November 16, 2006

My prayers and thoughts will be with your friends and family through the tough times they will face, but I know that you, as all fallen heroes, will live on through the many lives that you have touched. God speed.

Detective
Polk County Sheriff's Office

November 16, 2006

I did not know Deputy Tephford or his family personally, but here in law enforcement that doesn't matter--we are all one big family. My heart absolutely breaks for them. I cannot imagine telling my two little babies that their daddy was never coming home again. I will pray for those little ones that Deputy Tephford left behind every night for the rest of my life. This good, brave man's killing could not have been more senseless.

A Tear

A tear was shed today
for someone I did not know
a tear was shed today
but there's so much pain that we don't show

A tear was shed today
as the cars all followed
a tear was shed today
while the sirens wailed in sorrow

A tear was shed today
while the bugle played so slow
a tear was shed today
while we hung our heads so low

A tear was shed today
as the flag was folded straight
a tear was shed today
how could this have been someone's fate?

A tear was shed this rainy day
for a fallen hero,
oh it didn't have to be this way
a tear was shed today

And there's only one thing I ask
a tear was shed today
oh please Lord let it be the last

Poem courtesy of Det. Matt Pierce (with permission) and www.policepoems.com

Christina Costa
Wife of a BSO Deputy and former BSO dispatcher

November 16, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Deputy Sheriff Brian Tephford, you will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace my friend; those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin Blue Line.

Lieutenant Victoria Lafayette
Watch Commander
Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

Lieutenant Victoria Lafayette
Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

November 16, 2006

Once again we are faced with sorrow of another officer who has given their life helping to protect others. This not only brings sadness to the family but also to the department and the law enforcement of this great country and world. We pray that your sorrow will not be forgotten and that there are other officers there for you in your time of need.
Joe Taylor Cops Evangelist Ministries

Joe Taylor (Former FL LEO)

November 16, 2006

God bless you bother.

Trooper Gatewood
Florida Highway Patrol

November 16, 2006

Rest in peace Deputy Tephford. May God bless your family with the strength and courage to move forward in this tough time. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Dispatcher and Police Academy Recruit
North Florida

November 16, 2006