Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I met Brian after he finished the academy and was assigned to Tamarac; I was still working the road at that time. I can remember and never will forget that goofy grin. One night after work the shift went out for a beer, I can’t remember the occasion, but it was a fun night. While hanging out, Brian and I were standing at the bar together and he said I’m not drinking, jokingly I said,”well if you don’t drink you can’t hang out with me”. Brian ordered a beer and then another and another. Well it didn’t take long and he was drunk (that was funny, his cheeks were red and he kept smiling). I figured he was ok and wanted to fit in and just be one of the guys. Over the years he fit into our family well.

As most cops know when you wear the uniform and work the job that most people can’t do (or won’t do), you become part of a family, we go to birthday parties for family members and kids, listen when your zone partners needs to talk, sometimes drink a few beers and blow off steam and sometimes you even get mad at each other for stupid reasons but we’re still a family.

On Saturday morning I worked the Veterans Day Parade with Brian, we working different post, but I stopped by to say hi. I showed Brian some pictures from a recent race weekend (NASCAR). He told me that he was going to the race this weekend. I invited him to hang out with my family and several other cops that were going to the race; we have a barbeque before the race. Brian told me he would call me as soon as he got to the track and then I went back to my post.

That was the last time I spoke to Brian.

He was my friend, fellow deputy and I’m going to miss him.
I will never forget his goofy grin. (Brian this time, I’ll drink a beer for you)

Detective Anthony DeGrace
Broward Sheriff's Office (Tamarac)

November 16, 2006

Deputy Tephford, Thank you for your service. Your family will be in my prayers as they walk the path that our department walked in the loss of our two brothers last November. May you rest in peace, your tour here is done. We have the watch now. God Bless!

Sgt. Tim Howard
Wiggins Pd Wiggins, Ms

November 16, 2006

may god bless deputy tephford and his family as well as all his friend's and co-worker's.he will be missed.god bless and r.i.p.

deputy
fairfield county s-o lancaster,ohio

November 16, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and the Broward County S.O.

Fallen but never forgotten.

Officer B. Laurie #1251
Haltom City Police Texas

November 16, 2006

God bless your family and your department.
Thanks for your dedication and service.

On behalf of the Pell City Police Department, we extend our condolences to the family and friends of Officer Tephford. God Bless.

OFFICER PATRICK BISHOP SR.
PELL CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT (AL)

November 15, 2006

Evelyn: Emailed me and told me what happened to your son. LIfe and our loved ones are very precious. I grieve with you as if it were my own child because I know also. I am a parent. I was watching the local news and saw it reported, and really didnt pay too much attention. Then Evelyn sent me an email that it was her nephew who got killed..Then i did pay attention You will be in my prayers as you mourn the loss of a son, husband, and father of three children. Unfortunately, this is a sign of the times we live in, and we ask ourselves why us? I looked at the picture of a handsome young man so much to live for, and a death which really was uncalled for. I know that your son is up there with the angels, and I am sure he probably may have even bumped into my Mother and Father who were like all of us. good decent hardworking people. Once again my condolescences to you as you go through the grieving process. Allan Epstein Freehold, New Jersey. Evelyns Pal.

lstLt.Army 1st cav.Vn.Ret. Allan Epstein
Friend of Evelyn Wooley(Aunt)

November 15, 2006

Brother, Rest in peace, we got it from here. You take a seat next to D/S Matt Williams and K-9 DiOGi and watch over us down here. You made the ultimate sacrifice.

To the family and friends of D/S Brian Tephford, know that you are in our prayers and our thoughts. I have no words of comfort but only to say that I know God has a plan even if we don't see it.

D/S Roxanne O'Rourke
Polk County Sheriffs Office, FL

November 15, 2006

I honor you Brian . . . your name, your memory and mostly for the sacrifice you've made protecting all of us. Thank you for walking the path of the warrior. You will never be forgotten. You rest easy now, your work is done here on earth. We'll cover your post the best we can on our thin blue line.

With brotherly love and utmost respect,

Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer)

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

November 15, 2006

RIP brother, you will be missed by all!

deputy
broward sheriffs office

November 15, 2006

My deepest sympathies to your family, friends and co-workers. Our loss is also very new to us. It is a painful time, yet we are full of pride for our fallen brother. Your goodness and dedication will live on in those who loved you and worked with you and in those whose lives you touched in your work. My prayers are with you all.

Christine Ross, PA
Sister of Officer David Petzold-Killed 11/9/06

November 15, 2006

My prayers to the family and friends...Heroes will never be forgotten.....

Sgt.Sanchez

November 15, 2006

Brian,
Happy memories never die. We are honored to have been your friends. Rest in peace.
The Bokop family

THE BOKOP FAMILY

November 15, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and BSO. Deputy Brian Tephford may you rest in peace. You will be severly missed brother, but never forgotten.

Doug Schenck - 1526
Former Officer - Oakland Park P.D.

November 15, 2006

You did your job well Deputy Tephford. God speed young man and may He bless and watch over your family.

Lt. Keith Feder (Retired)
Broward Sheriff's Office

November 15, 2006

My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family during this very difficult time. May God bless all of you and know that we are thinking of you.
An officers sister

November 15, 2006

I am going to miss you so very much. I'm glad I got to see you this summer, I just wish it wasn't the last time I'd see you alive. I can't believe you were taken away from us, especially without warning. You are in a much better place now. Make sure you keep an eye on all of us. We will one day be united again. I love you. I'll never forget the time you held me up against the ceiling when you lived in Neptune. Remember??? I told you about it during the reunion..... I was only 5 and you lived with my sister....but I'll always keep that memory as well as may others. Its going to be so hard to go on without you.

Sheila Cottrell
cousin

November 15, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Brain may you rest in peace. You will be missed brother.

Detective R. Sokol
Broward Sheriff's Office

November 15, 2006

My deepest condolences to Deputy Tephford's family and to the members of the Broward County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Jesse A. Funk
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

November 15, 2006

Rest in peace brother we will take it from here!

Deputy
Broward County Sheriff's Office - District 11

November 15, 2006

Rest in peace brother we will take it from here!

Deputy
Broward County Sheriff's Office - District 11

November 15, 2006

Rest in peace brother, your sacrifice will not be forgotten. Thank you for your service.

Recruit C. Jones
Police Academy

November 15, 2006

Another brave soldier in the never ending war on criminals in our country has been killed by a cowardly enemy. May the ruthless criminals responsible for this murder be brought to justice and sentenced to the most severe penalty. May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. We are proud of you and thankful for all of your service. May God bless you and your family.
AC

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

November 15, 2006

Rest in peace sir,we will never forget....

Ofc. G. Watts
San Francisco Police Department

November 15, 2006

Sometimes with all that is going on around the world people in this country forget that we in law enforcement hold the first line and when one of us is killed it is just a small blurb on the television screen. We your brothers will not forget and we grieve as a family.

Det.Tony Goliszeski
Cape Coral Police

November 15, 2006

dear tephford family and the broward county sheriff's office there are no words that i can say that will take away the hurt the numbness the disbelief that a selfless loved one would fall prey to a selfish coward . we here in alabama know your hurt and feel your pain . it has only been a few weeks we laid to rest my friend and fellow officer whose life was taken as brian in similar circumstances (officer mary smith-e.o.w.23oct06).i know that brian and mary both are in a better place-for to be absent from the body is to be present with the LORD- may we all find peace in knowing that GOD is in control and brian's life was not in vain . family you are in a bigger family so don't hesitate to call on us ,we love you and are here...the thin blue line remains..may GOD strengthen and keep you is my prayer .

OFFICER VAL PICKENS
birmingham police dept./B'HAM,ALA

November 15, 2006