Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Sigler, and honorable profession you chose on and off duty. Our hearts go out to your family. May justice be served.

Teri McPhail
Wife of Jackson County FL Deputy

June 11, 2009

The death of Brandon Sigler reads as though it was ripped from the pages of a police novel: the humanity and goodness of the officer, the ignorance and badness of the shooter, the lack of complexity of the situation, and the once-bright future, shattered.

For some of us, however, it is absolute reality.

If it were a novel, people would close it and read something else. In this case, footage of Saturday's funeral procession will air with the voice of a reporter against a background of bagpipes, and the public will have a moment of genuine sympathy for the family of Brandon Sigler.

That sympathy will be unintentionally blighted by the announcement of the weather forecast, and tomorrow morning, members of that general public will sit through red lights and convince themselves that the cop "blue-lighting" his way through the signal doesn't have a "real" emergency.

And then there are those of us who are married to the police and never see the weather because we don't watch the news.

We Saran-wrap dinner because the red-light blow-through was a robbery, and the suspect still hasn't confessed.

To us, Brandon Sigler was a member of our family — and his death reinforces the daily acknowledgement that we, too, could easily awaken in the center of the nightmare Sigler's family is now living.

We are different from the general public: We know that our lives could be forever changed by a thug who gets a shot off first.

We accept a fact about safety and civilization that most people refuse to believe: that these things are fragile concepts upheld by the possibility of a bullet flowing from the barrel of a police-issue Glock.

We are realists and pragmatists, and we grudgingly accept being married to rough men who go out in the night so that other people might sleep through it.

We fall asleep on our couches to avoid empty beds because of the midnight reality that no cop is ever off-duty.

We kick ourselves for having a midnight craving when we're pregnant, because he takes too long at the store and that could mean there's a robbery in progress.

We listen to the highs of catching a "perp" in a foot chase, and the lows of a notification of a victim's family. We know they can't bear to wake up new babies because they've seen too many SIDS cases, and we never take an argument past the keying up of a radio or the donning of a vest.

We discuss funeral affairs and last wishes while still in our 20s, and we write wills before our babies are born.

We pay attention when they shave and we learn how to tie neckties, in case we are the ones forced to teach our sons these things instead of them.

We take deep breaths to ward off a spike in blood pressure when we hear complaints about police officers, and we bite our tongues when people make jokes about Krispy Kreme.

We find ways to make up the difference when our checkbook tells us that being a cop isn't financially worth the trade.

And we attend funerals of officers we never met, because regardless of a lack of introduction, such an officer is our family and will never be reduced in our minds and hearts to a news blip or a photograph on the wall at headquarters.

He is the flesh and blood who gave more than was asked, who lived and died protecting the people who fought against him and serving the people who complained about him. To us, Brandon Sigler is exactly like the person we send out the door every day, hoping like hell he comes home.

Let this society not make Brandon Sigler just a smiling face in a photograph or a news clipping. Remember him when you complain about a traffic ticket or an increase in police pay, when you sit on a jury and when you cast a ballot in an election.

Remember him when your child wanders away from you and is returned by a police officer, or when you arrive to an intact home due to the patrolman riding the beat while you're working.

Remember that Brandon Sigler spent his adult life doing something that is easily taken for granted: protecting you.

Let it not be overlooked or forgotten.

Anonymous

June 10, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Brandon Sigler's family, friends, community & Police family. We lost a hero on June 3, 2009.



The Final Inspection

The policeman stood and faced his God,which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?
The policeman squared his shoulders and said.
"No, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a Saint."
I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk is rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep...
though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got to steep.
And I never passed a cry for help
though at times I shook with fear,
and sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, but if you don't...I'll understand"
There was a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman.
You've borne you burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
You've done your time in Hell"
(Author Unknown )


To ALL the men and women who wear the badge, THANK YOU for all you do.

Kerrie McGill Dorsey, Police Wife
Mobile, AL

June 10, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Brandon Sigler's family, friends, community & Police family. We lost a hero on June 3, 2009.



The Final Inspection

The policeman stood and faced his God,which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?
The policeman squared his shoulders and said.
"No, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a Saint."
I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk is rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep...
though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got to steep.
And I never passed a cry for help
though at times I shook with fear,
and sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, but if you don't...I'll understand"
There was a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman.
You've borne you burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
You've done your time in Hell"
(Author Unknown )


To ALL the men and women who wear the badge, THANK YOU for all you do.

Kerrie McGill Dorsey, Police Wife
Mobile, AL

June 10, 2009

Brandon, you will truely be missed by everyone at the 1st Precinct. Your infectious smile will also be missed. Look forward to meeting up with you again in heaven one day. I know you will be that shining star with the huge smile. Peace out!

Alicia Bettis, FIT
Mobile Police Department

June 10, 2009

On behalf of the 5,352 members of the American Association of State Troopers (AAST), we extend our sincere condolences to Officer Sigler’s family as well as the members of the Mobile Police Department. AAST members throughout the United States know first hand what all of you are going through right now. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Ken Howes, Executive Director
American Association of State Troopers

June 10, 2009

REST IN PEACE OFFICER SIGLER WE ALL THROUGH OUT MOBILE COUNTY WILL MISS YOU THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY ALTHOUGH YOUR WATCH HAS ENDED HERE WE KNOW YOUR STILL 10-8 IN HEAVEN

reserve flotilla
mobile county so

June 9, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss. There is nothing one can say at a time like this that gives real comfort. But, God is the Great Comforter so lean on Him. God bless you all.

Rusty Cox,Information Clerk
Asheville Police Dept., Asheville, NC

June 9, 2009

May God Bless Officer Sigler, his family, and fellow officers. Thank you for your service Sir, you will never be forgotten.

Police Officer
Ohio

June 9, 2009

Gone, but never forgotten, Rest easy now my Brother in Law, your watch on earth is over.......

Sgt. John L Gulledge(Ret.)
Escambia Co. Sheriff's Office Pensacola FL.

June 8, 2009

Rest in Peace Sir. Gone from sight, but never forgotten! GODSPEED!

Ofc. Aaron P. Sparks
Newbury Police Department N.H.

June 8, 2009

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

June 8, 2009

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of US Marshal

June 8, 2009

Today we lost a hero, this day God welcomed one home.

Patrolman Dwayne Delcour
Mansfield Police Department Mansfield, Mo

June 8, 2009

Rest in peace, you will not be forgotten...

Sergeant Chris DiToro
NYPD

June 8, 2009

To Police Officer Brandon Sigler, to all family members and friends who call him beloved, and to his law enforcement family:

I was sorry to learn of Brandon's death and extend my sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you have suffered. Words are insufficient to describe the sadness I feel for the Sigler family. May you find comfort in your faith and the support of the law enforcement community.

There are many police survivors who share this same journey with you, and that community will be there to support you. Brandon's memory will be forever honored and revered.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Brandon gave to his community and the citizens of Alabama and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on June 2, 2009.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg, CA PD, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

June 8, 2009

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends........
There are no words to describe the sadness we all feel at the senseless loss of such a promising young man. As one of many who live their lives under the flag, and one who had the honor to know Brandon and his family, I offer my most heartfelt condolences. Brandon was one of that rare breed of young men that people say don't exist anymore. He dreamt of what he wanted and then made his dreams reality. He always said he wanted to make a difference and THAT is his reality and his legacy. His life was a brilliant reflection of the light that should shine in all of us. When the Lord said "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?", Brandon proudly and selflessly answered: "Here am I; send me." We are all better for having known him and I will be forever grateful for the privilege.

Senior Special Agent
U.S. Dept of Homeland Security

June 7, 2009

On behalf of all the members of the Schenectady PD our deepest sympathy to all our brothers and sisters at the Mobile PD. I personally want to send a heart felt message to those of you who I met during the Motor Officer training in Gulfport MS, remember THUNDER.

Detective Chris Wrubel
Schenectady New York PD

June 7, 2009

Somebody killed a policeman today and a part of America died. Rest in peace young brother and thank you for your service.

Gordon Hobbs
NC Game Warden

June 7, 2009

Rest in peace, your sacrifice will never be forgotten......

Detective Edward Carlile
Northfield PD (OH)

June 7, 2009

Brandon your funeral was a hero's funeral and a hero you were. I am so proud to have known you and served with you. You will forever be in my heart along with your family. God has taken you from us, but I am sure he has much greater plans for you. I can only hope we meet again some day.

Rest in peace 218

Anonymous

June 7, 2009

He was the epitomy of what a good friend and police officer is supposed to be.

Police Officer D'Alo Green
Mobile Police Department

June 7, 2009

words cannot truly express the sorrow of hearing about Brandon,s death. Although I only knew him primarily in a classroom setting, it didnot take long to learn that Brandon was a truly unique person and loyal friend. He always had a smile and kind word for all. This world has lost a bright light, but Heaven has gained another shining Star. May God Bless and Keep you doing this tragic time.

Allie Parker
Classmate

June 7, 2009

Rest in peace my brother. We all can't thank you enough for your service in helping keep all of us and our families safe. You will truly be missed. We can be at peace in knowing you're now 10-8 by God's side in heaven. This is not a "goodbye", but a "see you later". God Bless you and all who knew you for the officer and man that you were.

Officer Jeremy M. Long
Mobile Police Department

June 7, 2009

You are missed! Rest in peace my friend.

Major Kara and Lieutenant Joesph Rose
Mobile Police Department

June 7, 2009