Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Brandon,
You are a true hero and a fine example of a man, husband deputy and soldier. The job we choose to do presents many dangers and the risk is often unknown. But we in Law Enforcement around the world stand together as one to protect the people we serve.
You put others before yourself and served America and the residents of Orange County without fear or predjudice but with dedication and pride.
Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Virgina, your family , friends and colleagues at this difficult time.
Rest in peace brother.

Police Constable Jason Chubb 456ID

Police Constable Nicola Povey 386ID
S018, Metropolitan Police, London, UK

December 15, 2010

RIP Deputy Coates. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends, and members of the OCSO.

Trooper
NYSP Troop C

December 15, 2010

Rest in peace brother!! God is proud to have you in heaven!

officer Marc Hadden
CCU Public Safety

December 15, 2010

George Patton once said:
“It is foolish to mourn those who have died, Rather we should thank God that they have lived.”

Over the last 8 months I have had the distinct honor of serving as Brandon’s Sergeant. In a very short time it was evident that he was one of the most eager and enthusiastic Deputy Sheriff’s I have had the honor of working with. As we gather today to remember Brandon, I think it’s important that we not forget the man who served his country and community selflessly.

Let us also not forget…Brandon was

…a man, loving husband, son, and brother.

…a Deputy Sheriff who served in, Patrol, the Tactical Anti-Crime Unit and the honor guard for 4 ½ years.

…a Marine who served two tours in Iraq.

…a friend of many.

… Brandon never complained…. about anything… he was always eager to help anyone in need.

…Brandon was always the first one to step up when people were needed to work late for a detail. We could ALWAYS count on Brandon to be there when we needed him.

…Brandon always put forth 100 percent into everything he did.

…He helped bring unity to our squad. Even after his passing, he continues to bring our squad closer together.

…Let us not forget that Brandon worked hard to protect people from evil…

Let us also not forget…Moments like…

The night after shift when our squad gathered to play basketball and Brandon blocked Deputy Michelle Owens shot like he was Dwight Howard. Yes, Brandon took everything seriously, even a friendly game of basketball with his squad mates.

Or when Brandon was first assigned to our squad and had yet to be assigned a mountain bike, so I let him borrow mine. I jokingly warned him I better get my bike back clean. Every day I would remind him that my bike better be clean. On the day I was due to get the bike back Deputy James Birdsong asked me if I really wanted Brandon to clean the bike because Brandon asked him to stop so he could clean the bike. Even after James tried to convince him that I wasn’t as serious as he had taken me, Brandon insisted on continuing to clean my bike until he heard me directly tell him he didn’t have to clean the bike. Yes, Brandon took everything seriously and he always followed orders.

Let us also not forget…

… Brandon’s love for his wife Virginia, He spoke about her constantly.

…Yes, Virginia, there is no doubt how much Brandon loved you. I recall him ending many phone calls by saying, “I worship the ground you walk on.”

…Brandon was an exceptional man…he was also an exceptionally happy man because of her. He was proud of their life together and the future they would share.

As we mourn today, let Brandon’s passing be a constant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice he has made. His service to his country and community serves as a catalyst for us all to always lend a hand to someone in need and give 100% into everything we do. It’s important to remember that the story does not end here. His passing has opened a new chapter, a new chapter in all our lives. Let it be a reminder – a reminder that life does go on for each an every one of us.

Brandon gave his life protecting others and he would want us to continue on with our lives. Brandon will be missed terribly but we should all find comfort in knowing he is in heaven looking down on us all proudly, undoubtedly helping out in anyway he can.

The world is down one good man. We all have a void to fill…Brandon… I assure you…we WILL make you proud.

Sgt. Chris Barrett
Orange County Sheriff Office

December 15, 2010

Deputy Coates,

Thank you for your service. You are a hero. May you walk the streets of gold and rest in peace. My condolences to your family.

Sgt. Dan Cheadle
Oblong Il Police Department

December 15, 2010

Your courage and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten.

Blair Lowe
Former OCSO Deputy

December 15, 2010

Condolences to the family of Deputy Coates and the Orange County Sheriff's Office

Special Agent
Illinois State Police

December 14, 2010

Your sacrifice will NOT be forgotten! Thank you Virginia for sharing him with us!

Dan Rath
Citizen

December 14, 2010

Rest in peace brother. May your family find comfort in knowing you touched and protected many.

Your brothers in arms from the NYPD

Team SIN

DET. GERARD DELPRETE
NYPD

December 14, 2010

Rest In Peace! God Speed

Gina Vazquez
sister-in-law to a fallen officer

December 14, 2010

May God Bless your Family and Wife. Rest in Peace My Brother SEMPER FIDELIS MARINE

vol firefighter steven mclaughlin
Brevard County Fire Rescue

December 14, 2010

I have shed tears for a man I never knew. I can not begin to imagine the pain and the sense of loss his wife and family are going through right now. I have said many prayers for Deputy Coates, his wife, his family and OSCO. I am deeply sadden by the loss of Deputy Coates as this was a senseless act that took the life of a wonderful man who was a husband, a son, and a deputy.

May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers will be with his wife, and family. God Bless.

Katie G.
Citizen of Orange County

December 14, 2010

Thank You Deputy Coates

Pat Thomas
Citizen of Orange County

December 14, 2010

Thank you for your service to our country and community. I have done many ride alongs in the zone where your life was taken. I have seen first hand how dangerous it can be. Thank you for putting your fears to the side in order to make sure that we are safe. I hope that you continue to watch over each and every one of us. Please ride in the patrol car with Virginia every shift and keep her safe. She has a Guardian Angel now. R.I.P Deputy Coates.

Debbie
Former OCSO employee

December 14, 2010

The Florida Police Chiefs Association would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Deputy First Class Brandon Coates, and the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sadness. Please take comfort in knowing that your extended law enforcement family grieves with you. Deputy Coates, we thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.

Members and Staff
Florida Police Chiefs Association

December 14, 2010

Brandon:

Although I only worked your zone occasionally, I remember running into you. You would stop and back me up on a traffic crash, a traffic stop or vice versa. We would see each other and say, "hello" in passing during a quick meal or beverage. We would shake hands, part our ways and be 51 to "the next one." Even though you and I didn't know each other personally, it was a pleasure working with you. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Please watch over all of us, no matter what uniform we wear, especially your wife, Dep. Virginia Coates. Rest in peace, brother.

Trooper Peter C. Hooker
Florida Highway Patrol Troop-D Orange County

December 14, 2010

Brandon:

Although I only worked your zone occasionally, I remember running into you. You would stop and back me up on a traffic crash, a traffic stop or vice versa. We would see each other and say, "hello" in passing during a quick meal or beverage. We would shake hands, part our ways and be 51 to "the next one." Even though you and I didn't know each other personally, it was a pleasure working with you. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Please watch over all of us, no matter what uniform we wear, especially your wife, Dep. Virginia Coates. Rest in peace, brother.

Trooper Peter C. Hooker
Florida Highway Patrol Troop-D Orange County

December 14, 2010

The loss of Deputy First Class Coates is a tragic and painful reminder that America must work even harder to ensure our freedom and liberty. Deputy Coates was performing the most basic civic duty and that is service to others. Let me say, on behalf of Major League Baseball, our hearts go out to the family of Deputy Coates and the Orange County Sheriff's Office. May God be a comfort to you and help you to know that his sacrifice is not in vain.

Earnell Lucas, VP Security & Facilities
Major League Baseball

December 14, 2010

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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 whose 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

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 (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 14, 2010

A Brother Warrior has fell and died today in battle.

This Warrior has made the ultimate sacrifice.

He has given his life for his Fellow Warriors, Family, Friends and Community too.

Brother Warrior, pass your sword to us, so we can keep your spirit alive.

You, my Brother Warrior will not be forgotten.

God Bless you, your family and your friends.

We honor and respect all of the Fallen Warriors who have gone before us in battle.

We ask you, Brother Warrior to guide us, protect us and pray for us.

We will meet again my Brother Warrior.

For this time not to fight another battle, but to live in eternal peace.

God bless all of the Warriors, past, present and future.

Sergeant ChadMcDaniel
Seminole County Sheriff's Office

December 14, 2010

Thank you for you service to this country and the citizens
of Orange County! You will be missed and never forgotten!
See you on the other side!

Ofc. Jennifer Williamson
Orlando Police Department

December 14, 2010

The Agency as well those who were blessed to know Brandon have lost a true hero. Your efforts will not go in vain, as we shall use your example to confirm our commitment to protect and serve our community. While it's true words can not say enough about one's character those who knew you will understand what your impact has meant to them and those who knew well. Gods' speed my friend you will be missed.

Deputy Larry Quinn
Orange County Sheriff's Office

December 14, 2010

HEAVEN IS A SAFER PLACE WITH YOU IN IT. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO. WHEN SOMEONE ASKED ME "DID YOU KNOW HIM" I CAN PROUDLY SAY "YES"

DEPUTY
OCSO

December 14, 2010

My the Lord be with you always and for the officers who served this community with you I pray for Gods protection. You serve a great God and evil in the end will always loose no matter the circustance. May your memory stand tall.

Charles Saylor
Citizen

December 14, 2010

We worked the same area for a few years, never had the chance to meet, but have friends in common. Despite not knowing you, your death touched me in the sense that I know the danger you faced working there. In times like these we realize that the brotherhood amongst law enforcement officers is real. As a former citizen of Orange County, and a fellow police officer, thank you for protecting me both as a Deputy and as a Marine. Rest in peace Brandon, and know that your work will carry on. Virginia and family, we will pray for you and hope you can eventually find peace.

Trooper Michael Meaney
Florida Highway Patrol

December 13, 2010