Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Brandon, you will truly be missed, but not forgotten. You were taken too soon. Thank you for being a kind and fun loving person, but most of all for all your service and for making a difference in this world. Our prayers go out to your wife, Virgina and your family. God will always give us the strength we need.

Rest in Peace, my friend.

PSO Jennie Forsythe
OCSO

December 12, 2010

God Bless you sir.

Rick F.
Ret. CO

December 12, 2010

Brandon, I read this when I first became a cop and attended the funeral of a fallen brother. As I read it today it reminded me of how you walked through life. You didn't expect anything and always willing to give up everything. You were selfless in your duties and in your relationships. Thanks Brandon. Virginia, we love you and will be here for you. You are part of a very large family that will hold you when you need to be held and stand for you when you don't have the strength. Thanks.

His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was rough, And sometimes I've been violent Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.
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 silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"

Father God, give us the strength to continue. We need you now more then ever. Carry our hearts, hold our hands and lift our heads. Amen

DFC Scott Bruinsma
Orange County Sheriff's Office

December 12, 2010

Deputy Coates,
My husband, Lake County Deputy Wayne Koester, was killed on February 9, 2005. As God's eyes fell upon Wayne, they to, have fallen upon you, for He has chosen another beautiful, strong and brave soul to guard his kingdom. As Wayne continues to guide us, may you keep a gentle hand on your family and give them the strength they need to get through the tough road ahead.

Mrs. Coates,
There have been too many of us that have walked the path that has been chosen for you. As you are experiencing it now, it is sometimes a rough path. There will be times when it seems like it is full of many hills to climb and rocks to stumble upon. But, you CAN make it. I was given some advice once to take everything one step at a time. One step became two, and two became four. That's the only advice I can give. Take everything one step at a time. Your friends, extended family in law enforcement and your community will always be there to lend a hand when that hill gets a little too steep. This site is a comfort to me. It is not meant to cause painful memories but to honor our husbands for their bravery. I find comfort when I read the thoughts everyone leaves. I know he was loved and respected by everyone he met and to let others know what a wonderful husband and friend he was. I am positive that your husband shares the same qualities as mine. I also know, that if given another change, Brandon would go out there and so the same Job again. It is a job, so few are able to perform or have the courage to do. They are a special breed of men and there are very few like them. I feel honored to have shared a part of his life, a life of a true hero in every sense of the word. Always remember how much your husband loves you. Don't be afraid to call on your family and friends when you just don't fell like getting out of bed. That is where your support comes from. You will find your strength in your family and in the love you and your husband shared. Always remember, he is in your heart whenever you need to talk to him.



“Angels Among Us”

I was walking home from school on a cold winter's day
Took a shortcut through the woods and I lost my way
It was getting late and I was scared and alone
Then a kind old man took my hand and led me home
Mama couldn't see him, but he was standing there
But I knew in my heart, he was the answer to my prayers

Oh I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live
To teach us how to give
To guide us with a light of love

When life dealt troubled times and had me down on my knees
There's always been someone there to come along and comfort me
A kind word from a stranger to lend a helping hand
A phone call from a friend just to say I understand
Ain't it kind of funny, at the dark end of the road
Someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope

Oh I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live
To teach us how to give
To guide us with a light of love

They wear so many faces
Show up in the strangest places
Grace us with their mercy
In our time of need

Oh I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live
To teach us how to give
To guide us with a light of love!

Ashley Koester
Widow of Deputy Wayne Koester EOW 02/09/05

December 12, 2010

REST IN PEACE, BROTHER THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

PROVINCIAL CONSTABLE MARTY LALONDE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE

December 12, 2010

God Bless Deputy Coates, his family, and his LEO family. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Deputy Nick Embry
Walton county Sheriffs Office

December 12, 2010

Deputy Coates

Although we never met, we are all brothers and sisters in our chosen profession. I pray that you rest in peace, and that your family and all that know and love you, may somehow find comfort during this so difficult time. Thank you for your service and God Bless you all.

Patrolman Wilfred King
Orono Maine, Police Department

December 12, 2010

Deputy First Class Brandon Lee Coates, during your tour of duty you have served your country and community with honor and dignity, it is now your time to rest, we will carry on from here. To the family of Deputy First Class Brandon Lee Coates you all are in our thoughts and prayers. The police family will be there by your side. To the men and women of the Orange County Sheriff's Department hold your heads high as you all carry on during these difficult times. Fair Winds and Following Seas Devil Dog

Detective First Grade Robert F. Jackson
Metropolitan Police Department Washington DC/Homicide Branch

December 12, 2010

On behalf of the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department, we send our heart felt condolences to the wife, family, friends, and co-workers of DFC Coates. It is with extreme sadness that we read about DFC Coates death. He is a true hero.

Police Officer Garcia
Los Angeles Police Department

December 12, 2010

Semper Fidelis. Rest in peace. To the family.... God bless you from all us Texas cops. Respects from Jerry

Detective Jerry Bowden - Texas Cops

December 11, 2010

Officer Brandon,
You did not die in vain, other hard working officers will fearlessly grace our streets and at no time will evil triumph over good. May your soul rest in eternal peace Brandon.

Christopher Mutuku Muange
Orange county resident

December 11, 2010

REST IN PEACE.

INVESTIGATOR BOB CAMERON
CLEVELAND HTS PD (OHIO)

December 11, 2010

RIP DFC Brandon Coates. May God bless your family and the agency during this difficult time. Rest easy. Thank you for your service to our community and our country.

Corwin Ruise-Communications
OCSO

December 11, 2010

Brandon,

I may not have known you well, but I know how much you are missed and how much you are loved. You have impacted us all as fellow law enforcement officers, and even more as fellow TAC deputies. I feel as if I was cheated of the opportunity to have worked with you, to have the fortune of knowing the wonderful person you are. You are a true hero, a warrior, a soldier, and a brother. Your name will not be forgotten, your ways will not be lost, and your memories will be treasured.

Rest in peace, Deputy First Class Brandon Coates, and save me a spot in heaven, for you have served your country and community well. I envy you, because you are surely in Heaven serving Our Lord.

P.S. Please tell Deputy Jimmy Weaver and Deputy Patrick Walshe that I still have some work to do…

I HAVE THE WATCH, MY BROTHER!

Cpl. Eulalia "Lollie" Colon - TAC 5
Orange County Sheriff's Office, FL

December 11, 2010

I can't believe you're gone buddy, you were one of the funniest, sweetest most dedicated me I knew and I deeply miss you already! I'll never forget the dinners, the academy and the Superbowl watching you and the boys battle it out on Guitar Hero...
The fight will continue, thank you for being a positive example of what we do and who we are.
Love you buddy, rest easy.

Officer Ashley Eller

December 11, 2010

Rest in peace. You will never be forgotten.

D/S Frank Sarivola
Brevard County Sheriff's Office

December 11, 2010

Deputy Coates, you will not be forgotten! R.I.P.

Deputy Sheriff
Livingston County (Il) Sheriff's Ofc.

December 11, 2010

Brandon was a great man, soldier, and friend. God Bless you brother, I know you will be our OCSO guardian angel!!!!!!!!!
R.I.P.

Deputy John Torres
Orange County Sheriff's Office

December 11, 2010

I am grateful for the life of Deputy Coates and all those who serve our community and country. We were blessed to have had Deputy Coates serve as a Marine and a Deputy Sheriff. May he always be remembered for the way he lived and not the way he died. God bless his family, friends and those who continue to protect us.

Kate Holcomb
Citizen

December 11, 2010

"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, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was 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 just too 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 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 your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

My deepest condolences to the family. May you find strength in God at this difficult time. R.I.P. Brother.

Officer Dean Herzog
Port St. Lucie Police Department

December 11, 2010

Brandon,
I miss you brother. I can't stop thinking about your smile or your dedication to your work. Whenever I complained, you were right there with that amazing work ethic you always had. I'll always remember how you bugged me every day to come to your squad. I treasure all the memories I have of you. Your service to this country and the people of Orange County will not be forgotten. You are truly a hero and I will never forget you. Thank you for everything!

R.I.P Brandon

Deputy Jason Demoranville
OCSO TAC Unit

December 11, 2010

May your soul rest in peace within our lords arms and your loved ones find comfort within memories of you.

J. Monterrey, EMT-P
Florida Hospital Emergency Medical Services

December 11, 2010

Sorry for our loss. God Bless you and your family. God's love be with you brother.

Sgt. Michael Paciorek
Hampshire County Deputy Sheriff

December 11, 2010

You will be missed...god bless you.....you will never be forgotten.....and for your wife words cant say how sorry i am for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers always.....

Andy Fowkes
Former OCSO Deputy

December 11, 2010

The members and law enforcement agencies represented by the Northern New England Police Accreditation Coalition wish to express our sympathy to the family, friends and members of the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all during these difficult days. The loss of DFC Brandon Coates is tragic and his service to the country as he served in the USMC as well as his service with the Orange County Sheriff's Office will not be forgotten. May he rest in peace.

Gregory Murphy, Chair
Northern New England Police Accreditation Coalition

December 11, 2010