Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Deputy Sheriff Brandon Coates, and to all those of us who have family members in law enforcements words can never express this tragic loss.

MP.

Anonymous

December 11, 2010

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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell

Anonymous

December 11, 2010

Our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Deputy Coates. God Bless him for his service to the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Rest in Peace Sir, you will not be forgotten.

Sgt. Jim May (ret)
CMPD Charlotte, NC

December 11, 2010

You stopped someone at Nashville and 45th Street where it all ended. There are no doubts you are no longer patrolling the streets of Orange County, but now patrolling the streets of gold in heaven.

Know that your brothers and sisters in green will never forget; will never lose sight of your sacrifice. We will support your memory, your vision, your endeavors. We will stand with your wife and your family and do whatever it takes.

I hope as you took a slow ride to heaven, you looked back and saw the response; the amount of Deputies, Officers, and Troopers that came to your aid.

RIP Brandon...you are not forgotten!

Detective Marcus Robinson
Orange County Sheriffs Office

December 11, 2010

Thank you for your Service, and God speed love and healing to your family, and department. Rest in piece brother, We'll Take the watch from here.

CPL. Mark Miller
Ocala Police ( City Watch )

December 11, 2010

To Virginia Coates,
As you so eloquently said it "Brandon is a true hero, and he will never be forgotten." My family will be there in prayers, for you and your fellow Deputies. Please be reminded that Brandon is now watching over all fellow Officers, as our entire fallen do. May the good Lord be with you and your agency?
Dan
Rest in Peace Brandon

Dfc. D. Shainline Sr
Lee County Sheriffs Dept.

December 11, 2010

Thanks for your service, not only to the citizens of Orange County but also to your Country. May you rest in peace.

Retired Captain Ray Permaul
Orange County Sheriff's Office

December 11, 2010

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us everyday, unseen, but always near, still loved and missed and very dear!

Your Law Enforcement family will never forget you!

D/S Kevin Curran
Orange County Sheriffs Office

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."

Anonymous

December 11, 2010

Into The Arms of God now do I rise,
though It hurts me when I hear your cries.

Know I am at peace for eternity
and together again, one day; we'll be.

I left there doing what I loved to do;
doing what is right and protecting you.

As an angel now, I do the same;
my first job is to ease your pain.

Please know I am ok and I do God's will
as he needed my help, far over the hill.

He sends you strength to renew your faith
knowing I am in, this beautiful place,
with loved ones I see now once more,
when you come to join us, I will open the door.

***

Love transcends all things.

Rest in Peace most brave Deputy.
With respect; tears and prayers for strength.
My Dear God. Amen.

rw
Los Angeles

Anonymous

December 11, 2010

As a Supervisor, Brandon was to me, the Cop that I wanted to clone 8 times to make up my squad. As another Cop working with him, he was the one I wanted next to me when the stuff hit the fan. As a man, though I am 12 years his senior, he was already the person I want to become. As a husband, he showed us all how it should be done. As a friend, he was everything and more! My three young sons look and sound like me. They talk like I talk and have my quirks and hangups. I love my kids more than life itself. I pray one day though, his sacrifice touches them and that they grow up to be just like Brandon! Only then will I believe his death was worth something!

Cpl. Scott Jenny
OCSO

December 11, 2010

Although I have never met you in person, I've spoken to you many times over the radio, as well as your wife Virginia. You were always professional and courteous and from what I'm hearing about you, I missed out on personally knowing a great deputy. Virginia, my heart goes out to you and Brandon's family and I'll keep you all in my prayers.

RIP Brandon

Sheri Pierce, Dispatcer
OCSO

December 11, 2010

Brandon,

You are a true hero, and how you lead your life is an inspiration to all. Rest in peace brother - we'll take it from here.

DFC Jared Gabbay
Orange County Sheriff's Office

December 11, 2010

It truly breaks my heart to know that someone defending the lives of us all, has been taken away by such a cruel act of violence and terror. Something we will never forget!! I don't know you all that well, but we are all children of GOD and my heart goes out to Mrs. Virginia Coates and the family, for this was something noone could ever prepare for! May GOD continue to Bless, Guide, and Comfort you all in such a tough time...just remember to keep at heart all the good things for those are the things that matter the most and in that we find peace!!! He'll still protect us from above, R.I.P. DFC Brandon Coates

Carlisa Chambers/Dispatcher I/Com Ctr
OCSO

December 11, 2010

This death touches so close to me. My husband and I met at work and work close together. I can't imagine the pain your wife is going through. It's one of my worst fears when my husband is on duty and I am home. Your family is in my prayers. You are a true hero. Blessed are the peacemakers. For they shall be called the children of God.

Sergeant Angie Hogeboom
Walton County Sheriff's Office

December 10, 2010

R.I.P Brother, you're gone but not forgotten.

Randy Hutzenbiler
Montana Game Warden

December 10, 2010

My heart goes out to the family, friends and co workers of Deputy Coates. Please know that you are all appreciated in the role of "protectorate" of our community. We rely on you everyday. Thank you for keeping us safe.

Christine Price, President, Price Mgt
Member of the Resort Community of Orange County

December 10, 2010

My condolences to DFC Coates' family. May God bless you. EC17

Detective Art Wilson, Jr.
Orange County Sheriff's Office

December 10, 2010

I never had the honor of meeting Dep. Coates, but I would have been honored to have met such an awesome cop. If my son grows up to be 1% of the man that he was, I will be a blessed father. Guard the Gates of Heaven and watch over the rest of us as we attempt to be like you.

Det. James R. Deas
Ocala PD

Det. James R. Deas
Ocala Police Department

December 10, 2010

Rest in peace in the presence of Yeshua our savior. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for your service.

CSI-II Gerardo Bloise
Orange County Sheriff's Forensics Unit

December 10, 2010

Rest in peace our brother. Family of Brandon, may your memories always be sweet, make you smile and comfort you.
I'm so sorry for your loss. All of us are feeling your pain.
May God Bless and keep you.

Retired Sgt. M. Steele
C.G.P.D.

December 10, 2010

We watched Brandon as he grow from a young teen ager into a bright young man. He was a bright light to Jane, Paul, and I. We were so proud of him when he was in ROTC at West Orange High School, a member of the Marine Corp, and finally a member of the Orange County Sheriff's Office. He is a true hero and will stay in our hearts forever. Rest in Peace Deputy, Rest in Peace.
Jane, Paul, and Ray Wood

Ray Wood (OCSO Retired)
Orange County Sheriff's Office

December 10, 2010

Rest in peace sir.

Anonymous

December 10, 2010

Patrol the streets of Heaven Brandon, I will see you there when the Lord calls me home.

Boaz
Orange County Sheriff's Office

December 10, 2010

From the men and women at the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office we send our sincere condolances to your family and co-workers. May you Rest in Peace brother, we will take it from here."All gave some, Some gave All."

Deputy Pat Jenkins
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office

December 10, 2010