Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thinking of you today. You will never be forgotten by any member of this agency. Watch over us brother! "Yatchzee"

DFC Danjou
OCSO

March 8, 2011

hey Brandon, wanted to let you know we think about you,and pray for you everyday

Mac
LEO

March 7, 2011

Thinking of you today guy.

Corporal Sean DeGrilla
OCSO

February 23, 2011

Thinking of you.

Anonymous

February 22, 2011

Rest in peace and godspeed Brandon.

Officer T. O'Shaughnessy
Chicago P.D/Brotherhood for the Fallen

February 15, 2011

Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. Miss you brother.

Cpl. Mike Asbury
Orange County Sheriff's TAC Unit

January 23, 2011

I was reading some of your reflections, and came across your mothers. I was brought to tears. I have been inspired by your bravery, I two have served with the Marine Corps. I have been truly touched brother. Rest in peace, Stand true at heavens gates.

Patrol Officer/United states Marine
Albuquerque Police Department

January 23, 2011

Brandon, I visit this websit often; however, this time it was difficult. As I type my comments my heart is heavy, but as I look at your picture and reflect I begin to smile. You joined our Honor Guard team in 2009. You showed enthusiam and gave us so much loyalty. We will miss you but will never forget you. You will be our guardian angel.

Cmdr. Julia Chatman
Orange County Sheriff's Office

January 16, 2011

Brandon,

It has been over one month since you were taken. So much has changed since that dreadful night, mostly for your family and friends and also your fellow Law Enforcement Officers, their families and our community. I did not know you but my husband Jay did. He was in the TAC Unit with you. From the moment I heard your name for the first time it was nothing but the nicest of compliments. The loss of you has affected so many people but more importantly you have been able to touch so many hearts. I can speak personally and say that you have touched my household in a way that I can barely put into words. There hasn't been a day that has gone by that you have not been mentioned in our household. We honor your memory and mourn your loss. Jay, myself, and our children pray daily for your family and friends to help them get through each day. As a Deputy's wife it truly is our worst nightmare to ever receive "the call." My heart bleeds for Virginia and I pray for her to have continued strength. As a mother of three I pray for your mother to help her to also have strength. Every day that Jay leaves for work I hug him so tight and give him a kiss and I pray he returns to our family. Everytime he leaves I think of you and the sacrafice that you made. You are a hero not just because you served your country and this community, but because more importantly you were a good son, husband and friend to those that loved you. It was evident that's what mattered most in life to you was those that you loved, those that loved you back, and continue to love you. I promise you that you will always have a special place in the heart of the Armstrong Family, but also in everyone's heart that you had ever met and those that came to know of you. RIP Brandon you will always be remembered.

Amy Armstrong
Deputy Sheriff Jay Armstrong's wife-Orange County Sheriff's Office

January 10, 2011

How sad I was to learn of your loss from your friend and colleague, Sean DeGrilla. Sean and I share a common bond in the death of Dallas Police Officer Gary Blair, who was also murdered during a traffic stop, in March, 1986. Your sacrifice was not in vain, although it was no doubt senseless. Like those oh-too-many other deputies, officers and troopers who went before you, and those yet to follow you, through that dark gate when evil is met, and into the Light, yours is a sacrifice born of honor and duty. Because of you and your brave vigilance, the rest of us sleep well at night. Thank you, thank you, thank you! May God bless and keep your dear Mom, wife and family, and may the rest of us always remember you, them and what you all gave. RIP.

Steve Scholl
Dallas Police Dept. #4459 (1980-1986)

January 7, 2011

Brandon,

When my husband and I moved into our home last year the one thing that told me this was the place for us was when I saw the Orange County Sheriff vehicles next door. Michael Callin was my brother-in-law and knowing a deputy was living right next door brought a since of peace and comfort to me. I only wish my husband and I had more time to get to know you and Virginia better. I will miss the smiles and waves as we both came and went from our homes. Jesus just gained an angel that will always be watching over his family and friends. What is our loss is now heaven's gain.

Valerie Madden
neighbor

January 7, 2011

Mrs.(Deputy)Coates and Orange County S.O.There are no words to express the pain that resonates over and over in our hearts when a brother or sister dies in the line of duty. Weld County S.O. knows your pain and I hope you can feel our arms around you across the miles.

Cmdr.Cynthia Villegas
Weld County Sheriff's Office Colorado

January 6, 2011

Rest In Peace, Deputy Coates.

Lt T Carr
NYPD

January 3, 2011

Brandon you're a hero to people far and wide
it has been an honor to walk through life by your side

I remember holding your hand when you were small
there are so many good memories i will cherish them all

I wish we had more time with you to grow even more
but now is time for you to pass through Gods open door

hold your head high son like you always do
someday when it's my turn I will look for you

I know you'll be there with your arms open wide
I will take your hand again son and walk by your side

I love you my boy
mom

Deborah Griffin
mother

January 1, 2011

Happy New Years Brandon. On this day of celebration, TAC squad 4 celebrates the memories, fun and laughter you brought to our lives. We love you and miss you everyday.

TAC Squad 4
Orange County SO

December 31, 2010

Brandon. I'm sorry it took so long to type this up. I just didn't know what to say. Just know we will take care of Virginia and that we will carry on the fight. Semper Fi.

9-1-1 Operator II/CTO
Orange County Sheriff's Office

December 29, 2010

Rest in Peace brother, we'll take it from here and cover your post on the thin blue line. May your family find peace in knowing that you rest safely in Gods loving arms.

Deputy Sheriff Thomas Dorsey
Pitt County NC Sheriffs Office

December 29, 2010

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow deputies of Deputy Coates.

While no one who wears a badge wants to be put into such a situation, you put yourself into the line of fire to protect those whom you might not have even known despite the danger. While I did not have the privilege to have known him personally, I am certain that he has found a place in heaven.

Rest in peace my friend; those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin blue line.

Officer Ryan McNeil
Medicine Lodge (KS) Police Department

December 28, 2010

Hey Brandon, I'm sorry I didn't get to say Merry Christmas on the day, so here it is... I know you're in a good place, my prayers are with you,your wifey, and family. I think about you often and still am very sad.. I know you wouldn't want us to be :/ Anyway buddy we miss you. <3

Mac
OCCD

December 27, 2010

Merry Christmas Brandon. I wish you were here to celebrate this holiday with Virginia and your squad. Check rog. Bermp.

Corporal Sean DeGrilla
Orange County S.O.

December 25, 2010

Brandon, it's been ten days since we were all at your funeral. The saddest day I have ever been involved in. Since then many people I see and talk to within TAC and the agency continue to talk about you and how much we loved you. I interviewed for TAC with you and you placed first in the interview. I didn't know you at the time, but I remember thinking and jokingly telling me wife, who is this Brandon Coates there is no way he had better stats or was more pro-active then me. Just to be funny I began to look up your stats and compare. After looking at your stats I knew we had similar styles in police work and I wanted to work with you. You went to TAC about three months before I did and I had the opportunity to work with Squad 4 on a prostitution detail. We all ate at Fridays and you walked up to the table and before ever formally meeting me you said, "whats up Jay." I remember going home that night and saying to my wife, "well, I met Brandon Coates and she said, "how was he?" I told her that you were one of the nicest guys I had ever met and that you were the type of guy I wanted to work side by side with. I got to know you a bit more through TAC operations and training and I continued to tell my wife how much I enjoyed being around you and commenting on how you made everyone laugh. Your personality was infectious. I will always remember you and that day for the rest of my life, but I'm comforted knowing that even though I will not get a chance to work side by side with you I will continue to do my best at work, love my family, and live life to the fullest, and when I see you again, which I know I will, I will walk up to you, give you a hug and say, "thank you!" RIP

Deputy Sheriff Jay Armstrong
Orange County Sheriff's Office, Fl

December 24, 2010

Rest in peace brother...to Deputy First Class Brandon Lee Coates I render a final salute.

PO K J JONES
North Greenbush, NY PD

December 23, 2010

Deputy Coates, Every citizen of Orlando, Orange County, The State of Florida and the United States of America shall forever be in your debt. Your selflessness is the thin blue line that keeps us free and confident in democracy. God bless you and your family.

Roger Walker
Broward County EMS (Ret.)

December 23, 2010

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

Detective Edward Carlile
Northfield PD (OH)

December 23, 2010

I found this befitting Brandon in a way to let your loved ones know that your ok, you will be well and in time reunited with all, Thank You for making Orange County Florida a safer place


I am home in heaven dear ones
Oh, so peaceful and so bright
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light

All the pain and grief is over,
Every restless tossing passed
I am now at peace forever
Safely home in heaven at last

Did you wonder I so calmly
Trod the valley of the shade
Oh but Jesus' love illumined
Every dark and fearful glade

And he came himself to meet me
In that way so hard to tread
And with Jesus arm to lean on
Could I have one doubt or dread

Then you must not grieve so sorely
For I love you dearly still
Try to look beyond earth's shadows
Pray to trust our Father's will

There is work still waiting for you
So you must not idly stand
Do it now while life remaineth
You shall rest in Jesus' land

When the work is all completed
He will gently call you home
Oh the rapture of that meeting
Oh the joy to see you come

B.D.Burgess
Former D/S Polk County

December 23, 2010