Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I just read the account of how you died, leaving a position of cover, exposing yourself to fire as you tried to drag a fallen brother to safety...For anyone who's never seen this type of bravery, believe me when I tell you this---it's astounding & exceedingly rare. Most of our brothers & sisters can't & won't be able to do this. I've seen another officer do this once before for his partner, and, again, it was astounding.

You, sir, are a GIANT, a man amongst men! I salute you!

Praying for your family, friends & coworkers.

You are a HERO.

Retired PO
Michigan

July 23, 2016

I fight not for glory or fame, for they are momentary. I fight for those who can't. I fight for Justice. I fight for the oppressed and the down trodden. And if I should lose my life for these just causes, then I have no regrets, For I serve to protect the innocent. It matters not where or when, for evil knows no boundaries. Be it fire, flood, or the threat of tyranny, I will not flee. Justice is my weapon. Faith is my shield. Hope is my armor. Cry not at my passing, for it was my Honor to fight for you. Shed not tears of sorrow, But tears of joy, for now, I stand with God

Prayers for your family.

Detective José Quiles
Mckinney PD

July 23, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss.

Jacquie Rebel survivor

July 22, 2016

Thank you for your service and may God comfort and bless your loved ones in their time of sorrow.

Aaron Dexter
Law Enforcement Equipment Service Provider

July 22, 2016

Rest in eternal peace, brother, for we have the watch now. Your family and your brothers and sisters in uniform, our brothers and sisters, too, are in our thoughts and prayers. May they find comfort in remembrances of your dedication and service.

Deputy Warden Patricia Powers
Philadelphia Department of Prisons

July 22, 2016

Mr. Brad has been like family to us for so many years. My dad died when I was 14 (12 years ago) and he basicly became my grandpas other son. My family owned a barbershop for 40 years in Baton Rouge where we developed long lasting relationships with many law enforcement officers, but none quite as special as mr. Brad. Anytime my grandparents needed handywork done he was there for them, he never asked for anything in return, usually just a free haircut , a flat top to be exact (my grandpa was the flat top king of Baton Rouge) he would often bring his sons over to get flat tops too. He truly was one of the sweetest people I have ever met and my heart is so broken right now. My heart breaks for his 4 children , because I know what it's like to lose your father. My poor grandpa is absolutely torn up over his death, it's as if he lost another son. And that's how we saw him, as part of the family. My grandpa was telling me today that he spoke to mr. Brads parents and they were saying how much mr Brad loved my grandparents and appreciated them and considered them his second parents. He was the type of person to give you the shirt off his back. He would help anyone and everyone he could. In all the many years I knew him, I don't think I ever heard him say an unkind word about others, he just wasn't that type of person. He was an amazing father as well. His 4 children looked up to him and he set an amazing example for them. And if you ever saw him and his wife together you could tell they were so very in love and meant the world to each other. Mr brads heart was bigger than the sun. He is loved by so many and we miss him so much. I just keep telling myself he died a hero, and that my daddy was in heaven with his arms wild open ready to welcome him home.

Laci LoCicero
Family friend

July 21, 2016

Dep Garafola, may you rest in peace our brother. You will never be forgotten.

Sgt Richard Eckert
Town of Chester Police Dept

July 21, 2016

Thank you for your devoted service, brother. May your family find comfort and solace in the Promises of our Righteous and Holy God.

Deputy (Retired) Wayne Purcell
Perry County Sheriffs Office

July 21, 2016

R.I.P. BROTHER Garafola!!!

Nebraska Police Officer

July 21, 2016

RIP Brothers

Officer Alex Newell
Louisiana College Campus Police Department

July 21, 2016

You can find the obituary for Deputy Sheriff Bradford Allen 'Brad' Garafola here:
http://greenoaks.tributes.com/dignitymemorial/obituary/Brad-Allen-Garafola-103776475

BLUE LIVES MATTER!!!

SEMPER FIDELIS!!!

Grandchild of (late) WV Chief of Police

July 21, 2016

I didn't know him but my heart goes out to his Family and fellow officers and department. Thank you for your relentless service to us all

Prev. Police Officer Joann Creekmore
Fayetteville Police Department, NC

July 21, 2016

RIP Sir. May God be with your Family and loved ones. Rest easy now.

Officer Steven Austin
Lawrence TWP P.D. (NJ)

July 20, 2016

"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

Sergeant Chad Miner
Powell Wyoming Police Department

July 20, 2016

Rest in Peace, Deputy Sheriff Brad Garafola. Thank you for your service to this country and your community. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and your department at this time.

Chief Reuben C. Black
Barnwell Police Dept., Barnwell, SC

July 20, 2016

Rest In Peace Brother

Captain Steve Yancey
Forest Hill Police Department

July 20, 2016

Rest in peace Deputy Garagola. My sincere condolences to your family and to your department. God speed as you now patrol the streets of gold. Your service will not be forgotten.

OFC TERRY F. ZECH (RET)
VETERAN AFFAIRS POLICE DEPT, DETROIT MICHIGAN

July 20, 2016

Rest in peace my brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office.

James J. Scanlon (Retired CPD)
North American SWAT Training Assoc.

July 20, 2016

With saddened heart's Deputy Officer Brad Garafola has gone 10-42........ thank you for service you will be missed but not forgotten.

Security Officer James Hallgrimson
Blue Steel Security Services

July 20, 2016

Deputy Garafola, thank you sir for your service. You were murdered by a self proclaimed sovereign citizen, who did not acknowledge the rule of law as we all do. A cop hater for whatever reason. Thankfully, we will be spared the trial of this racist coward. You will be remembered as an officer who paid the ultimate sacrifice, for the protection of others. We will keep your family and Department in our thoughts. Please watch over us as we carry on.

Sergeant William Foley
Chicago Ridge IL PD

July 20, 2016

Thank you for your service to our great state of Louisiana. You nor your service will be forgotten. When teaching I would always speak of "fair weather " friends and "true blue" friends. Explaining that they (my students) could only truly count on those friends that were "true blue". Sir you were a "true blue" friend to all.....

Ed Curator Kimber Dooley
City of Monroe

July 20, 2016

For Brad, Montrell & Matthew ...
IN MEMORY
IN THE WORDS OF POLICE OFFICER HANNA VELAZUEZ ,DAD...
TEARS ON A BADGE

A Restless Soul Has traveled home
What am I to do
In a world without You ...

I don't want to believe
I turned around & you're gone
All the sweet memories
Of loving you for so long

Sometimes it's hard
And most times I cry
But God Holds this heart of mine
He feels the pain inside

Broken & undone
You were the one we counted on
You taught us how to say
I love you
Then you showed us how to pray

I don't want to believe
Lord No ...
I turned around & you're gone
All the sweet memories
Of loving you for so long

Sometimes it's hard
And most times I cry
But Holds this heart of mine
And He heals the pain I hide ...

And He said," Come unto me, all you are heavy laden & I will give you rest. For my yoke is easy & my burden is light."

" In the end,a Person is only known by the impact they have on others."
JIM STOVALL
Song from Michael Tate's CD EMPTY

When You walk through the Storm
Hold Your Head up High
And don't be afraid of the dark

Walk on through the Wind
Walk on through the Rain
Though Your Dreams be torched

Walk on ...
Walk on ...

With Hope in Your Heart
And You'll never walk alone ...
You'll Never ... Ever Walk Alone ...

Thank you Sons of Valor for your Unselfish & Brave Service
RIP, Brad, Montrell, & Matthew with Honor.
Gone from Our Arms ... Forever in Our Hearts ...

Ms. Karen Morgan, PSY. LE. GRAD.
EAGLES WING BAPTIST CHURCH, SD

July 20, 2016

God Bless You Deputy Brad GARAFOLA, Cpl Montrell JACKSON, Police Officer Mathew GERALD, of Baton Rouge LA, and all of your families and communities, and to all Those who serve and protect us.

another grateful supporter

July 20, 2016

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

July 19, 2016

Thank you for your service and giving the ultimate sacrifice. May God bless you and may God bless the United States of America.

Citizen Vince Duobinis
N/A

July 19, 2016