Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My thoughts and prayers are with the family I pray that God will help them make it through this most difficult time. Thank you brother although it's the end of your watch you will never be forgotten.

Major JP Morgan
CCSO Retired

July 19, 2016

May God Bless and take care of these hero's and their family's. They will be in our prayers forever. They all lived and died hero's.

Det./ Lieutenant Steve Seifried
Pompton Lakes, N.J. Police Dept.

July 19, 2016

Praying for God's hand of peace for surviving family.

Rev. Jesse C. White
Chaplain Missouri State Highway Patrol

July 19, 2016

Rest in peace brother! Thank you for your service. Warrior and guardian. Only GOD knows.

Chief Jim Spratlen
Durango Police Department

July 19, 2016

I knew Brad well. My husband and Brad called each other brothers, because they were closer than friends. Our families got together often, to eat, joke around and let our kids play together. I was at his house just last week, enjoying his Pastalaya (he was an incredible cook) and the 4 of us sitting around his dining table joking around after dinner while the kids swam in his pool. Never in a million years did I realize it would be the last time the 4 of us would sit around that table and share laughs together. For those of you who didn't have the pleasure of knowing Brad, he was a great person. The most generous person I know. He was the man who was first person to wish me a happy Mother's Day last year, and catch the snake that somehow got into my kitchen. His entire cul-de-sac relied on him for various things, from cutting the grass, to home repairs, to allowing local kids to come over and learn the joys of being outside and playing like we did way back when, before iPad and Xbox took over. He loved being outside! For him, going back indoors was like being in time-out. He always had a million projects going on. The main one he was working on was his 15-year-old daughter's car. He had bought 2 identical junk yard cars and was going to piece them together so it would be ready when he taught her to drive. He will never finish her car. He will never see his kids graduate, or walk his 2 daughters down the aisle. Everyone who knew him as I did is so broken-hearted right now. The world is a darker place without him in it. He died as he lived, helping others and doing what needed to be done. He is missed horribly by his wife, children, family, friends and co-workers. We love you Brad. God must have needed you to fix His pearly gates. Rest in peace Brother.

Lauren Aguiniga
BRFD wife

July 19, 2016

Rest In Peace. My prayers to your family, friends and colleagues. May God comfort you in this time of great sorrow. Let the Thin Blue Line stand strong.

CSO II (retired) Lea Ellis
Louisiana State Penitentiary

July 19, 2016

Simply put: BLUE LIVES MATTER!!!

Grandchild of l(ate) WV Chief of Police

July 19, 2016

You were an amazing neighbor who we could turn to for anything. It didn't matter how big or small or how personal our problem was. We just had to wait for you to dry your sweat because you were always working on something for your family, friends, & neighbors. You will be greatly missed. You will always be a hero. Thank you for allowing my family to know the honorable man you are.

Brandon Moss
Friend & Neighbor

July 19, 2016

'Blessed are the Peacemakers'.

Sincere Condolences. United We Stand.

Sgt. Randy Keenan / Ret.
City of Alameda, CA Police Dept.

July 19, 2016

Rest in Peace My Brother. You are in the arms of the Lord God Almighty. Your death is not in vain. The hour shall come when the Mighty Hand of God will smite those who have committed and conspired this evil deed.

I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends and Co-Workers.

Amen.

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood (Ret)
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, TX

July 19, 2016

The National Police Wives Association would like to extend their heartfelt prayers to the family of Deputy Garafola and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office during this time. Thank you, Deputy Garafola, for your service.

Administration
National Police Wives Association

July 19, 2016

May God's deepest comfort and grace uphold Deputy Garafola's family and police family. His sacrifice, as is that of his dear family's, is beyond my ability to describe. Be assured of my prayers for peace.

Senior Chaplain Mark Campbell
Morristown TN Police Department

July 19, 2016

Rest in peace brother.

Officer Kyle Groose
Laramie PD, WY

July 19, 2016

You will be missed and remembered forever and ever.

John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

Sergeant Rodney Ozley
Upson County Sheriff's Office

July 19, 2016

Rest in peace Brother.

Lt. A. Hoopes
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office Va.

July 19, 2016

We got from here, rest well.

Sergeant C McHugh
HCSO

July 19, 2016

DEPUTY BRAD GARAFOLA YOU ARE A BRAVE MAN AND A TRUE HERO.MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.MAY GOD BLESS THE EAST BATON ROUGE SHERIFFS DEPT.DURING MY CAREER AS A DEPUTY,WE LOST TWO FELLOW DEPUTIES DURING A DISTURBANCE.BUT WE GOT THRU IT WITH GOD'S HELP AND SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY.YOU WILL PULL THRU WITH GOD'S HELP.

DAVID HARRIS -RETIRED DEPUTY SHERIFF
HENDERSON CO SHERIFF OFFICE ,TX

July 19, 2016

On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of Deputy Sheriff Brad Garafola and the extended law enforcement family of the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana.

End of Watch: Sunday, July 17th, 2016.

Rest in Peace brother and watch over us.

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.

By Jon F. Hooper

"Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

July 19, 2016

Sir, you are a true hero. I read about your actions yesterday and I am proud to call you my brother. I will be saying a prayer for you and your family tonight. We will never forget....

Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

July 19, 2016

God Bless You, Your Family, & Friends. Thank you for your unselfish service.

James P Waggle
Civilian

July 19, 2016

RIP brother, you will never be forgotten.

Officer J. Honeycutt
Utah Valley University Police

July 19, 2016

A portion of a letter written by President Abraham Lincoln, printed in the Boston Evening Transcript on November 25, 1864.

“I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic (he) died to save.
I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.
Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,
A. Lincoln”

Police Officer M. Reuss
Eagan MN Police Department

July 19, 2016

TO THE FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES OF EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE, DEPUTY SHERIFF BRAD GARAFOLA.

My heart is filled with great sadness at learning of the lost of your loved one and fellow Deputy Sheriff.
We in the law enforcement community are a family, although our uniforms may be a different style and vary in color, a badge, shield or star may be pinned upon our chest.
Our areas of enforcement may vary but our goals are the same, to Serve and Protect our communities. We consist of many different agencies from across the nation, for we are: Municipal Police Officers, Sheriff's Deputies, State Police Investigators, State Highway Patrol Troopers, Conservation Police Officers, College Campus Police Officers, Correctional Officers and Federal Agents just to name a few.
We patrol small towns, large cities, college campuses, county roads, state highways, state prisons, county jails, state parks and the United States Borders.
Whether active duty or retired, we are one family, a Law Enforcement Family, the thin blue line of protectors, brothers and sisters bonded together by HONOR, SERVICE and PRIDE.
Daily we honor our fallen brothers and sisters never forgetting their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families.
Daily our position is clear that we will Serve and Protect our communities without faltering and with no hesitation.
Daily we show pride in our chosen profession LAW ENFORCEMENT, for we willingly walk the line of good over evil facing the unknown with courage keeping our trust and our faith in GOD.
We know that evil roam these streets and at any moment in the course of performing our duties the ultimate sacrifice might be required of us in the service to out community, for Law Enforcement is not a job but a calling and only a few will make the decision to commit to that calling to serve for some will give all that they have.
ALL LIVES MATTER - LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS SHOULD BE RESPECTED - If we don't respond to that call for help, or investigate that suspicious subject, or stop for that stranded motorist, or rush to that call of shots fired then who will?
DEPUTY GARAFOLA
You did not die in vain.
You sacrificed your life in the service to the citizens East Baton Rouge Parish in the State of Louisiana with HONOR, PRIDE and DISTINCTION.
I'm proud to have worn the uniform of a law enforcement officer like you did.
I'm proud to have pinned the badge upon my chest like you did.
I'm proud to have Served and Protected my community as you did.
I'm proud to call you my BROTHER!
I commend you my fallen brother for making the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of your duty.
For you left us doing what you chose to do.
Performing a job yo were trained to do.
Upholding the oath you swore to do.
Most importantly doing what you loved to do..........Serving and Protecting your community with Honor and Pride making a better and safer place for us all.
FOR THOSE WHO FIGHT FOR IT, "LIFE HAS A FLAVOR THE PROTECTED WILL NEVER KNOW".
FINAL CALL
Deputy Garafola status........Deputy Garafola status........... Deputy Garafola status...........Attention All Units.............. East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, Deputy Sheriff Brad Garafola having served the citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish in the State of Louisiana with HONOR, PRIDE and DISTINCTION is now 10-42.
Rest in Peace my fallen Brother, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!

Senior Master Investigator Cardell L. Dobbins #188 (Ret.)
Illinois Secretary of State Department of Police District 01, Region 01

July 19, 2016

"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

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

July 18, 2016

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Officer Garafola. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at Baton Rouge Police Department.

U.S. Postal Inspector Scott Horne
U.S. Postal Inspection Service

July 18, 2016