Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Brian:

Wow, 34 years since you left us. Your death has never quite left all of us working that day., and never will. I've been to your gravesite several times over the years, but have since retired and moved away. But the events of that day are still vivid.
Rest in peace Brian, and know that our sacred blue line will ALWAYS hold, in part, in remembrance of you and your sacrifice.

Winston Churchill once said of his military, "Never have so many, owed so much, to so few". And that can be said of you, others who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and those of us who served and answered the cry of the wolf at the door.

Rest well.

Detective Ron Tomassi, #2287, (Retired),
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office, Sgt. Lake Mary Police, (FL), Retired

August 22, 2022

I remember that day as though it was yesterday. I was a young Officer with NPB PD then. I know several WPBPD people and all of them respected you. That alone says volumes about you although I never had the chance to meet you in person. RIP, Sir

Sgt. Gordon Lerner
North Palm Beach PD

August 23, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 22, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Chappell.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 15, 2019

I was a dispatcher with West Palm Beach PD when this happened. It was extremely difficult and brought to light a lot of issues that were happening with the radio communications back in the day. I left West Palm PD shortly after the incident... not because of it... but because of all that I had learned in my time there and took it with me as Dispatch Supervisor for another agency. I went on to have a very long career that I do not regret but sadly did way too many final sign offs with my department. I did not know Brian well, but his death taught me to be a better dispatcher. And for that, I thank him as I can imagine every officer I worked with over the next 16 years did.

Pamela Heaston, Ret Dispatch Supv
Former WPBPD Dispatcher/Call Taker

March 1, 2016

I remember Brian and I was crushed when he died... it has hurt for a long time. I've since moved out west to Arizona, and decided to build a tribute police bike for some of friends out here... and Brian's memory came up... I'll put his name and 10-94 on the bike.

RIP Brian

Jeremy Dixon
Just a friend, not an officer

February 20, 2016

Brian:
After 25 plus years, I finally can write to you without choking up. On the day you left us, I was assigned to the Detective Division of the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office, when we got word of the shooting. For hours we worked to find that bastard, who's name is not worthy to be mentioned on the sacred site. Now, after all these years, I reflect on that day, and the other officer down shootings I was involved in, from Rocky Hunt, to Frank Genovese.
You did well, Brian, and made of all proud. Thank you for your sacrifice and answering the cry of the wolf at the door. Our sacred blue line gets thinner and thinner, but in your name and all the others, the line will hold. Rest in peace my brother.

Detective Ron Tomassi
Lake Mary Police Dept.

January 30, 2014

My parents tell me that he would have been my favorite uncle. They named me after him. I was 4 years old when he was killed. The only memory I have of him is a picture of me sitting on his police motorcycle with him standing beside me smiling. I would have really loved to know him these past 25 years.

Brian J Chappell
Nephew

August 21, 2013

I was 12 when I saw him get shot. I was 17 when I myself was shot point blank. Rumors circulated that it was for testifying. His niece called me while I was recovering from my injuries and gave me strength. I do not regret my decision when I was 12 to do the right thing. However the fact that justice was not handed to either of us has made be question our justice system. To his family I send prayers and to his niece that called me at the hospital, I thank you for your concern and strength to get me through my ordeal. I did not know Brian but I hope your watching over your family and when your not to busy over me and mine.

Rafael
Witness

April 16, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

April 11, 2013

Brian,

Long time gone but not forgotten. I remember our trips to the Bahamas, diving, fishing and having a beer or two. Fun loving, honest and a good COP, I know you are in a better world. Rest in peace brother.

Sgt Bill sandman, (Retired)
West Palm Beach P.D.

August 26, 2012

Continue to rest in peace Officer Chappell, we will never forget...

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

August 22, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Chappell. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 16, 2012

Just happened to stop by here on the 23rd anniversary of your death. The search for your killer had us hopping, and it was with great relief when we in the LE community learned of his capture. Keep the peace, brother.

(former) Officer John Brooks
North Palm Beach DPS (police division)

August 22, 2011

Officer Chappell, you sir are not forgotten. We will never forget the sacrifice that you made for us. God bless your family as they face another EOW. Continue to rest in peace Officer Chappell.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Deb

August 22, 2011

Hey, Brian..... We still miss you down here. It was such a shock when you died...It really jolted all of us. I worked in Mangonia Park, righ next to West Palm at the time. You had worked a detail and a bunch of us had dinner at the old Humana Hospital and you came in to join us. It seemed so strange that one night (My last night in Mangonia) we were all having dinner and then a week later you were dead.

From one motorman to another, ride on.


You are sorely missed.

Officer Robert Worcester
Tequesta Police Department

October 7, 2009

Dear Police Officer Brian Heywood Chappell,
I often come to this page to pay my respects and was saddened to see another fallen hero, even if it was so many years before. I don't know if our families have any more in common other than our names, state, and service to the public, but I do know that in our hearts, we ARE family. The Law Enforcement Brotherhood is one that endures forever. May your family rejoice in your life and take peace in knowing that you will always be a hero. Heroes Live Forever...

LEO Wife and Mom
Sgt. M. Chappell and Officer M. Chappell

March 27, 2009

Just read the article online from the Palm Beach Post where your father stated that your killer will outlive him.
What a travesty that there has been no justice for your murder. We pray that justice will be served soon.
Rest in peace motorman, you are not forgotten.
Chief John Roelandts (retired) former RBPD Sgt and motorman
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc

August 22, 2008

I cannot believe it has been twenty years since your death. As we reluctantly knew then, all of your fellow officers mused, knowing the justice system, that we hoped we weren't retired before your killer was put to death. Sadly that may very well come true. For your parents I can tell them you are not forgotten by the officers who knew him and worked with him side by side each day. I knew when Brian was riding beside me that he had my back. Brian was a good man, friendly, with a great sense of humor, and truly loved his job. He was keenly aware of maintaining that balance between finding humor in a situation on the street and knowing when the situation required the utmost professionalism. He proudly rose to both occasions each and every day. He will not be forgoten by any officer that had the opportunity to serve with him.

Captain Brett Patterson
West Palm Beach Police

July 24, 2008

I still miss you buddy.

Officer (retired)Billie Bledsoe
Palm Beach Gardens/ Friend and fishing buddy

June 6, 2008

"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
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 8, 2007

In Honor of Police week I would just like to say you are not forgotten. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Michele Geer
sister of Officer Thomas Morash E/O/W 10-17-03

May 12, 2007

I just read a story about Officer Chappell murder in a True Detective Cop Killers book. I pray for his family and friends, and hope the coward who killed him pays. They had a mug shot of the murderer in the book and he looks just like something straight out of hell. Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service.

Sr. Capt. Shannon Yates
Collins Fire Dept. (Mississippi)

April 15, 2007

Dear Brian,I can't believe it's been so long,still hard to believe your gone.I bet Lori misses you too.Boy did we have some conversations.I sure hope your Resting In Peace....

kimberley
retired

December 13, 2005

Rest in Peace, we got it from here.

Explorer Chris Chappell
Maryland State Police

March 7, 2005