Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The 3rd anniversary of your EOW has arrived and my thoughts are with your loved ones on this very trying day. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out guarding over the Thin Blue Line. Thank you for your dedicated career. I only wished you could have enjoyed some retirement as you surely deserved and earned it. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

April 26, 2007

It has been three years since your sensless death. We all remember and mourn for you still. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers this week. Please know that your death was not in vane. The person who did this is now in jail for the rest of his life and will not hurt anybody else.

God Bless you, Andy

Sandi Parrott
Florida Highway Patrol

April 24, 2007

Sgt Brown,

I never met you face to face, I only knew your voice on the phone....you would call Columbia County Sheriff's office Dispatch to ask for Sgt Sweat or another deputy---planning those aircraft details! I was working the day your duty officer called saying she could not get you on the radio. What a chilling moment. Myself and two other communication officers (Sarah Wheeler & Kathy Jolley) immediately summoned our units to your last 1020. It was a dark day....but there was no time to falter or grieve at that moment. There were suspect bolos, teletypes to be sent out for the suspects, phone calls to surrounding agencies, floods of calls from fellow officers, I felt as though I was hanging on by the seat my pants.....surrounded by chaos~~the job was done. The information was out and with that... a phone call came to Columbia County Sheriff's office-----"We think we have a unit behind your suspects...." There was a chase and several other officers injured but the suspects were apprehended and now justice is being served. Although justice does not bring you back.....it does provide a closure. You believed in being consistent and you believed in justice. I am now a Trooper (3 years), I still hear stories of you, your ethics, your values---I am proud to be wearing the same uniform. You are not forgotten---thank you for a job well done!

Trooper Tanya Terrell
Florida Highway Patrol-Gainesville

April 5, 2007

What A great roommate at the pilot's meetings,always a lot of fun.An outstanding pilot and dear friend.I shall always remember him.

Trooper Paul Bramletyt
Fla.Highway Patrol-Pilot

January 22, 2007

Andy,
I still think of you often, and can see your smile, words of wisdom, (Andy Brown style), and your usual greeting: "Hey Bubba!"
I still monitor 123.47 occasionally, hoping I'll hear that famous FHP pilot greeting we use for one another. I can still hear your voice on our old channel 4, calling out violators in Jacksonville, immitating the sound of a semi's Jake Brake, or sounding the plane's gear warning horn over the radio just before calling out a High Roller.
I'll always remember the pilot meetings we had, "back in the day", and the good times afterwards. I can't eat a Fig Newton with a glass of cold milk, or sit at a Sonny's Bar-B-Que drinking Iced Tea, without thinking of you...
And, I'll always remember your kindness as a friend. You made everyone you knew, feel like they were your best bud. What a shock it was that Tuesday morning when I got the call from Matt advising of your crash... I never thought I'd see your picture on "the wall."
You were an inspiration to me, and many others. You were a stand-up man who, like what you had to say, or not, spoke your mind. You always had the "Big Picture" in mind. I respected that.
There isn't a day of flying that goes by that I don't think of people like You, J.B., and other special people in my life. Only WE could know that thrill of what it means to "Bank and Yank, Clock and Talk, and Walk the Walk."
You are sorely missed, Bubba... Gone, but never forgotten. I'll be looking for you over that next cloud as we meet up in formation...
Big Bill

Sgt. Bill Bertrand - Fellow Pilot
FHP - West Palm Beach - Troop K

January 22, 2007

Platt received life in prison. I hope he spends the rest of his days realizing what a great Trooper and man he took from us. Keep on watching over us Sergeant, we miss you.

Trooper
FHP

November 1, 2006

Andy,

Guilty! Your death was not in vain. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't think of you, and what you did for the citizens of Florida. We know that you are watching down on us, and we thank God for people like you that gave the ultimate sacrifice. May you continue to rest in peace.

I often think about Tucker, and what he is missing not having you there with him. Please know tha your FHP family is watching over him.

Rest in Peace.

Sandi Parrott
Florida Highway Patrol

October 30, 2006

platt, was found guilty on 10/05/06, we will be there to see him sentenced. ill bet that smirk leaves his face. law enforcement of columbia county please be there for the sentencing to see this through.

anonymous

October 6, 2006

Andy, You are still greatly missed. I remember the last time i saw you, you stopped to help me change a flat tire on my patrol car. You were such a nice person and a gentleman. You would not let me help, and told me that I might break a nail. I once changed a flat tire on my patrol car with four of my guys from the city just standing around and watching. Thank you again for your help that day.
I travel down I -10 alot and you always pop in my mind. One of your sayings from traffic court comes to mind, " people are like elephants, they never look up". I must say I was to busy looking up (for the plane) last week and did not see a sgt trooper passing west bound. I had to sign on that line I never thought that I would put my signature on. Any way, you are still thought of and greatly missed in our Law Enforcement community.

OFFICER STACI BROWNFIELD
LAKE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

September 30, 2006

the trial is approaching. i want you to know much work is being put into it. i will be there. thanks for leaving a mark on my career. while we worked for different agencies, we worked together. i will always remember the day your laser took a ride. the comical comments. you are an inspiration to me as i get older(hard to admit). i know you went on and so shall i. thanks for the memories, and the honor of having worked along side you.

sgt. spurlock
columbia s.o.

September 22, 2006

we worked some laser yesterday at the crash scene. thought alot about the airplane details days and working laser with you....your still missed!!!

sgt. p.m. spurlock, jr.
columbia county s.o.

June 7, 2006

On the second anniversary of your tragic death, you and your family are remembered in prayer. Rest in peace, sir, and thank you for your service to the community.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

April 28, 2006

To Sgt. George Andy Brown, his loved ones and his fellow officers:

On this the second anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is revered and honored today.

May your family continue be to comforted by the warm embrace of their law enforcement family, and other police survivors who share this painful journey with them. My heart is with your family.

Reading all the loving reflections left by those who cared for you gives us an understanding of what a good and honorable man you were and of the high esteem with which you are held.

Sgt. Brown, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Sgt. Brown. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service Sgt. Brown gave to his community and the citizens of Florida, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 27, 2004.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 27, 2006

On the anniversary of your death, may you continue to keep watch over your family, friends, and co-workers from above. God bless you Sir.

Jennifer Aaron
Wife of Ofc. Duke G. Aaron, III (EOW 07/20/04)

April 27, 2006

HI ANDY, IT'S BEEN A YEAR AND SEVEN MONTHS SINCE YOU LEFT YOUR BROTHERS SO UNEXPECTEDLY ... I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO THROUGH PATROL SCHOOL WHILE YOU WERE OUR COUNSLER! YOU SHARED WITH US YOUR EXPERIENCES ON THE ROAD MAKING IT CLEAR OF THE DANGERS OUT ON THE ROAD AND ALSO MADE US LAUGH, MAKING IT EASIER TO GET THROUGH THE ACADEMY DAYS ,I STILL REMEMBER THE UNIFORM SHORTS AND SOCKS ON STAGE, EVERYONE LAUGHED! I NEVER SAW A CLEANER AND SHINIER CAMARO OR BEST KEPT UNIFORM! WHAT AN EXAMPLE !!! ANYONE WHO KNEW ANDY WOULD SAY THE SAME. YOU GAVE IT ALL BUDDY, REST IN PEACE ,GOD BLESS YOUR LOVED ONES AND OUR F.H.P,THAT YOU SO DEARLY LOVED THANKS ANDY !!!!!

TPR. J.VELEZ
FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL

November 9, 2005

If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go, Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always, Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own, And in time when men decide and feel safe to call the streets insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind. We will see you in Elysium…

OFC Crociata
GPD, Illinois

April 24, 2005

WE SURELY MISS YOU "BIG DUKE 6"! YOU LEFT BEHIND SOME BROKEN HEARTS.

TPR. S.W. COODY
FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL

October 6, 2004

Mrs.Brown,as I was reading how your husband died my heart was deeply touch for you and your family lost.I have been a police officer for 14 years and every time I read this web site its like my heart has been ripped from my soul.I can not being to understand you lost but I morn you lost because he was and is my Law Enforcement Officer Brother.Thanks for Letting me share my thoughts.John Harrington

Officer John Harrington
Montgomery Airport Police

September 30, 2004

Sgt Brown was a troopers trooper. He is what any peace officer would want to be. I rememder that when he got his new (camaro) patrol car, he was like a kid with a new toy. I will miss you, I hope I can be half the cop you were. To his family thank you for sharing him with us all.

A Friend
US Army M.P.

September 26, 2004

Dear Andy,

We still miss you. Thanks for all that you did. Rest in Peace.

Sandi Parrott
Florida Highway Patrol

August 6, 2004

We are truly saddened at Andy's loss.
--------------------------------------
We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
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Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton (NY) P.D.

June 11, 2004

I,like many others, first met Andy as a recruit at the Patrol Academy. I was part of the crossover program that put current L.E.O.'s through an abbreviated academy. Most of us had several years experience with County or City agencies. We all shared the desire to become Florida Troopers. Andy brought humor, enthusiasm and a genuine love for the Patrol to our class. I feel fortunate to have met such a man.

Trooper P.A. Delgado
FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL

May 31, 2004

I worked with George Papa Bear Andy's father and Andy several years in Volusia County. Andy was the best of the best, I know we want ever see anyone come close to what this trooper meant to the Florida Highway Patol to the state of Florda and to his family and friends.

Cpl DK Wiles
Florida Highway Patrol

May 22, 2004

Sgt.Brown You Will Be Missed And I Will Never Forget All The Funny Comments You Would Make While We Were Working The Aircraft Detail,You Made Work Fun.Our Thoughts Are With You And Your Family Every Day. Your Friend Sgt.Mike Sweat Columbia County SO.

Sgt.Mike Sweat
Columbia County Sheriffs Office

May 10, 2004

When the Lord was creating state troopers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one."

And the Lord said, "Have you read the spec on this order? A state trooper has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn't touch, and not wrinkle his uniform.

"He has to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day.

"He has to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half-eaten meals. And he has to have six pairs of hands."

The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands... no way."

"It's not the hands that are causing me problems," said the Lord, "it's the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have."

"That's on the standard model?" asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, "May I see what's in there, sir?" (When he already knows and wishes he'd taken that accounting job.) "Another pair here in the side of his head for his partners' safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, 'You'll be all right ma'am, when he knows it isn't so."

"Lord," said the angel, touching his sleeve, "rest and work on this tomorrow."

"I can't," said the Lord, "I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on a civil service paycheck."

The angel circled the model of the state trooper very slowly, "Can it think?" she asked.

"You bet," said the Lord. "It can tell you the elements of a hundred crimes; recite Miranda warnings in its sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five learned judges to debate the legality of the stop... and still it keeps its sense of humor.

This trooper also has phenomenal personal control. He can deal with crime scenes painted in hell, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim's family, and then read in the daily paper how law enforcement isn't sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects."

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the state trooper. "There's a leak," she pronounced. "I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model."

"That's not a leak," said the lord, "it's a tear."

"What's the tear for?" asked the angel.

"It's for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag, for justice."

"You're a genius," said the angel.

The Lord looked somber. "I didn't put it there," he said.

Fellow Sergeant
Florida Highway Patrol

May 8, 2004