Officer Down Memorial Page

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 23rd anniversary of your death. 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
April 16, 2012

15 April 1989, Kingwood,; Preston County; West Virginia & the Nation, paused to Honor a Hero, Trooper J.T. Brammer. Heroes do live forever!!
Your actions exemplified the qualities of Pride, Integrity & Guts.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13), and J.T. paid the ultimate price.
The pain in the hearts of your Family and your Law Enforcement Family is as strong today as it was on this horrible day, in April 1989, may God be with them and continue to guide them.
No one is ever gone until they are forgotten. We will never forget.

God Bless Trooper Brammer; Trooper Brammer's Family; and the West Virginia State Police.

Robert Hayhurst, Deputy Retired
Jackson Co Sheriff Dept(2005-12)
US Dept of Justice-BOP(83-2005)
Monongalia Co Sheriff Dept(75-83)
WVU Police(71-75)
February 4, 2012

My heart is so heavy. Jim was a good friend and a very good person. Jim will always have a special place in my heart. I still have pictures of Jim and the helmet cover he signed back in 68. One of his favorite sayings was Chevy II much! He had a Chevy II. I asked him many times aren't you from Virginia just to hear him say West by God! I have laughed over the years about that. Jim will always be that 19 yr. old pure of heart West Virginia buddy! May God bless his Family and Children.

Sgt. Ben Fortson
C company 589th Viet Nam Good Friend
December 7, 2011

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
April 15, 2010

Rest in Peace Trooper. We pray for you and those you left behind.

Trooper
Michigan State Police
March 6, 2010

I caught the tail end of your story on Real Stories of the Highway Patrol and felt compelled to look you up. You have not died in vain, we strive each day to put the uniform on with honor and pride, just as you did.

To the Brammer's, I'm sorry for your loss and undue sacrifice you have endured.

Rest in peace, brother.

Trooper
Virginia State Police
November 23, 2009

You were always my best friend, from childhood until death. You always stayed in touch with me thoughout the years. You were truly a great man and police officer. I had a wonderful long talk with the kids (Mike & Beth) a few years ago and told them a bunch of stories about you. Beth was so little when she lost you so she really enjoyed our conversation. I hope to be with you again someday buddy. God Bless you Jim. You will never be forgotten.

Roger McDowell
Best Friend
November 16, 2009

On today's date, 11/2/09, the road that leads to the Kingwood Detachment was named JT BRAMMER LANE to honor our fallen brother.

Sergeant Danny Swiger
West Virginia State Trooper-Kingwood
November 2, 2009

Trooper Brammer, we remember your sacrifice twenty years later. Your service to this state is appreciated by many more than than is known. The people of West Virginia can be proud of men like you. God bless you and your family.

Bill Jordan-citizen
April 15, 2009

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 2, 2008

Rest In peace. You will NEVER be forgotten.

E. G. D.
December 21, 2007

Rest in peace. You will never be forgotten. 10-42

Cpl. Branham
WVSP
December 16, 2007

Daddy,
Your new grandson is beautiful. He often looks at your picture on our wall. He will stare at it for several minutes. I wish you could have met him. You would have been so proud. I love you and miss you very much.

Beth Brammer
Daughter
February 26, 2007

This is to Beth, as long as there are men and women brave enough to put on the uniform your father will not be forgotten. Men like him have paved the way for all of us that have followed. He was a hero and shall live on for all eternity.

Brother in Blue
August 3, 2006

I just got off work tonight, turned on the TV and saw Real Stories of the Highway Patrol. They told your story. I would have liked to have met you but it was not meant to be. Rest in peace, Trooper. And to the other Trooper with you that day, I hope you are doing well. Bless your families and bless you both for your service.

Sgt Al Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Yuma, AZ
July 13, 2006

J.T.

I talked to you on the phone just a few days before you were killed. To this day, it is hard for me to believe what happened to you and Ron. We are all better Law Enforcement Officers today because we were lucky enough to have known you. We are still keeping the watch here and I know you are keeping watch over us. God bless you and your family.

Dan Holsinger, Lt.
Kingwood Police Dept.

Lt. Daniel L. Holsinger
Kingwood Police Dept
April 10, 2006

My dad is Ron Hicks, JT's partner. He thinks about you everyday...we all do. I remember your kindness, and your family, and appreciate all you did.

Courtlin Hicks
February 28, 2006

Thank you all for your kind words said about my father. In my opinion, ever law enforcement officer is a hero because of the sacrfice they make when they sign up for the job. My father was taken away from me when I was very young. I wasn't able to get to know him as well as other members of my family. It touchs me to hear kind words said about my dad. The more I hear about him the less I feel like he is slipping away from my memory. Your kind words mean the world to me. Thank you!!

Beth Brammer
TFC James T. Brammers Daughter
September 28, 2005

Trooper Brammer I saw your story on Real stories of the Highway Patrol and you were a model Trooper. May you rest in peace!

Patrol Officer Chris J. Rohner
Licking Memorial Hospital Police Dept. Newark,OH
July 27, 2005

05/25/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Trooper Brammer.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
May 25, 2004

Rest in peace.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

05-02-03 MAY GOD BLESS. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.