Sergeant George A. (Andy) Brown III Florida Highway Patrol Florida Tuesday, April 27, 2004  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 62 of 63 of 64 of 65 of 66 of 6

I salute you for such a long and dedicated career to law enforcement. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones, protect them from harm and help ease some of their pain by wrapping your wings around them.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
2009-04-27

I logged on here Andy expecting to be sad. But the post about your shorts made me laugh. I was asked the other day why I still have you and another officer still in my phone. I guess to honor you.

LT P.M. Spurlock jr.
Columbia County S.O.
2009-04-17

I was watching the in memory of video and thought about the tragedy that placed your name here. I remembered a day in the academy that you came in to give a little pep talk. The problem was noone was listening. We were looking at your uniform pants that you were wearing that you had cut into shorts. What a nut I was thinking. You made us laugh time and time again. Protect us and your loved ones in our daily battles.

TROOPER
FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL
2008-12-31

Andy,
I will never forget one morning in the old academy when you were standing by the cafeteria looking down on us recruits in the concourse with your class b uniform and wearing uniform pants cut off into shorts. You always knew how to make people smile. It was an honor to later serve as a couselor with you. I never go into a Sonny's BBQ without thinking of you. You were one in a million.
Your friend,
Larry

Cpl. Larry H. McClellan Jr.

2008-10-08

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2008-05-01

Sgt. Brown,
You are truly missed. Traffic court is not the same without you there. Everyone hopes they get called for their case first, but I hoped you got called first. I paid close attention to your testimony. Nobody could stump you! I enjoyed watching you when the offender didn't get how they were "clocked" from an airplane. Your explanation was awesome, and made us all laugh. Even Judge T. laughed. I still tell new Officers/Deputies about you and how sharp you were. You made an ever-lasting impression on a lot of us, and set the bar for professionalism.

Dep Jeff Cook
St. Johns Co. Sheriffs Office
2008-03-03

"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
2007-12-12

Remembering Sergeant Brown on the 3rd anniversary of his passing. Thank you for your great service to the badge, still in the hearts of many.

2007-04-27

A man remembered with love and respect never dies but continues to live on in the hearts and minds of others.

2007-04-27

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
2007-04-26

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
2007-04-24

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
2007-04-05

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
2007-01-22

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
2007-01-22

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
2006-11-01

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
2006-10-30

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

2006-10-06

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
2006-09-30

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.
2006-09-22

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.
2006-06-07

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
2006-04-28

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

2006-04-27

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)
2006-04-27

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
2005-11-09

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
2005-04-24