Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

On the anniversary of 9/11, I thank you and your comrades for your selfless duty and courage that momentous day. Your sacrifice and those of the victims and other first responders will forever be honored in the annals of brave men and women who gave their all for their city, state and for the United States of America. A hero in every sense of the word. At 15 years on the job, you could have done safer assignments than ESU--it says a lot about who you were.

James Lopey, Assistant Sheriff (Ret)
Washoe County Sheriff's Office (Reno, Nevada)
Nevada DPS

September 11, 2023

Today I had the privilege of doing the 332d AEW 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in honor of Brian Brady McDonnell. His bravery exemplified what it means to protect and serve, throwing aside his own personal safety to help others in their time of need. We can remember Brian's sacrifice by following his example in our daily lives. #NeverForget

Capt Isaac Egizi
USAF

September 10, 2023

Police Officer Brian Grady McDonnell, Thank you for your sacrifice. To the family, I found this page through (who I’m guessing is) a relative’s fb page. Your loved one will not be forgotten. Today, I will share Police Officer Brian Grady McDonnell‘s name, story, and photo with my 8 children and again talk with them about that terrible day that happened before any of them were born and pray for all the families so deeply affected by the attack. We will never forget. Thank you for all your sacrifice… I’m sure the years have been long and hard. He will never be forgotten. God bless you, Police Officer Brian Grady McDonnell.

Erin Ferraro

September 18, 2021

To Brian and McDonnell Family
I had the honor to wear band with Brian’s name during paddle out back in 2011 on 9/11 during the Quiksilver Pro New York, it was a special privilege for me. I am wearing this again today thinking about your heroism act to save lives. Thank you ❤️

Darren Brilhart

September 11, 2021

Officer McDonnell,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of New York City and our Country as well. Not just as a Police Officer but also when you served with the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 11, 2021

Hey Brian,
Stopping by tonight to say hi to you and to Nicky on his page and leaving a reflection for you both. I remember as you'd walk into the locker room before the tour started and you would say, "Hi, police", like a little kid. It still makes me laugh. Thanks for always backing us.

106 Pct. Midnight Brother
NYPD

January 25, 2021

I cannot say enough or offer enough tears or emotions for the numerous, numerous amazing men and women who gave so selflessly and heroically that day and for still many, the numerous days that followed over the numerous years to come. On this 19th anniversary of one of the deadliest days for American law enforcement I'd like to say to you all thank you, God Bless you and 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)

September 11, 2020

I wish you were here to see your name sake drive me crazy,(just as you would have wanted it) and to watch me swell with love as both boys make the transition into young adulthood. 18 years later I still go to pick up the phone and call you for the good, bad, & the ugly. The celebrations are not as full without your presence. You are alive in our stories, minds, and hearts. Unfortunately I still feel like I am bleeding without you and it’s forever Tuesday. Love you always Brian.

PO Stacey Maher (Ret.)
NYPD

September 11, 2019

Since September 11th, 2002, I have worn a bracelet/band on my wrist with your name on it. I asked for one to remember the fallen officers who risked everything on 9/11 in the line of duty.
I was given yours. The irony? Your mother’s name...my mother’s name. Your wife’s name...my wife’s name. A photo of you in uniform holding a black and white cat that, amazingly, looked just like the very first cat I ever rescued. And to top it off, you looked like a carbon copy of my best friend. In some photos....a mirror age of him.
Irrelevant in the bigger picture, but still something I found amazing. Maybe it was these little details that were there as added insurance that I felt a connection to you.
Regardless, I will never forget what you did that day. I will always say a prayer for your family and that they have found peace since your sacrifice.
One day, when my time comes...and I pass on...I hope that I get to see you as well. To tell you that you weren’t forgotten. That you are a true hero.
Until then, I will continue to wear that bracelet in your honor and to remind others, constantly, of what America endured that day. To make sure they never forget.

Jeremy Elkins

September 11, 2018

I climbed with your tag today at the Thomasville Professional Firefighters 9-11 Stair Climb in Thomasville, Georgia. You and your family are not forgotten!

Kathy J. Thompson
Retired 4th Grade History Teacher

September 11, 2018

Brian, Remembering you today. Thank you for always backing us up when we called. Please keep watching over us.

106 Pct Midnight Brother
NYPD

September 11, 2018

I climbed with your tag at the Clayton MO 9-11 memorial stair climb today...you are not forgotten!!!

Captain Scott Scharf
Desoto Fire Dept

September 9, 2018

Never forgotten. Your TPD brother.

Detective
Tucson PD

September 11, 2015

You as always are remembered

Pat
Civilian, Manchester, NH

September 11, 2012

I am forever in debt to the 23-37 and the 343. Your sacrifice has not been forgotten. You are a true hero, Thank you for your service Sir.

Deputy and Firefighter
Glades County, Florida

September 11, 2009

Officer McDonnell,
On today, the 8th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and all the other LEOs who died that day for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonmous

September 11, 2009

Brian

Eight years since you made the ultimate sacrifice. Your heroic actions are not forgotten.

DETECTIVE PATRICK DONOHUE
NYPD

September 11, 2009

You are not forgotten...thank you

Anonymous

September 11, 2009

The anniversary of 9/11 is coming up in a few days as you well know. I just wanted you to know that you have not been forgotten. Rest in Peace...

Sergeant Chris DiToro
NYPD

September 8, 2009

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your friends and family. May God bless and keep them.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, FOR HELPIPNG PROTECT OUR COUNTRY!!!!

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

March 12, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Police Officer McDonnell and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

January 12, 2009

R.I.P. Brother, we still remember and appreciate your sacrifice. God be with your family.

Officer Wil
Modesto CA PD

September 11, 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

January 3, 2008

Thank you, Ofc. Brian McDonnell, for your dedication to God, your family and. ultimately, your country.

Your sacrifice was not in vain, and you will never be forgotten.

God speed and God bless. Rest in peace, Ofc. McDonnell.

God Bless America.

LRVirgil, Civilian
Texas - Law Enforcement Supporter

September 30, 2007

You are not and will never be forgotten. You and the other brothers we lost that day are HEROES and will be remembered forever! Rest high on the streets of Heaven!

Deputy Brant Pewitt
Williamson Co. Sheriff's Dept TN.

September 11, 2007