Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Brian Robert Litz

Marion County Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch Saturday, February 7, 2004

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Brian Robert Litz

Hi Brian,
Just wanted to tell you that I saw your little guy on a TV clip and how proud you would have been of him, he is such a handsome and smart little guy, just like his Daddy... I know your watching down on all of us, we miss and love you a lot.Please keep watch over Brian, Jack, Ryan and Aidan too, those little guys need you...
Love Aunty Denise

Denise Roy Manseau
aunt

May 18, 2009

Hey Brian,

I was driving through an area of OPE today and it occurred to me that it was the last place that I spoke to you the night before. Dang, I can still see you loading Justice up and hear you say "Later Bro".

I saw Lil Brian at the annual Christmas Party. Wow, he's grown so much and he is so smart. You should be very proud indeed.

Rest Easy Brother

Deputy
MCSO

April 11, 2009

Hey Bri, 5 yrs already gone by. Seems like yesterday. I still think about you often and you are sadly missed by all the guys here in Agawam.

Keith A. Josephson
hometown friend

February 27, 2009

Forgive me for missing the anniversary of your E.O.W., but I felt as though I could not continue to read about so many tragedies. I now realize the visit each day to leave a word of encouragement and hope to the loved ones of others, helps me to remember that I am not alone with my pain and heartbreak. So may I say to your friends and loved ones that my thoughts and prayers are with them now and always. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol and may they know you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

February 20, 2009

Deputy Litz
I’m a retired police officer from up north and the only accomplishment I did not get to do in my career was becoming a K-9 officer. I have always had the utmost respect and admiration for the officers and their partners. I loved to watch them train and sometimes would take the bite for them. I moved to Florida three years ago and last fall decided to take some classes to update my resume. About two weeks ago my speech instructor told us to do a speech on something that we feel strongly about, and when I left the classroom I wasn’t sure what to write about until I saw the K-9 patrol car on the way home. I called a good friend of mine from my old department Sgt. CJ Brooks who was a K-9 officer and trainer and told him what I needed and he gave me some good web sites. He also told me to look you up on the computer, he said that he met you down here several years ago and was very impressed with you and the way you spoke about your job. He then explained about your death, and told me to go to the ODMP where he says that he checks on you all the time.
I did all my research on the K-9 background and about you and your partner Justice. I completed reading your reflections last Wednesday night and then began writing my speech for Friday.
On Friday when I walked in front of my classmates, which I see you have met, and then stepped behind the podium I was nervous, never being a group speaker unless it was in front of an angry crowd. But with the material I had made me feel a little better. I started with the background and training of K-9s, also about a few of my experiences with drug and tracking dogs. I then talked about you and your partner Justice, the way you loved your job and the professional way you did it. I explained how close you and Justice were and what his reaction was at your funeral. When I was finished you could have heard a pin drop, and I’m thinking I blew it, but I didn’t I got an A and you sir got a standing ovation, the reason I know is when they sat back down I said that was for Deputy Litz and they started all over again. Then when I was walking away from the podium I felt a small pat on my back, I’m not a person who believed much in the after world, but I knew where that pat came from, thank you.
Like I said before, you and Justice have my utmost respect and admiration, and I want to thank you for the job that you did to protect your family, friends, coworkers and community you worked. You and your family will always be in my prayers and I hope they have found some peace and are able to move forward in their lives. Rest in peace sir on a job well done, we have the watch.

Mike/Student
Fellow Officer Retired

February 16, 2009

Deputy Litz
As I sit here and type this message I want you to know there are nine other college students sitting here with me. We came to this page after listening to a speech today in our class about K-9 officers and their partners, which included you and your partner Justice. We just wanted you to know that there are ten new people keeping you, your family and your department in our prayers. You will never be forgotten by your community, as we have read about your memorials, and you will not be forgotten by us. Rest in peace Deputy Litz, and thank you for your service. Jim, Julie, Cathy, Harry, Tommy, Susan, Shelly, Jody, Tara, Cassandra.

Florida College Students

February 13, 2009

Brian,
I can't believe it has already been 5 years. The pain is less sharp, but it still hurts every day. Life will never be the same without you in it. How crazy our lives can change, so quickly. So much change in the last five years. To this day, I still meet people that you left an impression upon.
You are still an important part of our lives, and always will be. In fact,just this morning, as Dede and I were getting ready for school and work, you were part of our conversation. You would be so proud of her. She has a full scholarship to CFCC. She took a criminal justice class last semester and of course got an "A" in the class, it runs in the blood.
I know how proud you are of little man. What a blessing it is to know, that you are watching over him every day. What a great little person he has become. He did a great job with his reading at Mass Saturday. He played his heart out for you at his basketball game.
As always, on the 7th of February, we all meet for lunch at Harry's in remembrance of you. We got a group photo this year, we always seem to forget when lunch is over to get a photo. But, I remembered this year! It would have been better to have had you in our group photo, well to see you in the photo, I know you were there.
The Priest spoke of Heaven and angels on Saturday. How that Heaven is all around us, and that means his angels are also, which means you are, always with us, watching over us. That brought so much comfort to me.
Miss you and Love you... always!
Vonnie

Vonnie Hart
friend

February 11, 2009

2/7/09

Thinking of your loved ones today; five years is such a long time to be separated from someone you love.

Norie Haas
Mother of Brian A. Haas
E.O.W. 4/24/04

Norie Haas

February 7, 2009

Dear Bri #23,

We're getting ready to go to your Anniversdary Mass @ Saint Johns. It's been a long 5 years & it does not get easier. Yes, here I go sucking for air. Again the tears are pouring down my face. Going to need a make-up redo.

We love reading your reflections. And writing them is so emotional. You must of been so proud of Brian's readings at Our Lady of Peace this morning. You know we were there in spirit. Just as you are always with us with your #23. Donna being buried on the 23rd of last month. Last night at Dean College Sara performed a solo. Yes, it was the 23rd Annual Dance Showcase. It goes on & on, it's so comforting. Somehow you know that.
Scott & Cindy are having another boy in May. We'll have 3 Grandsons. That will keep us buzy. Jack wanted to name the baby Jill (if it was a girl). "Ya know Jack & Jill went up the hill, Grandma?) Or just Jack for a boy. "Well Lil Brian's Dads name is Brian! So why can't we have 2 Jacks??" Try explaining that to a 4 year old. When his father's name is Scott. LOL"S
Gotta go get ready. Keep watching over all of your friends, family & LEO's.

Until then, we'll be loving you again!
Mom (Dad too!)

Nancy Litz

February 7, 2009

Scoob, it's been extremely hard to concentrate at work today because my thoughts keep drifting back to you. It hurts as much today as it did 5 years ago. I miss your voice over the radio and yet smile to myself when I can still remember vividly how it sounded. Thank you for making such a huge impact on all of us. You will never be forgotten. Please continue to protect us with your mighty wings from above. Love and miss you dearly.

Sgt. Angela Rawls
Marion County Sheriff's Office

February 7, 2009

To Deputy Brian Litz and his loved ones:

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

My heart is with your wife, son, mother and father, and other family members who call you beloved. I am especially touched by your mother's loving reflections for you as I too am the mother of a son who is forever in my heart. They are all in my thoughts and prayers today.

Brian, I know that you rescued us, saved 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, Brian. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Brian gave to his community and the citizens of Florida, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 7, 2004.

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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 7, 2009

I just wanted to stop by today and let you and your family know that we are thinking about them and you. Five years is a long time, and I wanted them to know that you will not be forgotten, I have my blue candles that shine in Fort Walton Beach for all L.E.O.'s.
Deputy Litz watch over your family and let them know you are close, and look Clint up for me let him know we sure miss him...

Connie Barker F.W.B. Fl
Mother of Clint Walker Prattville P.D. E.O.W. 1-14-04

February 6, 2009

I keep looking at the calendar, wondering if my math skills are working, because it can't possibly be five years. Still seems like both yesterday and forever ago.

The Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA) is having a Fallen Officer Memorial Service on March 9th in Tallahassee. They've asked for memorabilia for a time capsule. I hate to part with it, but I'm sending one of your trading cards to be included.

I forgot that your personal message was on the back of the trading card. "What we do today shall echo in eternity." You touched lives and your message still carries on.

Just a favor to ask, Bri...keep watch, please, over my boys. They're fearless crime fighters (just like you always were)and I'd sure appreciate you being their guardian angel.

To Brian's mom....I read your messages to your son from time to time. You're in my prayers and have a special place in my heart (two sons and my husband are LEO's as well)...God Bless you all...

Sr. Ofc. Beckie Sirolli
Leesburg Police Dept.

February 5, 2009

Hi, I just wanted to let you know that I still have your picture on the wall with our class. I taught another group of students last night on how to work with Deaf indivduals. I just wanted to drop a quick note so you and your wonderful family would know that I think of you often although I have relocated. Zoe sends you a kiss. She is such a wonderful dog. Thank you for making this world a better place. You are truly missed!!!!!!!!!Jen/Zoe

Jennifer Tozzo Fire Medic MA
Instructor

January 15, 2009

Dear Brian,

Another year has come and gone but our love for you has grown. We miss you more than ever. Forget that closure thing. Your son has turned into a fine young man, just like you were. Your mother and I are doing fine. Scott and Cindy are having another boy and Jack is very happy. My son as you see life goes on but our love for you and your spirit never waves. We will continue to miss and love you until we meet in heaven. We will do our best without you here and we will always keep you in our hearts and minds.

Love Dad

Ray Litz
Dad

January 1, 2009

Hi Brian!

I was just sitting here and you popped into my mind! I can't believe you have been gone 4 years. It doesn't feel that long. It really seems only like you were here yesterday. I am now happily married. Can you believe it?? It amazes me how much things change around us. It really is inevitable. You were such a good friend and I miss chatting with you. I hope that Cherie and Lil' Bri are doing well. I saw them at the Law Enforcement Dinner this past May and I almost didn't recognize Lil' Bri. He has grown so much! He looks so much like you! And Justice! Well he is just as sweet as he always was and a little pudgier too! ;) You will never know how much you made an impression on myself and others. I hope that you stay watch over our guys out on the road. I see lots of "newbies" out there and wish they had gotten a chance to meet a great deputy and person like you.

God Bless,
Jaime

Jaime
Marion County Sheriff's Office

October 13, 2008

Good Morning, Just wanted say my family and I still think
Of you often and will continue to keep you and your family
in our the thoughts and prayers. Well sir take care and we'll continue the watch, until we reunite some day.

Mrs.Litz and family,My Wife and I think of you and lil Brian
Often, thanks for letting my daughter pet justice at the
Appreciation dinner she thinks of "justice", and she still
remembers when Deputy Litz first showed her justice at the
Grocery Store when she was younger. God Bless All.

MarkMiller
Ocala Police /City Watch Officer

August 11, 2008

Rest In Peace Brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you family.

Patrol Officer Kent Hair
McLeanPolice Dept., McLean Illinois

June 5, 2008

Dear Bri #23

Sunshine always seemed to follow you everywhere. Your warm smile & personality made you special. It was contagious. Your a great example of an incredible son, brother, husband, father & friend. Extraordinary & amazing at that! Not a day goes by that your not on out minds & in our heart.
May you have a Blessed Birthday!!!

Love Ya!
Mom


Motherr

May 18, 2008

Dear Son,

I have just got back from New York Yankee spring training in Tampa Fl. Little Brian and I went to two games and had so much fun. Your son is like you.He has many questions and they are all good. He is turning out to be a great little guy. You would be very proud of him. He is going to be in the Yankee dugout on March 17 in a game against the boston red soxs. The new Manager Joe Girardi called and asked this mom if it would be alright. She was overjoyed and so was little Brian. So when you are looking down on them Monday the 17th. I am sure you will be smiling. Just wanted to get you up to speed and let you know that we love and miss you so much. Brian we are doing our best to stay positive and go on with our lifes, it is so very hard at times but we always fall back on your great example of staying positive. That is it for now my son. God Bless and I love and miss you very much.
Love Dad

Ray Litz
Dad

March 11, 2008

It's been four years now. It seems like just the other day we were having lunch at ryans in ocala with darius, jimmy, and my mom. Everyone is always thinking about you. Each time someone comes up to me and asks about my "Batman" license plate, I have the honor of telling them your story. The sayig is true brother; Gone but not forgotten.

Aaron

Officer Aaron Sirolli
Leesburg Police Department

February 8, 2008

Henry County Police Dept., GA, Evening Watch North, rode in your memory today. God speed brother, Gone but never forgotten.

Lt. Jeff Maddox
Henry County Police Dept.

February 7, 2008

I just wanted to let you family know that we are thinking about them and will keep them in our prayers. You are a hero and we will never forget the sacrifice you made today four years ago, or the sacrifice your family has had to endure without you.
Keep a watch over them, and keep sending little signs from Heaven, all of us Mom's likes to get them. Look Clint up for me tell him we sure miss him...

Connie Barker F.W.B. Fl.
Mother of Clint Walker Prattville Al. E.O.W. 1-14-04

February 7, 2008

Tomorrow will be four years...you are thought about often...and missed always.

Ofc. Beckie Sirolli
Leesburg P.D.

February 6, 2008

Dear Bri, #23

It is a special morning, as we are awaiting the arrival of Cherie & Brian. They were not due until tomarrow but, we are expecting Jumbo Snow Storm (Jacks words)late tonight. Reflecting back on the following poem, this line said it all. I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home
above. Our family & friends are blessed to have Cherie & your son with us this year. Scott & his friends built an ice skating ring it's got to be 70 feet long. Jack is going to teach Brian how to build a Snow Man & Ice Skate. He has a calendar with a count down of their visit. Today is the day!!
On Saturday the 22nd, The Agawam High Alumni will be having a Basketball game. A Yearly Scholarship is being established in your name. I know you will be there in spirit.

Love, Mom XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXXO

My Christmas In Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees,
around the world below,
with tiny little tinkle lights,
Like heaven on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular,
please wipe away your tear,
For I am spending Christmas,
with Jesus Christ this year!!

I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear.
But the sounds of music can't compare
with the Christmas Choir up here.

I have no words to tell you,
the joy the voices bring,
For it's beyond description,
to hear the angels sing!

I know how much you miss me,
The pain inside your heart...
But I am not so far away,
for we really aren't apart.

So be happy for me dear ones,
You know I hold you dear,
be glad I'm spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year!

I sent you each a special gift,
from my heavenly home above....
I sent you each a memory
of my true undying love.

After all, love is a gift
more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important
in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other,
as my Father said to do.
For I can't count His blessings
& His love for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas
and wipe away that tear...
Remember I'm spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year!!!

written by a loved one in Heaven...


May God Bless You and Keep You Safe!


Mom

December 15, 2007

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.