Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Brian Andrew Haas

Hendry County Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch Saturday, April 24, 2004

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Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Brian Andrew Haas

Brian, In a couple of days Uncle Glenn and I will celebrate our 18th anniversary. You were five years old when your sister Amanda dragged you down the aisle as our ring bearer.You were so cute. As we celebrate our anniversary I will try to think happy thoughts of when you were still with us. It is so very hard because we miss you so much. We love you and think of you every day. Love Always, Aunt Bonnie

Bonnie Cannedy

June 2, 2006

Deputy Haas,
Two years ago you went to walk with our Lord and Savior. You are not forgotten. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. To us you will always be a hero.

Debbie Newton, President
NE FL Concerns of Police Survivors

Debbie Newton
Northeast Florida Concerns of Police Survivors

April 25, 2006

Dear Brian, I only know you through your parents and that says a lot. They are wonderful people! I know you would be so proud of them. They have survived this terrible ordeal for 2 years. They encourage others to do the same.
Thank You for sharing your parents with me.
Jean Blyler Mother of Deputy Josh Blyler

JEAN BLYLER
FRIEND

April 25, 2006

To Deputy Brian Haas., 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 and I look forward to meeting them someday. April 24th is a day of special signficance to both our families for it is the end of watch day for our beloved heroes.

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.

Brian, 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, Deputy Haas. 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 April 24, 2004.

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

April 25, 2006

Brian, It's hard to believe it's been 2 years....Your little face was shining bright by your candle as we prayed for your peace...( and your Mom & Dad and Manda too )
We miss you soo much.
I hope you don't mind that everyday I'm chatting with you, but it runs in the family..
Keep spreading your wings as you soar through the heavens above.
Much love to you sweetie!!
Aunt Trish & Uncle Allen

Trish & Allen

April 25, 2006

Brian,

Two years since you’ve been gone. I was up early on the 24th, watching the sunrise on the porch in Arcadia. I still remember when Wayne walked in from that porch to tell me that there had been an accident and you had been killed. He looked as if he had been punched in the stomach. I kept begging him to say that he didn’t just tell me that. Not Brian, not you. So much has happened in the last two years. Melanie and Vince had a baby boy. Michael graduated and has a real job. We hit the 10,000 mark in the log book – remember when you were so impressed with 5000? Wayne got a memorial tattoo on his right forearm, his shooting arm, in honor of you. He wants to be sure he always remembers you, especially when he is shooting. Brian, we think of you every day. No matter how many things happen as life goes on, you will always be a part of it because you will always live on in our hearts, minds and souls. We wish we could take the pain away for your Mom, Dad and Amanda but the best we can do is promise to always keep your memory alive.

Until we meet again.

Love,

Kathie Bergquist

Kathryn Bergquist
Friend

April 25, 2006

God Bless you Norrie for thinking of others all of the time. I think of you and your family often. We will have a great big reunion one day with our sons. I know that God has created unimaginable things in heaven that David and Brian can't wait for us to see. Take Care you are always in my prayers.

Pam Abella
Mother of Deputy David Anthony Abella

April 24, 2006

dearest brian

how sorry i am that we did not get to meet in life. what a blessing your family has been to us. we share so much - memories and loss. i pray that you and daniel will continue to watch over the ones who love and miss you. you are forever in our hearts.

bob and norie

thank you for your wonderful son and for being the wonderful people that you are. i love you from the bottom of my heart

kathe starks
mother of officer daniel starks
eow 10/25/03

April 24, 2006

Brian, It's hard to believe its been two years since you've been gone. We think of you every single day. The girls and I will be going to Tallahasee in a couple of weeks to honor you and all the fallen officers. I am excited but a little nervous as well. I'm sure it will be very emotional. Please watch over your Mom, Dad, and Amanda, they have had a tough week. We love and miss you so much. Please give Nonnie a hug and kiss for me. Love Always, Aunt Bonnie, Uncle Glenn, Sarah, and Heather

Bonnie Cannedy

April 24, 2006

We are thinking of you today Brian, as well as your family. I wish I could have known you as you were a great person. The life we live on this Earth is far too short -- but the reward we recieve in Heaven is evermore.
Watch over your parents and family,
- Jessica Ruhl/Starks Family

April 24, 2006

Dear Brian and Family,

I have watched your EOW date approaching knowing the pain that mounts as certain days come and go. Pain that never goes away and colors every part of our lives now. I know you were and are such a beautiful person and everyone that knew and loved you misses every thing that was you on this earth. Please know that those of us 'out here' that are also part of your family now are thinking of you, honoring you, and remembering you. Always.

Love,
Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse

April 24, 2006

D.S. Haas..you - your family - friends & co-workers are in my thoughts & prayers as they remember you on your second anniversary in Heaven..please continue to watch over them & your fellow borthers/sisters in blue..YOU ARE GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL!!!!

mi state police recruit
mi

April 24, 2006

Mrs Haas, special thoughts and prayers are for you today from the mother of a son.

April 24, 2006

4/23/06

Bri,

Two years ago today, was your last full day on earth. I have relived every hour in my mind, countless times. Your big smile, your bright eyes, you were so full of life. It was the last time I touched you, spoke to you and heard your answer, and the last time I watched you drive your squad car down the driveway on your way to work.

It was the end of an era for our family. A charmed life filled with all that we could ever want, and more; a life of innocence. In the past when tragedy struck, it always happened to others. We offered our sympathy and support, and then thanked God for our blessings, never seriously considering that someday it might be us. We no longer recall things as just being in the past, now everything is prefaced with: happening "before Brian died", or "after Brian died".

Two years have not erased the pain, and time has only made me miss you more. At first, I could pretend that you had already moved into your new house, you'd been busy at work, and I'd see you in the next day or two. Now, reality has taken over and I can no longer pretend. I hate that I don't know what you looked like when you were 22 or 23 years old, or what your children might have looked like. I know it seems silly, but these are important things to a mother.

Brian, I love you so much.

Mom

Norie Haas

April 23, 2006

Dear Norie,

Brian's second Birthday in Heaven is approaching in afew days. Your family is thought of so often & my heart breaks for you especially. Two special sons, that we both called Bri. Law Enforement Officers in the Florida, loving what they did. Gone from us only 2 months apart, both on a Saturday.
It was an honor meeting you in Washington, at that time it was overwhelming needless to say. Each day is one step forward, some are two steps back. There will always be an emptyness in our heart & soul. May you & your family stay strong during the difficult days ahead. With much love from our family to yours!

Nancy Litz- Mother
Deputy Sheriff Brian Robert Litz E.O.W. 2-7-04

Nancy Litz

April 19, 2006

It will be two years since your tour of duty ended and I know your loved ones have thought of you every single day and just about every hour during these past two years. The love for you in their hearts will never die and they will always remember you. Your brothers and sisters in law enforcement will never let you be forgotten. In reading your reflections, I'm glad there are so many good memories to reflect back upon. I had many with my son, also worked with him for two years in law enforcement. My last words to him were, "Be Careful out there" and his answer as "Always" he did not return. Andrew, you are a true hero and I salute you for your dedicated service to law enforcement. Wrap your wings around your loved ones and comfort them and also keep watch over them and protect them. As parents whey you and my son were little, we carried you in our arms, now we carry you in our hearts and you will be there for as long as we are on this earth. God be with you and your family.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

April 19, 2006

Brian,

It was really hard, but we did it. Dad's last words to you, "tight lines, buddy", broke my heart.

Love, Mom
4/18/06

Norie Haas

April 18, 2006

Bri,

Remembering many fishing and camping trips in 10,000 Islands. No matter how hot it was, or how many mosquitoes there were, you never could get enough, always wanting to stay one more day or a few more hours. You loved it down there.

The boat is packed and ready to go; we will leave first thing in the morning. Though your physical presence will be missed, I am certain that your spirit will be with us.

We love you and miss you every single day.

Mom, Dad, and Amanda
4/17/06

Norie Haas

April 17, 2006

HEY BRIAN,
JUST WRITTING TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I HAVE NOT FORGOT ABOUT YOU. I WISH THAT YOU WERE STILL HERE DOING WHAT YOU LOVED. IT IS JUST UNDER A MONTH BEFORE THE DAY THAT YOU PAYED THE ULTIMATE PRICE 2 YEARS AGO. WE ALL MISS YOU AND KEEP WATCHING OVER US.

D/S Joshua Woods
Hendry County Sheriff's Office

March 27, 2006

Mr and Mrs Haas, my prayers are with you, your family, and your son. Although we risk life every day, we still go to work as law officers. But when it is taken away, we realize that we are all mortal and reality sets in. I wish there where words to say to make your pain go away. Just always know that your son is a true hero, and will never be forgotten.

Detective Dan Marquith
Osceola Sheriff's Office

March 22, 2006

Brian, We are thinking of you on your Birthday weekend. We miss you and love you dearly. You have made quite the impression on many people's lives. See what gifts you gave...
Kisses & Hugs to the Heavens.
Love you!
Aunt Trish & Uncle Allen

Trish & Allen

March 4, 2006

Happy Birthday Brian

- Jessica Ruhl

March 3, 2006

Hey Brian, sorry about the mix up earlier, I know you had a big laugh about it. But anyway I'm wishing you a Happy Birthday today, and to let you know that you will never be forgotten.
I've got the Blue Candle going in my window, and it burns all year. Watch over your mom and dad, we sure miss you guys. Say Hi to Clint for me.

Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker

March 3, 2006

Brian, we are remembering you today and keeping your family close in our hearts. Birthdays bring their own special flood of memories and laughs and tears. We look forward to the day all of us can celebrate together again and give each other those great big hugs we miss so much.

Until then,
Always remembering you,
Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom

Linda Rittenhouse
Mother of Officer Matthew Rittenhouse E.O.W. 9/16/04

March 3, 2006

3/3/06

Brian,

Twenty three years ago, Dad and I were thrilled when your birth completed our family. We had a healthy daughter and now a son, there was nothing more we wanted or expected. For twenty one years life was nearly perfect, and I clearly remember thinking that our family was fortunate to have escaped many of the problems others had to deal with. Tragically, twenty one birthdays were all we were going to be able to share with you.

I know that being able to bake your favorite cake, make a special dinner for you, and pick out your presents 21 times sounds like a lot, especially to a Mom who only had that opportunity once or twice, or maybe not at all. But I am selfish, and 21 years was not enough.

I love you and miss you; today, tomorrow, and forever.

Mom

Norie Haas

March 3, 2006

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