Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace, brother. I never met you but I have flown with your dad. I'm sure the saying "chip off the old block" holds true in your case and, therefore, I know you were a great young man and deputy. You're now an angel of the law and I'll keep an eye out for ya when I fly through the heavens.

Federal Flight Deck Officer D. Paul
Department of Homeland Security

March 16, 2005

Today we hear of another brother law enforcement officer that paid the ultimate price. This always takes something away. Although i never met Brian. I can't help but feel close to him. Maybe it's the closeness in our age, or that we both call Hendry County home. I heard something at a seminar that reminded me of Brian. "when the guns are blasting, and the bullets are blazing, one person will run to the sound of the gun shots. The police officer." So rest easy brother, we'll take it from here. And to Mr. and Mrs. Haas, you will forever be in my prayers.

D/S D. Marquith
Osceola Sheriff's Office

March 12, 2005

Brian - We were thinking of you on you're birthday and we were praying for your family. We will always hold your parents near and dear to our hearts.

Jessica Ruhl and the Starks Family

March 4, 2005

Brian, Uncle Allen & I think of you everyday. Last night we lit our "Brian" candle and wished you a peaceful birthday...Your 1st with the Angels above.
You are so sadly missed..
Kisses to the heaven above.
Aunt Trish & Uncle Allen

Trisha Barnes

March 4, 2005

Brian,

Happy Birthday. I am sorry that I didn't know you. I know that you have met the officers that left before and after you. You are all warriors
walking the same beat. Your family is in my prayers.

Maxine Clifford, mother
Deputy Joshua Rutherford EOW 5/29/04

March 4, 2005

Brian,
Happy 22nd Birthday. I wish we would have come to see you last year on your birthday when you were still with us.I never dreamed it would be your last birthday here on Earth.We love you and think about you every day.
Love Always,
Aunt Bonnie, Uncle Glenn,
Sarah, & Heather

Bonnie Cannedy

March 3, 2005

Happy Birthday Brian
No tools or cop stuff for you this year,
Just happy memories for us to hold dear
Sure would like to hear your stories just once more
But I guess that has to wait til' I go through that door...
See you later, Rose

Rose Maloney

March 3, 2005

Brian,

Today should be your 22nd birthday. Since birthdays are a measure of time on earth, I guess that means you will always be 21 years and 52 days old. It seems like such a short time ago that I was baking a cake for your first birthday.

As 21 year habits are hard to break, I will bake a cake today, cook one of your favorite dinners, and probably try to watch your favorite movie. Dad and I haven't been able to watch "The Shawshank Redemption", since the three of us watched it together, shortly before you died. Sadly, you won't be with us to enjoy your favorites.

I will also visit your memorial at the Sheriff's Department's Training Facility and Gun Range. Seeing your name carved in the granite and hearing gun fire in the background is a comfort to me. As odd as that sounds, I know you understand. I cannot think of a better place for a memorial to you.

On one of the web sites for parents of fallen law enforcement officers, there is a banner which reads, "A Parent's Love Is Forever". Brian, I will love you forever.

Mom

Norie Haas

March 3, 2005

Just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday... You are missed, but will never be forgotten...

Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

March 2, 2005

Brian,
It was early when I heard the phone ring, I didn't know the grief it would bring. All I can do now is think about him and cry, and ask myself again and then again, why? I cherish all the memories that we shared, and remember how much he loved and cared. Now he is gone, and yet it is still hard to part, so that's why he will forever stay in my heart.
Love Always,
Your Cousin Heather

Heather Cannedy

February 20, 2005

Dear Bri & Family,

It is apparent that your Mother finds much comfort in reading your reflections. I also find myself on this site, more often than I should. The pain is so great at times it takes our breath away. Two Bri's, only two months apart in passing. Two more Angels to guard the Gates Of Heaven.

Norie, we do not plan on going back to Florida in May. We had the honor of being there last week for the Ribbon Cutting of the new builing they named after our Son. Upon the completion of the statue of Brian & his K-9 Justice we will go back to Ocala. Our family also looks forward to meeting yours in D.C.

Thank you for your kind words and reflecting on our Bri's site. Your son & family will also be in our hearts & prayers during days ahead.

Nancy L. Litz, Mother
Deputy Brian Riobert Litz
E.O.W. 02/07/2004

February 12, 2005

it is so sad that i have found another young man who was taken at such a young age. my fiancee was killed just before he turned 21. there just aren't any words to express my sympathy for you and the rest of brian's family, friends, and co-workers. please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. maybe brian is with cole watching down on us. i sure hope so.

much love,
Jessi Garger
Fiancee of P.O. Cole Martin EOW 4/25/03

Jessi Garger

January 18, 2005

Brian,

Dad and I just got home from the crossover graduation at the academy. You would have a big smile on your face, knowing that Robert Archer finally did it. I know you always tried to talk him into going back to the academy. It is ironic that he attended on scholarship from the trust we set up in your memory.

Seeing the class in their khaki's, and the proud family members, reminded us of your graduations not so long ago. You are in our thoughts many times every day.

We miss your presence, and will always love you.

Mom and Dad

January 17, 2005

Homesick
(By Mercy Me)

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times, and at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you.

But the reason why I'm broken the reason why I cry is how long I must wait to be with you.

I close my eyes and I see your face. If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place.

Lord won't you give me strength to make it through somehow, I've never been more home sick than now.

Help me Lord because I don't understand your ways. The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know.

But even if You showed me; the hurt would be the same because I'm still here so far away from home.

In Christ there are no goodbyes, In Christ there is no end.

So I'll hold on to Jesus with all that I have....

To see you again.

We WILL see you one day Bryan....

January 4, 2005

Brian,

The new year has arrived, in spite of me wishing that 2004 would never end. I feel like I have left you behind,(in last year), and moved on without you. As I sat by the fire last night, I realized that there will be no new memories of you in 2005, and that realization was very painful. Time seems to be passing very quickly, and soon I won't be able to look back on what we did last year. I never want the memories I have of you to fade.
I will always love you.

Mom

Norie Haas

January 1, 2005

Brian, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as you sore high above us with your angel wings...
We miss you so much and think of you daily. Our hearts are with your parents....I know you watch over us. Fly high and proud!
Forever in our hearts...
Love you bunches!!
Aunt Trish & Uncle Allen

Aunt Trish & Uncle Allen

December 29, 2004

Brian,
Merry Christmas! We love you and miss you so much.
Love Always,
Aunt Bonnie, Uncle Glenn,
Sarah, and Heather

Bonnie Cannedy

December 25, 2004

"MY FIRST CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN"

I SEE THE COUNTLESS CHRISTMAS TREES
AROUND THE WORLD BELOW
WITH TINY LIGHTS, LIKE HEAVEN'S STARS,
REFLECTING ALL IN ROWS.

THE SIGHT IS SO SPECTACULAR,
PLEASE WIPE AWAY THE 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 THEIR VOICES BRING,
FOR IT IS BEYOND DESCRIPTION,
TO HEAR THE ANGELS SING.

I KNOW HOW MUCH YOU MISS ME,
I SEE THE PAIN INSIDE YOUR HEART.
BUT I AM NOT FAR AWAY
WE REALLY AREN'T APART.

SO BE HAPPY FOR ME, DEAR ONES,
YOU KNOW I HOLD YOU DEAR.
AND BE GLAD I'M SPENDING CHRISTMAS WITH
JESUS CHRIST THIS YEAR.

I SENT YOU EACH A SPECIAL GIFT,
FROM MY HEAVENLY HOME ABOVE,
SENT YOU EACH A MEMORY
OF MY UNDYING LOVE.

AFTER ALL, LOVE IS A GIFT MORE PRECIOUS
THAN PURE GOLD
IT WAS ALWAYS MOST IMPORTANT
IN THE STORIES THAT JESUS TOLD.

PLEASE LOVE AND KEEP EACH OTHER,
AS MY FATHER SAID TO DO.
FOR I CAN'T COUNT THE BLESSINGS OR LOVE
HE HAS FOR EACH OF YOU.

SO HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS
AND WIPE AWAY THE TEAR.
REMEMBER I AM SPENDING CHRISTMAS WITH
JESUS CHRIST THIS YEAR.
LOVE TO YOU ALL!

PAMELA ABELLA MOTHER OF FALLEN OFFICER D

December 23, 2004

Brian,

It was one year ago tomorrow when you graduated from the academy. I didn't think your smile could get any bigger, until the sheriff came over and spoke with us after the ceremony. He told you that December 1st, would be your first day on the road. Dad and I were so proud, and you were ecstatic.

Thanksgiving, the first family holiday that we've had to face since your death,is this week as well. I remember the year that we ate early, because you were scheduled to work in the jail. Aunt Virginia wouldn't let you leave for work until you explained what everything on your gun belt was for. You took the time and patiently answered every one of her questions. You made her day. This year, Dad and I will cook dinner together, and try to focus on the things we have to be thankful for, (and there are many), rather then what we have lost.

The pain from your absence is still intense for all of us who love you. I miss you and will always love you.

Mom

Norie Haas

November 23, 2004

Brian, It has been such a long time since I have seen you. I hope you know you will always be in our hearts. I don't know how I could ever forget you. When my mom had to come tell us that you were gone forever, I was in the biggest shock of my life, but I know you will watch over us. I remember when you and I wrestled on the floor. I will never forget those great memories. I think of you every single day and wonder for what reason did God take from us.
Love Always,
Your Cousin Heather

Heather Cannedy

November 6, 2004

Brian,
It's hard to believe you've been gone for six months. Some days it feels like just yesterday and other days it feels like an eternity since we have seen you. Not a day goes by when we don't think of you. We think of your Mom, Dad, and Amanda and pray for them daily. Please continue to watch over us all. You will always live on in our hearts and minds.
We love you!
Aunt Bonnie, Uncle Glenn,
Sarah, and Heather

Bonnie Cannedy

October 24, 2004

DEAR LOURA & MIKE IT WAS GOOD TO MEET YOU BOTH HOW ARE YOU DOING?
HEADSTONE READY FOR JOSH
TIME TO GO MY SLEEPING PILL JUST KICKED IN. TAKE CARE JEAN

JEAN BLYLER

October 21, 2004

Hi Brian, I met your parents a couple of weeks ago, in St. Louis. I know that you are as proud of them as they are of you. We got to talk about you and Clint, and I know that you two are having a ball in heaven. But, we just want you to know that we miss the both of you everyday and miss your smiling faces, and your blue eyes.
Keep watch over us until we are all together again.

Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

October 14, 2004

When somewbody dies, a cloud turns into an angel and flies up to tell God to put another flower on a pillow.
A bird gives the message back to the world and sings a silent prayer that makes the rain cry. People disappear, but they never realy go away.
The spirits up there put the sun to bed, wake up the grass, and spin the Earth in dizzy circles.
Sometimes you can see them dancing in a cloud during the daytime when they're supposed to be sleeping.
They paint the rainbows and also the sunsets and make waves splash and tug at the tide.
They toss shooting stars and listen to wishes.
And when they sing wind songs, they whisper to us:

"Don't miss me too much. The view is nice, and I'm doing just fine."

(Courtesy of Blue Mountain Arts)

September 21, 2004

Hi Norie.

It was so good to meet you today. Thank you for coming to support me and Kathe we really appreicated you being there. Even though I did not know your son, Brian, I kept thinking today at what great friends Dan and Brian would have been. I kept thinking about how he was at Daniel's funeral, and how he and Daniel are now in Heaven together. It doesn't seem fair, and it doesn't seem right that such great guys had to die so early on in life. It's one thing that I will never fully understand. But I know not to question God, and I know that somehow out of all of this craziness, something good will surface. Reading through your reflections, and hearing you talk about the funeral I can empathize with your feelings. Being that I am not a mother, I dont FULLY understand but I can attempt too. I am so sorry that we have joined together in this way, BUT I AM glad that I have gotton to meet you, and that Kathe will be with you in St Louis. We may not understand everything in life - but always know that me and Kathe are here for you always!

And remember, as someone once told me, when you are awake at night crying - so am I.

Love,
Jessica
Fiancee of Police Officer Dan Starks
EOW 10-25-03

September 21, 2004