Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My thoughts and prayers to Deputy Brandy Winfield, his family and to the Marion County Sheriff's Department. Rest In Peace Brother!

Deputy Jeff Irwin
US Marshal's Service Akron, OH

October 14, 2004

May we all remember Deputy Sheriff Winfield as a hero. may he watch over all men and women in blue, and also his wife and children.

Brian Betts
Surviving Sibling of Officer Chirstopher R. Betts EOW 12-22-02

October 14, 2004

My deepest sympathies to the family of Deputy Winfield. Today your lives were forever changed, and I pray for your strength.

Last Saturday was the first anniversary of the day my son was killed. I guess I want you to know that somehow you do survive, somehow you wake up the next day and the next day, and somehow that dense fog of grief begins to lift some. Deputy Winfield is a hero, doing what he loved and doing it to the best of his ability. Someone wrote a reflection for Kevin, and it included this quote, It is now how you die that makes you a hero, it is how you lived your life. I bet everyone whose life he touched will say he is a hero.

God bless you all. My heart and prayers are with you in your long journey.

Mother of Deputy Kevin Sherwood
EOW 10/9/03

October 14, 2004

To Deputy Winfield's family,
My heart breaks everytime I read that another officer has been killed. Tonight it is breaking for you. I know the pain your are feeling for a little over 3 yrs ago, I was trying to make it through losing my loved one in the line of duty also. I don't know how I've made it this far except by the grace of God and I pray that he will wrap his loving arms around you and carry you through the days, weeks and months ahead of you...they are not easy. To his co-workers, please don't forget his family and help them keep his memory alive. May God bless you all.

Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin E. Taylor

October 14, 2004

Rest in peace Brother Brandy, you are a true hero and will never be forgotten for your service and courage.


Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

October 14, 2004

My deepest condolenses to the family and friends of this officer. May God give you comfort and strength during this difficult time. Rest in Peace Officer Winfield.

Mother of a Police Officer

October 14, 2004

May God bless and comfort Deputy Sheriff Winfield's wife, children, family, friends and co-workers. My prayer is that the killers are found quickly and justice is served. Psalm 55:22

Denise Nichols - surviving spouse
Alabama State Trooper Brian Nichols EOW 2/17/2002

October 14, 2004

THE POLICEMAN'S LAST ROLL CALL ...

THE POLICEMAN STOOD AND FACED HIS GOD, WHICH MUST ALWAYS COME TO PASS. HE
HOPED HIS SHOES WERE SHINING, JUST AS BRIGHTLY AS HIS BRASS. "STEP FORWARD
NOW, POLICEMAN. HOW SHALL I DEAL WITH YOU? HAVE YOU ALWAYS TURNED THE OTHER
CHEEK? TO MY CHURCH HAVE YOU BEEN TRUE?"

THE POLICEMAN SQUARED his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a Saint. I've had to
work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough, and sometimes I've been
violent because the streets are awfully tough. But I never took a penny that
wasn't mine to keep, though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just
got to steep. And I never passed a cry for help, though times I shook with
fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept many unmanly tears. I know I
don't deserve a place among the people here, they never wanted me around
except to calm their fear. If you've a place for me Lord, it needn't be so
grand. I never expected or had too much, but if you don't, I'll understand."

There was silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod. As
the policeman waited quietly, for the judgement of his God. "Step forward
now, policeman, you've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven's
streets, you've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

Rest in Peace Deputy.

Explorer
Missouri

October 14, 2004

The members of the Royal Palm Beach Police Department wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, coworkers, and friends of Deputy Sheriff Brandy Lyn Winfield. He has fought the good fight and has now gone to his reward. Many of our brothers and sisters are gone, but none are ever forgotten.

Sergeant T. E. Murphy
Royal Palm Beach, Fl. P. D.

October 14, 2004

Rest in peace brother. We will press the fight.Our hearts and prayers are with your family at home, and your family at work. Go walk a beat on heavens steets you have done your time in hell.

Officer William Inman
Birmingham Police Dept. Al.

October 14, 2004

Brandy was a very close friend of mine at the MCSO and was even my roommate for approx. 9 months.
Brandy always had a smile on his face and was always happy to help a civilian or a fellow officer.
No one deserves to perish in the manner that Brandy did, but when it happens to someone as noble and decent as Brandy, it really makes you question how much good is left in the world.

Goodbye, Brandy. You are already missed.

Former Deputy Matthew T. Collins
Marion County Sheriff's Office

October 14, 2004

I would like to extend sincere condolences to the families of Dep Sheriff Winfield, both his wife & children, and his Police family. We feel your pain here in Michigan, having lost one of our own to the same circumstance in June of this year. No words can lessen your grief. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

God Bless you

Friend of Mark Sawyers EOW 6-5-04
Sterling Heights PD (Michigan)

October 14, 2004

Your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers at this terrible time. There are no words to say adequate enough to ease their pain but we all are thinking of them now. Thank you for serving and protecting. Rest in peace.

Shirley Roberts- La.
Aunt of Fallen Officer John Logan-EOW-March 14, 2004

October 14, 2004

Pride Integrity and Guts

Some of you may know my face, but not my name. Most of you have seen me around the city and some have even met me, but not always under the best of circumstances. Some of you have even spoken to me on the phone, when you called me while I was working.

Most of you have an opinion on how my job should be done, but would never take my job if it was the last one on earth. And some of you who don't even know me, hate me because of my job. But when I go to my job, I go to make a difference and so I can fight what everyone else fears.

When most would be running away from danger, my job requires me to run towards it. I do this in the hopes of making a difference for someone else I don't even know. Most people say I make too much money, because my pay is published in the newspaper. But don't think twice about hearing about another sports player sign a 20 million dollar contract for 6 months a year of playing a "game."

Since my job's base pay isn't the best I must work extra to pay the bills. Including working extra shifts on holidays, and pick up side work at construction sites as well on my days off, most still complain thinking I am greedy, but don't they realize that I to must pay taxes, have a mortgage car payments and kids in collage as well?

Don't they understand that I am not paid for what I do, but for what I am willing to do for them? After all how can you properly compensate someone to risk their own life and face danger everyday they go to work?

And when I go to work I am punched, kicked, spit on and called every name in the book for doing my job. And every night I leave my house to go to work I realize I may not come back home in the morning. Because when I go to work I can be stabbed, shot, drown, fall, be electrocuted, or die in a car accident rushing to help you.

My job also requires me to carry special "tools" to help me do my job. Sometimes even while doing my job I have to defend myself from someone attacking me. Although, the newspapers will report to you that I "beat someone down", and not that I defended myself from an attack.

While at work I must also carry a gun to protect you, but should I have to use it, the media reports to you that I "gunned someone down" or that I "shot and killed" somebody, and not that I defended myself. Don't they realize that I shoot to live and never to kill?

Also when I go to work I wrap a protective vest around me to help keep me safe through my shift. I use this vest so that I will be allowed to live to the end of my work day. And hope and pray that should something bad happen that this vest helps keep me alive so that I will be allowed to see my children grow.

When I go to my job, I will see more pain, sorrow, agony, death and destruction in one month than most of you will see in an entire lifetime.


And to the ones who don't know me, I unforunetly will meet most of you at the worst times in your life.

You often will call me to come help you out with a problem. But if you have a really big problem you can get me at a special 3 digit number and me and my coworkers will race to your house, just to help you no questions asked. All you have to do is call and we will be there for you, no matter what time, day, night or holiday, rain shine or blizzard.

Sometimes my job also requires me to deliver lectures, babies and even bad news. I am also the one required to ring your doorbell in the middle of the night, swallow hard and advise you that a loved one will not be coming home tonight, then I spend the rest of my shift wondering why I ever took such a job.

Some people even refer to me as a "pig," but when I hear that word called to me or one of my coworkers I think of Pride, Integrity and Guts, which everyone in my profession needs to do this job.

Me and my coworkers must be able to have muscles of steel, have a sense of humor and put ourselves into dangerous situations and face danger head on all in a days work.

We must act in a second and make a decision in the blink of an eye, and spend the rest of our life hoping we made the right choice in that split second. If not we can be arrested and charged with breaking a law, be sued for violating someone's rights, or end up with even a worse fate.

My job requires me to take an oath to be their and to risk my life to protect you. And it is an oath that me and my fellow coworkers have taken and is one that we will not break.

What, you ask is my job, I am your local police officer. And what do I ask in return of doing all this and risking my life for you, nothing at all because it is my job and my hope, of being the one who makes the difference.

Officer David Carroll
Choctaw Oklahoma

October 14, 2004

TO: The family; loved ones; friends and department members: A POLICE OFFICER’S PRAYER:--- O, gentle Lord ! Keep the day/night watch with me. As I begin my tour of duty, I ask your protection from all mental, physical and spiritual harm. Sustain me with the knowledge that I am doing your work, endeavoring to keep peace among your people. Help me to be just as I enforce the law without prejudice or favor to anyone. May I be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties. Let me respond to all calls with haste realizing that so many are dependent upon me for life and safety. Support me with your consoling power when I am tempted to think no one really cares and that I am taken for granted. Sustain in me the conviction that so many thousands do care and are grateful for my presence. Grant that I may be loyal to my partner and my fellow officers, and that I may back them up effectively when called upon for assistance. Lord, I ask that I may return safely, after my tour of duty, to my loved ones and those who love me. I pray that I may be a good and honorable police officer; and after my tour of duty is over here on earth, may I enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven that you have promised to those who serve you well. AMEN. *** REST IN PEACE *** Sent to you by the father of Master Officer J.D.Koeppen, Capital City Raleigh North Carolina; Trooper D.C.Koeppen, New Jersey State Police and Cadet Officer A.M.Koeppen, Wilmington North Carolina.

Chief ( retired ) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

October 14, 2004

To the family, friends and co-workers my prayers are with you. I wish there was something we could all do to help you through this time, I can remember that it all seemed like time was on slow motion, and it still does. The one thing that I kept telling myself was that I knew Clint loved being a police officer and would not have traded places with anyone. He loved putting the uniform on and leaving in his police car, he would have a grin on his face a mile long. Just remember the good times and memories, hopefully it will carry you through the sad times.
Sheriff Winfield your family will miss you everyday, but we will not forget you or them. Look Clint up for me tell him we are thinking of him..

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

October 14, 2004

To the family, friends and co-workers my prayers are with you. I wish there was something we could all do to help you through this time, I can remember that it all seemed like time was on slow motion, and it still does. The one thing that I kept telling myself was that I knew Clint loved being a police officer and would not have traded places with anyone. He loved putting the uniform on and leaving in his police car, he would have a grin on his face a mile long. Just remember the good times and memories, hopefully it will carry you through the sad times.
Sheriff Winfield your family will miss you everyday, but we will not forget you or them. Look Clint up for me tell him we are thinking of him..

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

October 14, 2004

My deepest thoughts go out to your family, friends, and co-workers during this difficult time. I wish I could have been there for you at that fateful moment....I would've either eliminated your threat, or fallen beside you while trying. Thank you for your service. Salute.

P.O.-Michigan

October 14, 2004

Rest in peace Dep., you served well. You will never be forgotten in the law enforcement family.

Trooper McGuckin
Michigan State Police

October 14, 2004

I am shocked to read of this tragedy. You are a warrior to the evil and a public servant to all. You will never be forgotten. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

David E. Haney PO1
Glynn County P.D.

October 14, 2004

Brandy died protecting his neighbors. He is an honored hero to us in Alabama too. May you all find strength in our Lord. "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." Ps.31:24.

Sergeant Wayne Lovell
Hoover Alabama P.D.

October 14, 2004

On behalf of the men and women of the La Habra Police Department we send our condolences to the Marion County Sheriffs Department and the family of Deputy Sheriff Winfield. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Sergeant Jeff Baylos
La Habra PD, California

October 14, 2004

The thoughts and prayers of the men and women of the Onondaga County Deputy Sheriffs' Police Association are with the family, co-workers and friends of Deputy Brandy Winfield

Detective
Onondaga County (NY) Sheriff's Office

October 14, 2004

A PART OF AMERICA DIED

Somebody killed a policeman today, and
A part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect
Will be buried with him at his side.
The suspect who shot him will stand up in court,
With his counsel demanding his rights,
While a widowed Mother must work for her kids
And spend alone many long nights.
The beat that he walked was a battlefield, too,
Just as if he’d gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won’t fly at half-mast,
To his name, they will add a gold star.
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today.
It happened in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
A cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
And he stands at each new rookie’s side.
He answered the call and gave us his all,
And a part of America died.

Jim Moore
New Orleans P.D., Retired

October 14, 2004

“REMEMBER ME”
Law enforcement officers are, indeed, a special breed of people. Ask anyone on the street and they will tell you that they would not have our jobs for anything in the world. It takes something special to do what we do and at the same time be able to even contemplate retirement. We try to be optimists. Unfortunately, there are a few of us who will never make that date with retirement. By the very nature of our job, we are at risk everyday of losing our lives, either at the hand of some deranged individual or in some other situation that we, by virtue of our occupation, may be unable to avoid. Some people have recognized the hazardous duties we involve ourselves in, the risks we take, and the pride we take in accomplishing that job. There is National Law Enforcement Week, dedicated to us who gladly accept the responsibility of protecting the citizens in our respective jurisdictions. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day is dedicated to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. These are but a two examples of remembrances specifically for law enforcement personnel. Remembrances that come but once a year. We should remind fellow officers of another type of remembrance, one that will last a lifetime. Sooner or later, a doctor will pronounce us dead. It is inevitable. Regardless of whatever happens, death is the end we will all have to face.
“IT IS IN DEATH THAT WE CAN LIVE FOREVER”
This was written by an unknown author.

Jim Moore
New Orleans P.D., Retired

October 14, 2004