Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Our hearts are broken and filled with anguish at your loss. As members of the same community we want to extend our thoughts and prayers to you. It is difficult to even comprehend.
LaVern Brann, we know, was a man of honor, with a warm and loving heart that we can easily see in his beautiful eyes and smile. We just wanted you to know. With deepest sympathy, Mervyn,Tami,Christian,and Lila Elliott
Battle Creek,Michigan

The Elliott Family

May 17, 2005

LaVern, You were a wonderful man that could brighten anyones day with your smile. I feel better knowing that you are in heaven watching over us all. Try to find my grandpa if you can. He loves to go fishin'. Love you and we will never forget what you have done for us all.

Sue Miller
Calhoun County Sheriff

May 17, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers go out to This Officer, his family, friends, department and community. This is a loss that will never be forgotten. Hours will turn into days, days turn into weeks, weeks into months and months into years but, the difference that these officers have made will last forever.

We lost Our Deputy Morris Taylor on September 14, 2002.

God Bless Our Law Enforcement Officer and the ones who love them.

Jack & Tracy Van Dolah
Former LEO/U.S.M.C. & Wife in Sutherlin, Oregon

May 17, 2005

G-d speed my Brother

UC
Ohio DPS Inv Unit

May 17, 2005

Vern,
I can remember the first time you came back to talk to me in the jail when I was a corrections officer. Your face glowed as you introduced yourself to me and we became instant friends. You taught me to respect the citizens that were brought before me and most of the time that is what I got in return. My heart is not empty but heavy, with the thought of not hearing you laugh or seeing you smile. I know that one day my beautiful friend, I will see you again and until then, I will sense your angel among us. Melanie, be strong and know this is not forever and that Vern is always with you and the girls, always watching and always protecting.

God Bless

911 Dispatcher Amy Hayes
BCPD

May 17, 2005

Please know you were in our thoughts and prayers at the National Police Week Ceremony in Washington DC.

Many heroes have gone before you and sadly, many more will follow. As survivors, we as a group will always be there for your family and friends, sharing the same pain.

May God be with you in this time of grief.

Mary Fisher, Mother
Deputy Kevin Sherwood, EOW 10/09/03

May 17, 2005

The full impact of this totally senseless murder is now taking effect within the general population, and the pain is intense mentally and emotionally. I feel incredibly saddened over what has happened, because this was a man that cared about his community with his entire heart and soul. He wasn't about a great big paycheck, status, popularity, or out for his personal gain. There's no denying that his death is a substaintial lose to the whole community. Not that the general citizen is unimportant, but this man just made his concern well known. I've never witnessed another death of some public official of sorts that feels so painful and hurts the way this death feels.

The most remarkable quality this detective shared with the entire community is that he was for the "PEOPLE". The "PEOPLE" are feeling the injury of his life being taken. The "PEOPLE" just like me and others are suffering.

I'm extremely sorry for, Detective LaVern's, wife and children. I walked that road of being widowed myself, and it's quite a horror for a long period to adjust to. This death is even worse, because it was so outrageous and senseless.

Even my 18 year old daughter called me the day of the funeral, and told me she was physically ill as she road by the funeral procession.

Thank you, Detective Brann, for being a voice for the "PEOPLE"! There are many instances where people like you are the only voice some victims will ever have to care about them. Your service will be remembered, and so many appreciate the work you delivered for the "PEOPLE"!

I'm sure Angels have you right now!

Sweet Dreams Forever,

K. Wolfe

Kelly Wolfe
N/A

May 17, 2005

My husband, Mike, and I were friends of Vern and Melanie. Mike, Vern and Melanie were hired on the same day at B.C.P.D. After the training was over, Mike and Vern became good friends working together, and in off time. Many nights spent at Pennfield Pizza or one of the other "family friendly" restaurants in Battle Creek, as we had young children at that time and Vern and Mel were just starting their family. We moved away to Beaver Island Michigan, so Mike could be the a Charlevoix County Deputy, in charge of the island, after they had worked together for about six years. Mike and Vern kept in touch regularly and they visited us several times, as did we when we were back in B.C. We moved back her 1 1/2 years ago, and unfortunately did not get to see Vern and Mel as much as we would like, with our new jobs, respective families, etc. This, however, did not change the fact that we had lost a dear friend and our hearts are very heavy. We will miss you terribly, but know that we will be here for Mel and the girls. Rest in Peace my friend.

Beverly Russell, PA-C, RN, EMT-P

May 16, 2005

God bless the family, friends and coworkers of Detective Brann. My heart and prayers are with you all in this terrible time of loss. Thank you Detective for a job well done and your many years of dedication to protect us all.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02

May 16, 2005

Most people don't know about the bumper sticker on Vern's locker. It has a picture of Ernest and says "Here's to all the Verns in the World." Well, there was only one Vern in my world and now God has called him home. My Vern was a mentor, friend, and someone I could trust. I will miss him greatly and never forget the example he set. In celebration of his life, let us all say, "HERE'S TO THE VERN IN OUR WORLD!" may our brother rest in peace.

Detective Scott Eager
Battle Creek PD

May 16, 2005

I am along with my husband Jim are some of the many people who are saddened by the loss of our very dear friend and coworker Vern. He and Melanie have been with us when we had milestones, like the marriage of our son, and the birth of our first grandchild. Vern and Melanie stood side by side with us when we lost Jim's father,sharing that pain with us as if it were their own. It was my honor and great privilege to know Vern for over twenty years, and Melanie nearly as long. Nothing will ever dull the pain that comes with such a senseless, heartless, and violent crime that took his life. We will never forget what and who Vern was in life. A friend, father, husband, brother, a cop! Love to you, Melanie and the children, we will always be here for you, as Vern is always going to be with you and us all. Eddi K.

Sergeant Edwina Keyser
Battle Creek Police Department

May 16, 2005

The Florida Police Chiefs Association would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Detective Brann, and the Battle Creek City P.D. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sadness. Please take comfort in knowing that your extended law enforcement family grieves with you. Detective Brann, we thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.

Kay Huneidi, Administrative Asst.
Florida Police Chiefs Association

May 16, 2005

Vern,

When we first meet I was just starting my career as you had just gotton started in yours. You just showing up to make sure we were alright, to lend a helping hand, to provide a shoulder at times will always be remembered and missed. Your smile could warm the coldest heart, and your big bear hugs could chase the demons away.

May God place his arms around your "girls", and provide peace for your brothers and sisters at BCPD.

Rest my friend, and enjoy the arms of heaven.

Cris Carpenter Paramedic
LifeCare Ambulance-Battle Creek

May 16, 2005

Vern;
You will never be forgotten for the duty you have performed for the countless citizens of the Battle Creek area. May you watch over all of us as we watch over your family now and in the future.

John Allwardt

May 16, 2005

I often come to this website hoping not to see a new name or face. Unfortunately thats never the case. My heart goes out to the family of Det. Brann, both his family in blue and his family at home.

You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace and watch out for us all brother.

Ptlm. Michael Dube
Mishawaka Police Department Mishawaka IN

May 16, 2005

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; What we have done for others and the world remains and it is immortal


We will never forget you Vern. Thank you for everything you have done for everyone in the City of Battle Creek.

Citizen of Battle Creek

May 15, 2005

May God Bless and keep you, and all of yours....

May 15, 2005

Vern
I THANK YOU for the man you were. I will never forget your hugs and your smile. You looked at the world in a way I strive too. I have never met a NICER/KINDER man than you. The love you showed not only for your own family but for the world was REMARKABLE! I know I am a better person for knowing you. I also KNOW the world is a better place because you were a part of it!I pray your "Girls" will know down deep in their hearts just how much you LOVED them.Heaven has a WONDERFUL new angel and the world is missing a WONDERFUL man! I pray to meet up with you later! Thanks for ALL you did for this world. YOU ARE LOVED DETECTIVE LAVERN STEVEN BRANN!!!! God Speed my friend! MJ

M.J. Cunnington RN
Select Hospital

May 15, 2005

MY YOU REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER IN BLUE. YOUR SERVICE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

OFFICER DAVID BREAUX
GONZALES CITY POILICE,LOUISIANA

OFFICER DAVID BREAUX
GONZALES CITY POLICE

May 15, 2005

To know Vern was to be his friend, for once you were introduced to him you were his forever friend!! He was truly an inspiration to all who knew him. Vern always had a hug and a smile for you. His face always lit up especially bright when you would ask him, "How are your girls??" (all "3" of them) We loved to compare camping stories and favorite campsites and campgrounds. Vern will be greatly missed. Our lives and our world are much better for having known him! God be with his family and his co-workers during this tough time.

M J High. R.N.
BCHS Emergency Department

May 15, 2005

LaVern,
You are missed, honored, loved, and respected so much. A part of us passed away with you on May 9, 2005. Please watch over us and your family, and know that you are never going to be forgotten. Thank you for protecting us like you did and for wearing your uniform with pride.

To Melanie,
You and the girl's are in my thought's and prayers, and please know if you need anything that I am just a phone Call away. We love you and the girls.

To the Battle Creek Police Department,
Thank you for protecting our city like you do and for also wearing your uniform's with pride. You all are also in my thought's and prayer's.

Thank You,
Dawn R. Oldenburg,
Battle Creek, Michigan

Dawn Oldenburg

May 15, 2005

Both God and Battle Creek, Michigan cried today, as we stood in sad stillness. As God cried, his tears feel in with the rain on our faces. For we put to rest in our city one who gave his life on Monday May 9, 2005 to make our town a safer town to live in. A husband, father, son, uncle, brother, and a friend to the city of Battle Creek, a officer that was sworen to protect our streets. Someone took the life of our very own loved, honored, and respected detective LaVern Brann only 44 and to young to die. We ask why was itour city? Why don't the answer's just seem to be there, but more question's? Another Person will become a Battle Creek police officer and someday make Detective but will never take your place. We see a police car go by with their light's and siren's going we shake in fear and pray God go with them today and please don't let another officer fall and their family get that call. Yes LaVern our city cried today and our sky's cried also with tears from heaven. As God's tears touched our faces we knew that another Angel in Blue had been called to home to be with him. We will always love and miss you.
The Michigan Drug Free Kids
A Group who's Life's You And Melanie Touched.

The Michigan Drug Free Kids

May 15, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with Detective Brann's wife, children, family, friends and co-workers. May God grant you His peace and comfort. Psalm 55:22

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

May 15, 2005

the lord is watching over you and you watching us. thank you for your help sir.....but please now rest in peace for now your shift is coverd by your blue brothers and sisters around us.

May 15, 2005

I did not personally know Det. Brann, however knew many of those who worked for law enforcement around the Calhoun County and Battle Creek area when I lived there through my job at various radio stations. I have nothing but the utmost respect for the job they and all officers do. Not only was Det. Brann saluted by his colleagues and many others at services for him, but rest assured that those who have gone before in the line of duty, recognized him immediately upon his entrance above and saluted him there for a job well done. My sincerest condolences to the immediate family of Det. LaVern Brann and to those who still carry on the fight to keep us safe daily. God's peace to you all.

Terry Oosterhart
Former Battle Creek Resident

May 15, 2005