Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dearest Vern,

The memories go back so many years. All the laughter and great conversations. You are truly a credit to your profession and an example to be followed.

Your hugs and wonderful smile will be sorely missed. Words cannot express the sorrow that is coursing through us all.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Melanie, your beautiful daughters and your fellow officers of BCPD.

"And He will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be any more. The former things have passed away." Revelation 21:4

Rest in peace dear friend.

Deputy Mandi DeGregory
Calhoun County Sheriff Department

May 15, 2005

Lavern was a beloved Officer/Det, friend and devoted family man. You leadership and dedication within the community was felt by all. You will be missed by all within your Department and your community. We all have lost a truly great mentor and friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to your Wife, your children and the rest of your beloved family. Rest in Peace and God Speed.

Debbie
Calhoun County Central Communications Dispatch Center

May 15, 2005

I NEVER MET DET.BRANN BUT I HAVE MET A FEW BCPD OFFICERS AND MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THEM, DET BRANN'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS. "IT'S NOT HOW THIS MAN DIED THAT MADE HIM A HERO IT'S HOW HE LIVED".

CPL J. KING
ALEXANDRIA, LA P.D.

May 15, 2005

Detective Brann, you have no idea how many people have been touched by the terrible tragedy that happened to you. I didn't know you, but feel deeply saddened as if I have lost a close friend. Thank you for your tireless efforts and dedication to our community. May God bless you and keep his gloriful arms around your Wife, children and family as well as the other police officers in Battle Creek, and may the person who did this to you be prosecuted to the FULLEST extent of the law to ensure this doesn't happen to another police officer in our city. God Bless!!

Kim H. - Battle Creek

May 15, 2005

Vern,
For a few days now I have been trying to think of exactly what to say here. There are so many fond memories. Most of all besides your smile and handshake what stands out most is your love and concern for children, I asked you once how you could deal with investigating crimes against children for so long without burning out, and you said, that you just remember that the kids needed a voice and if you didn't do it who would.

As the service, held in your honor, started today it began to rain, hard enough to hear it on the roof, I couldn't help but to think the angels were crying tears of joy because one of their own was home and would not have to see or feel the pain in this world any longer.

Vern, you were one of the best and will never be forgotten. Thank you for your friendship and your service. Rest in Peace, Sir. We’ll take it from here.

Phil Allen
Former Deputy Calhoun County, Current FPS/Department of Homeland Secur

May 15, 2005

Detective Brann,

Sleep well my brother, your shift is covered. God be with your family.

Patrolman Kevin Skipski
Hart Police Department

May 14, 2005

I never knew you, however im sure those who did are better for it. You will always be remembered. My sincerest condolences go out to Mrs. Brann and their daughters.

May you rest in peace, hero.


Among us, sent down from Heaven,
Are those that walk a Thin Blue Line, that's a given.
Like Guardian Angels to watch over me and you,
Are those that wear the uniform of blue.

We see them only as traffic stops,
We do not call them friends, just cops.
We pray we never have a chance meeting,
We never pass along a greeting.

But they are so much more than this,
They simply do not see the world as bliss.
But they look into the corners of our deepest fear,
They walk the beat, they dry a tear.

They bring a message to our home,
When all is not well, and we are alone.
They come to us, no matter the need,
Handle the problem, complete the deed.

They lay their personal feelings aside,
They do their job, they have great pride.
And if one should fall among life's thing,
The badge they wear, turns into wings.

Katherine Raborn

John
Bronson Security ~ Intern

May 14, 2005

To the family:
Lavern was a gentle, kind human being. He will be sorely missed by all. Just his presence was a lifting experience to those around him. He will remain with us in our hearts always. God be with you.

Shirley Lawcock
Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office

May 14, 2005

Rarely in life do you meet someone who's main goal is to lift up others, to make them smile, to bring joy into the lives of everyone they meet. LaVern was that type of man. I am proud and honored to have known and worked with him. We took a class together in Detroit and he made sure I was taken care of the entire time. I will be forever grateful to have known him. He leaves a hole in the hearts of so many. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.

Terra Wesseldyk - Crime Scene Technician
Battle Creek Police Department

May 14, 2005

Rest in Peace...

Police Officer
Syracuse Police Dept,NY

May 14, 2005

We would like to extend to the family, friends, co-workers and community our sincere condolances in the loss of Mr Brann.

Jim and Kathy Gilbert

May 14, 2005

Our prayers and deepest sympathy's our with your family and those within the Battle Creek Police Department. May this tragedy somehow serve as inspiration and may justice always prevail...God bless you and your family.

Pokagon Tribal Police Dept.

May 14, 2005

Lavern,
As I watched and listened today at your service I thought WOW, this is amazing and huge! I know that you were watching and seen the number of people you touched. The love of this town had you grinning. It's a terrible thing to have to lose someone like you in order to see what I, and everyone there, seen today. You are a very unique person. The circle of Justice was severely wounded Monday and it will take time to heal. Rest assured, with you by our sides in spirit, our circle will be healed and stronger than ever. Please know that your family will be taken care of. No matter where they go, someone will be there for them. God speed Detective.
RUO Dewey Caswell, (and wife Gayla)
Mi Dept. of Corrections

RUO Dewey Caswell
Michigan Dept. of Corrections

May 14, 2005

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE
OFFICERS SEND OUR CONDOLENCES. OUR
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH DET.
BRANN, HIS FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE - BUFFALO, NEW YORK

May 14, 2005

my heart goes out to the family and fellow officers of detective brann.he was a kind man and darn good officer the community will miss you. rest in piece.

james b.
anonamous

May 14, 2005

My heart felt prayers and condolences go out to the family of Detective Brann. I had the honor of working with him a few times in his volunteer work. I unfortunately never knew his name until i picked up the news paper on tuesday. I will truly miss his huge heart and smile. You will have a very hard time finding a kinder man.

The last time i worked with detective Brann was on 5/7/2005 and one of his daughters was with him and it was plain to see what a loving father he was!

My families prayers are with his family and the Battle Creek Police department!

Jaime

Jaime

May 14, 2005

We met LaVern when he worked at Leila Hospital Security and remember well when he left to pursue his dream of becoming a police officer. A person would be hard pressed to find a finer man and friend. He served the community with highest honors and is a true hero that will be sorely missed.
God bless you Vern. We know you will be watching over us from above.

Randy & Nila Yeo-Life Members

May 14, 2005

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, May 14, 2005 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Detective LaVern Brann who died in the line of duty just five days ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Det. Brann's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

May 14, 2005

As one of the HIPPO drivers I could always count on a smile and a handshake from you. you will be missed in our city "rest in peace".

Don Smith
BCES

May 14, 2005

LaVern, You were always a great Officer and I will miss you buddy. It has been a priviledge to call you my friend. Melanie, you know LaVern will always be close to me.

Atlee McFellin-Retired
International Police Liaison Officer Iraq

May 14, 2005

We have lost another brother, but you will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service. Rest in peace and watch over us.

Officer
Los Angeles Airport Police

May 14, 2005

We'll miss your smiling face. Our community has lost a friend and a leader. Thank you for your dedication. God bless you and your family.

Dr. Gary Mikula
Department of Emergency Medicine, BCHS

May 14, 2005

My Prayers GO out to this Hero's Family . He gave his life at a time he was serving us all here in Battle Creek. I met LaVern when I was a cashier at Schlotzsky's Deli down town he eat ther must every day. and he NEVER came to lunch with out that Big smile He was so knowen for. and He was sure to say so how are you doing today. I last saw him at breakfast on mothers days with His Wife and Daughtrs May they always remember what a GREAT difference there father and husband made her in Battle Creek. thank ou Jesus for letting know this great man and may his family find peace in yo LORD. my heart break with pain as we loss a great man. yur shift is over here on earth. and there is another ANGEL in blue in heaven. R.I.P. THANK'S TO ALL THE OFFICER'S THAT PUT THERE LIFE ON THE LINE DAILY FOR US HER E IN BATTLE CREEK AND EVERY WHERE.
SHIRLEY JANOW (BATTLE CREEK)

Mrs.Shirley Janow Friend
Battle Creek

May 14, 2005

I have a constant picture of this wide-smiling guy working at the hospital in the early 80's and trying to become a cop. I always enjoyed sharing my coffee breaks with him and hearing of his desire to serve his community.
What a proud day it was 20 years ago for our community when Vern's dream came true and he joined our brotherhood of the badge. What a sad day it was for our community when his tour of duty ended in tragedy this week.
We'll all miss ya Vern.. gods speed to you.

Retired - Jim
Former Bedford Police Dept

May 13, 2005

LaVern what legacy you have left to your community, friends and family. We at Urbandale School feel blessed to have known you. I will not forget the time you came to read to our students. Melanie (Our Dare Officer..with the cool car) and I talked you into reading a big book to a Kindergarten class. They loved you and you loved it back.
Bless you for sharing of your life for others.

Kay Calley-Martin
Urbandale School

May 13, 2005