Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Vern,
Your last tour of duty was the week of my first tour of duty. We have known each other in passing for 10 years and I know you would be proud of me. Thank you for all you have done for me and this community. Your big smile will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Rookie

June 25, 2005

There are no words that could possibly comfort you enough; I know this first hand. I just wanted to let you know that you are never alone, not now, not ever...May God be your peace in this time of sadness. You will make it through this I promise.

Shani Lake former ADOC Officer and fianc
of FAYETTE ALABAMA POLICE DEPARTMENT

June 22, 2005

Words can never express how much we will miss you. You were our daughter's FTO when she was a rookie on the department. We dubbed you two "Lavern and Shirley"! You taught her so much and for that we are so thankful. Your daughter was her flower girl when she married. You meant that much to this family. When she became a Detective, you, once again became that mentor that she looked up to and respected so much. You sat in our kitchen and told us how you were looking forward to retirement in a couple of years and being able to enjoy your girls and wife. You are missed by so many. I know you are looking down on those who still need you. Keep them under your wing...............

LYNN & PAULA FISHER

June 20, 2005

rest easy brother. our badges are different but the loss hurts just as much.

Livingston County EMS

June 10, 2005

Vern,
You were a friend and a mentor. I learned a lot from you and you were always there when I needed help or advice. Now, that you have been called home and I am reading these reflections and reflecting myself, you are still teaching us. We will never forget and we will not let your work go unfinished. God Speed and I will see you again someday.

Det. Brady Keys
Emmett Twp DPS

June 10, 2005

Det. Brann,
Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice you made for your community and our nation. Though nothing will ease the pain of your death, your family has a whole nation to love and support them. I pray that they one day are able to find peace and happiness at the end of this long journey they have begun. I pray that the person responsible will pay the ultimate sacrifice as well. Look Bran up in heaven and tell him we miss him more than anything here on earth and we'll see you on the other side someday.

Sara Winfield
Wife of Brandy EOW 10/14/04

June 8, 2005

I cried when I read about you in the paper.Youve done well for yourself and your family,now you may rest old friend.Hope to see you on the otherside one day,and yes,you can use my pencil!

Don Castle

June 4, 2005

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Detective Brann.

Sgtm. Thomas Lutz
SWISS Army, MP Service

May 31, 2005

Thank you for your service.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

May 29, 2005

Detective Brann paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect all those in our community. Losing someone who is loved is never easy. I am sure the pain at times seems unbearable. May his fondest memories be of comfort to those who knew him. We want to let you all know, family, friends and fellow officers, how sorry we are for your loss. We keep you all in prayer. James and Karen Partin

James and Karen Partin

May 25, 2005

Sir, thank you for your sacrifice, it will not be forgotten. May the Peace of God be with you and your family during their time of sorrow.

Patrolman
WPD

May 25, 2005

We all miss you so much, Vern. Thank you for your kind smile and your friendship. God Bless you and your girls.

May 25, 2005

When tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne,
He said "This is eternity,
And all I've promised you."
Today for life on earth is past,
But here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day's the same day
There's no longing for the past.

But you have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things,
You knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven
And now at last you're free.
So won't you take my hand
And share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.

John 15:13
Romans 13:4

May 25, 2005

Police Officer’s Prayer


Heavenly Father, Almighty Commander of the Watch,
Watch over me all those sworn to defend the public good.

Keep me focused on my mission to protect the citizenry of our fair city,
and zealous in my endeavor to pursue the criminal element, and assist those in need.

As I travel on dark streets and into alleys where the shadow of death resides,
Make my constitution strong, my courage deep, and unending.

Help me to maintain a strong body and a clean heart,
For I realize that having one without the other is begging failure.

Show me compassion, and channel Your goodness through me,
For I know there are those who need my help and understanding.

Allow me not to become hardened by the ways of the wicked,
But keep me in awe of Your works, and able to walk in wonderment upon this Earth.

Finally, Dear God, at the end of my watch, welcome me into Your arms with the love You hold in reserve for those that serve others.
May St. Michael walk with me to the gates of paradise, where St. Peter, Your Desk Sergeant, calls the roll. May he speak my name and pass me lovingly into the Kingdom of Heaven.

These things I ask, Father, and in your mercy,
grant me the strength to continue Your work,
for I know that You have saved a place for me,
and for all my brothers and sisters.

Amen

Godspeed Brother

Sergeant Carl Weston
Providence Police Department

May 25, 2005

Vern, your smile and charisma were so comforting to the rookie. The wisdom and experiences you shared with me will always be remembered. Godspeed on your new journey. Thank you for everything Vern.

Officer Andrew Olsen
Battle Creek Police Dept.

May 24, 2005

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God" Matthew 5:9 You will be missed. God speed.

PSO Gammons
Springfield DPS

May 24, 2005

To the family, You are in my thoughts and prayers, only time will take away some of the pain and although some will always remain, remember the great memories of him and the life's he touched on and off the job. Some day the coward who took his life will have to meet his maker, and then he will pay. To Det. Brann's co-workers, there is nothing worse then having one of your brothers taken from you this way, unfortunately this I know all to well. All of us in Detroit felt your pain that day and continue to pray for you and your safety. May he rest in peace and continue to watch over us as we continue to walk our beat here on earth. RIP!

Detroit Police

May 21, 2005

All of those at Allen Park PD wish to extend our thoughts and prayers to the Brann family.
To our brother in blue we will continue the fight for you.

Ofc Daniel Mack
Allen Park PD MI

May 20, 2005

I sit here wondering why
why you are not here.
You died honoring your town
and now your town is honoring you.

We watch the medic speed away,
and we just can't help saying
"It could of been me being taken away."

The word is out
The headlines read
"A COP IS DEAD"
It shouldn't be.

The flags are low
The blue lines are forming
and the bagpipes are drowning
our tears of sorrow.

As the days are passing
the pain is easing
but no one will forget
the way you were living.

Go with god

Reserve

May 20, 2005

My grandfather taught me what it was to be a man. Courtousy, Thoughfulness, and integrity. Vern, you taught me how to do these things as an officer. I will never forget your room brightening smile, your infectious laughter or the gift of friendship you gave to me. There are no words to describe the pain and heartache I feel with your loss.

Anthony Perin
Battle Creek Police Dept.

May 19, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with the Brann family, BCPD and the whole Battle Creek community, for losing one of the city's greatest officers. I do feel blessed to have been able to meet Det. Brann,he was assigned to investagate a case that I had been a victim of. He cared so much for those he worked with. He gave a peice of himself in every case he delt with. I am grateful for all the work Det. Brann has done for me and the community as a whole. I know that he will be missed dearly. He is gone forever, but he has left behind a wonderful spirit and impression to last many lifetimes.
Rest In Peace.

Autumn Smith
Battle Creek resident

May 19, 2005

We Shall Meet Again

If I should leave this world
Without a warning,
And not even whisper a fond farewell,
Grieve not for one more message
From the lips that God has stilled.
But just remember me with love
And prayers for my soul's journey
To that fair land beyond life's tears.
For I have believed with all my heart
In its existence, and I know that
God is good, for He has come to me
Through the life of Him whose very
Garment I have sought to touch.
It may be lonely, and I hope you miss me
Just a little, because I have loved so deeply
Forgive me if I have ever hurt you
And remember me for what I longed to be.
Have faith that I am nearer than
Your dreams and fondest longings.
For the God of love shall keep all
Kindred spirits close together,
Though the misty vale between
This world and that to come
Keeps us from each other's sight
For a few precious moments.
Whisper softly that you love me
And it shall linger on within my soul
Until you come.
Say not good-bye,
For on some bright tomorrow
We shall meet again.

-Anonymous

Reserve Officer Jamil Elwaer
Decatur Police Department

May 19, 2005

This news hit hard with me I am originally from Flint,MI and have since moved to north carolina. My heart goes out to you and your family my brother. It is a great loss when one of our warriors departs, but I know you will watch out for us who are still patrolng the beat and we in turn my friend will watch over your family and the streets here. God rest my friend.

Patrol Officer II, T.G. Vincent
Asheboro PD

May 18, 2005

LaVern
My heart died for the 2ed time in 2 weeks. The first being when my dear friend and co-worker Unice Sharp was murdered on April 26th and then today May 9th as you was investigating his death you was taken from your wife and daughters who you was the world to and they was your world and from your friends and co-workers who thought so munch of you and from your community where you was loved. Now all we ask of you is watch over us as you now have the honor of keeping the streets of gold safe and we down here will promise to watch over melanie and the girls. Rest in peace now knowing what a great job you have done.
Terry Oldenburg
Battle Creek,Mi

Terry Oldenburg

May 18, 2005

God bless you and your family, Det. Brann. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Kevin Cannon

May 18, 2005