Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 9, 2024

I go by the small memorial behind the library all the time. I remember the day. It was very disturbing and sad. RIP Deputy Coates.

Sr. Officer K. Duncan O.C. Animal Servic
Orange County Animal Services Field Ops

January 14, 2023

Semper Fi Deputy Coates. And to your loving wife..You are remembered and May God bless you and your family. Watch over all of us and especially your wife. Thank you for your service as a brother in arms and a fellow Marine. Even tho we never met I want both you and your family to know that you are. Missed and always in our hearts.

State Traffic Officer 7185.
California Highway Patrol & US Marine

December 8, 2021

DFC Coates,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC in Iraq. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO; former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 8, 2020

A decade since your murder and 13 years since our last conversation. Yet I can still remember your smile like I was waking up next to you.

Cpl AE
Acquaintance

November 27, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy First Class Coates.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 10, 2019

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

September 30, 2018

Almost 8 years have come and gone since Brandon's passing and the pain still feels as if it were yesterday. I often come here and read all the reflections everyone has left to remind me just what an amazing man, deputy, husband and friend who was taken from me that awful night, who was taken from us all. Thank you to everyone who took the time to ever leave a reflection as these are memories I will cherish forever, and truly tell the man he was and the heart of gold he had.

Brandon Lee I will love you until the day I die with all that I have and all that I am. Thank you for making me a better person, a better wife, a better deputy sheriff, and a better friend. I owe you for the person I am today...I love you snookie bookie...

Virginia
Wife

August 17, 2018

Orange County remembers.

God Bless.

Deputy Sheriff
Orange County Sheriff's Office, FL

December 8, 2016

brandon you made me very proud. i will really miss all the special times we had together. you did everything right that a mother could ask for. it was my pleasure walking beside you in life. you did everything right and i must say you are my hero! i will think of you everyday for the rest of my life!!!!!!!! i love you more than ever.

mom

August 28, 2016

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9

Executive Director, Florida Sheriffs Ass
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 7, 2016

May you rest in peace. Your love and vitality lives on in those who knew and loved you.

You and your family will forever be in my prayers.

Trooper Kelsey Wilson
Florida Highway Patrol

May 13, 2016

Rest easy brother. We will take the watch from here.

Agent C Clouchete
Osceola County Sheriff's Office

December 14, 2014

hi Brandon, its been a rough beginning in 2014, in the last two months we've lost two here.. not forgetting to mention all other heroes around the nation.. may you guide them through this time. Continue watch over all of us from afar.

Mac

March 22, 2014

Still think about you daily. Keep watching over us Brother

D/S R Ricks
OCSO

February 19, 2014

Hi Brandon, another year of an angel watching over us.

MAC

December 8, 2013

Hi Brandon. I have learned a lot about you since I first learned your name from Officer DeGrilla.

You are such a brave, great man and I love learning as much about you as I can. So many loved you. I think of you and my brother every day. I am grateful for your service.

Know you will never be forgotten.

Rebecca Davis, Sister, Orlando, FL
Constable Brian Bachmann; EOW: 8/13/2012
Brazos County Constable Precinct 1, TX

August 6, 2013

Thinking about you today praying for your soul everyday and night

mac

June 20, 2013

Hey Brandon, thinking about you today...

DFC Rich Pillay
OCSO

January 30, 2013

Brandon, it’s been two years since this tragedy. I just went to the second vigil, which was held at the scene. I saw your mother and wife again, they are strong willed and doing fine, but still missing you. Many friends and family were there honoring and thinking of you. Angarano and I reflected on the past and talked about the days we were in the Corps together. What good times and fun stories. I keep the funeral program just above my visor, so you ride with me every day while on patrol. I miss you brother. God Bless.

Cpl M. Carter (ID#432) "Gunny"
Kissimmee Police Department

December 29, 2012

God Bless the Coates' family, and his brothers and sisters at the Orange County Sheriff's Office during this holiday season......

Sergeant Rob Zywicki
Concord Police Department, CA

December 25, 2012

Hello Brandon. I met some of your brother officers recently. I wanted to thank them for choosing and doing the job they do. Until I lost my brother, I did not comprehend the danger you put yourself in every day. In the reflection Officer DeGrilla left for my brother, he asked my brother to take care of you. I am sure you both have already met and I know you are already friends and watching out for each other. I will think of you both every day.

I am so sorry that we lost you. You are a very brave man. Rest in Peace. And please give my brother a hug for me.

Rebecca Davis, Civilian
Sister - Constable Brian Bachmann - EOW 8/13/12

December 22, 2012

Thinking about you today Brandon. Two years ago you made the ultimate sacrifice and we will make sure that your memory lives on forever. "To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die".

DFC Menachem Green
OCSO

December 8, 2012

Remembering you on this day. You still continue to inspire those that knew you and even those that didn't. I know God is with his Angel. RIP my friend.

ASA Jennifer Synnamon
State Attorney's Office

December 8, 2012

<3 Never forgotten <3

Mac

December 8, 2012