Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service Captain. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Rest well brother...

Deputy Kyle J. Holewinski
Winnebago County S.O. Wisconsin

May 3, 2011

Captain Braden thank you for your service. May God bless you and your family. Rest in peace. You will notbe forgotten!

Lieutenant
Del Rio Police (Texas)

May 3, 2011

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO.

Deputy J.D.Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office

May 3, 2011

Avenue of the Fallen

Standing at attention in their class “A“ uniforms, badges gleaming and shoes like glass, are your brothers and sisters of Law Enforcement. All of whom have previously paid the ultimate price.
Today, like many others, they welcome you to this wonderful place. As you march down the Avenue of the Fallen, all eyes focus on you as if to say its ok you’re with your eternal partners. A salute is followed and a tear can be seen on so many faces.
Welcome, you served well.
Now come join us in the ranks, another is coming home.

A brother law enforcement officer
12-25-2010

Sheriff Jim Weaver (Ret.) LAPD (Ret.)
Jerome County, Idaho (Ret.)

May 3, 2011

RIP Captain Ralph Braden.My sympathys to family and fellow officers.

Christina Brookhart
Mother of Don McCutcheon EOW 2/8/2010

May 3, 2011

Thank you Sir for your dedicated service. God Bless, and Rest In Peace Brother.

Sgt. Eric Whitman Toledo,Oh PD

May 3, 2011

RIP Captain Ralph Braden

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

John and Sharon Nosal

Detective John Nosal
Joliet Police Department

May 3, 2011

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

May 3, 2011

On behalf of the men and women of the Camillus Police Department, our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and co-workers of Captain Ralph Braden. Rest in Peace Brother, We now have the Watch.

PBA
Town of Camillus Police Department, Central New York

May 3, 2011

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

May 3, 2011

A great man has gone to secure a safe path for the rest of us to follow. Thank you to you, your family and the Wartburg Police Department. Rest in Peace Brother.

Chief Steve Marshall
Washington, NH. Police Department

May 3, 2011

Rest In Peace Brother..........

PFC Reuben Black
Barnwell Police Dept., South Carolina

May 3, 2011

Deepest sympathies and regrets at the loss of Captain Braden. Your department and family are in my prayers.

Sgt. Patti Bahen
Columbus, Ohio Division of Police

May 3, 2011

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

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

Anonymous

May 3, 2011

Rest in peace brother, you will not be forgotten by the THIN BLUE LINE.

Ofc. Charles Robson (ret)
ormond beach police dept.

May 3, 2011

Rest In Peace

ACRES
SCOTT COUNTY TN

May 3, 2011

On behalf of the 6,131 members of the American Association of State Troopers (AAST), we extend our sincere condolences to Captain Braden’s family as well as the members of the Wartburg Police Department. AAST members throughout the United States know first hand what all of you are going through right now. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Ken Howes, Executive Director
American Association of State Troopers

May 3, 2011

We would like to send our warmest regards and deepest condolences to the family, friends and department of Cpt. Ralph Braden. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult and sad time. Rest in Peace, Cpt. Branden and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

May 3, 2011

I have nothing but respect for you and consider you a true hero. How many officers in their late 50's and holding a senior rank will help battle with the bad guys? Very few. Those that work with you and neighboring municipalities should have deep respect for you. Watch over all of your loved ones and those close you you. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

May 3, 2011

Another brother taken from us while protecting and serving. You will not be missed and after 22 years I'm sure you won't be forgotten. Thank You for your sacrifice.

Deputy Sheriff John Escobar
Polk County Sheriffs Office, Polk County Fl

May 3, 2011

Rest in Peace, Brother. Thank you for your service.

Sgt. Kevin Kratz
Buena Vista Twp Police Department (Michigan)

May 3, 2011

You are truly a great man and will be sadly missed.

Sgt. David Laxton
OSPD

May 3, 2011

Rest in Peace...

Detective
Syracuse Police Dept, NY

May 3, 2011

Rest in peace my Brother

Deputy S. Yates
Covington County Sheriff Dept. (MS)

May 3, 2011

I'm glad I got to know you. You will be missed. Rest In Peace.

Chief Deputy Tim Phillips
Roane County Sheriff's Office

May 3, 2011