Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sergeant Merlin E. Brune, Jr.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana

End of Watch Tuesday, July 12, 1977

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Reflections for Sergeant Merlin E. Brune, Jr.

Sergeant Brune or I guess I could say Uncle Merlin as I referred to him as an eight year old who was related to him in marriage only. My stepdad was his cousin. A long time has passed but throughout the years I would think of him and that day. My Dad was in so much pain at the lost of you so it was clear that you two were close. I've told the story so many times, in fact that's what brought me here today. One of my workers had a similar story. One last note. I remember bailing one of my cousins from jail and I was looking at the photos of fallen officers on the wall. "Uncle" Merlin was front and center. God bless and I have been honored to have you in memory all these years.

Curtis Liner
Cousin in marriage only

May 24, 2021

Thank you for service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 12, 2020

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

July 16, 2017

Uncle Merlin it has been so many years I was only seven when I heard everything on daddy radio you had just left his office asking if you could come pick me up for your graduation. I remember them saying office down and daddy running out to his unit with light and Sirens blaring. I knew in my heart it was you and everyone keep telling me no. When moma came home from the hospital and looked at my dad I knew you were gone. I miss you and wonder what it would be like to still have you here. I think of you often it has been 40 years since you were shot and killed I will never forget his name Willie Morris who took you away for $5.00 of grocery's. I pray for all police officers who are trying to protect us to stay safe and never encounter another Willie Morris he is still living and still in Angola serving out the rest of his life. On day I hope to see him and ask him if it was worth taking a live for 5.00.

Liz
niece

May 12, 2017

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) Officer Larry Lasater

January 6, 2013

WISH I COULD HAVE BEEN WITH YOU THAT DAY PARTNER

WM. J . MILLER
EX J.P.S.O.

November 16, 2010

Just a note to let you know you are not forgotten on this sad anniversary and My prayers are with the family

Deputy John Latour
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

July 16, 2008

It is an honor to wear the same uniform as you did, thank you for your service and dedication to duty, may I have the same courage as you shown if called upon.

Deputy John Latour
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

May 9, 2008

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
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

November 1, 2007

Heroes and the sacrifices they make are never forgotten. Sgt. Brune Jr., you are a true hero and you are not forgotten.

SPO
Salem, Va

December 7, 2006

Sweet Sleep be yours.Thank you for your service.

July 12, 2006

God bless you, thank you for your sacrifice.

Anonymous

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