Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Brian,

Just got back from Gulfport, MS and New Orleans. Was there almost 2 weeks and seen many disturbing sights from the disaster of Hurricane Katrina, as well as many heroic efforts and a people that has a strong will to survive. My group that I took participated in search and rescue by boat in St Bernard Parish and New Orleans, as well as bringing water, food and supplies to the Gulfport victims.

I talked to many Sheriff Deputies and Fire Chiefs along the way to New Orleans and most had fear of the events that were happening there. People were being shot, dead bodies were floating in the water and riots were breaking out. But for some reason I had no fear going in. It was like you were on one side of me and Dad (your grand dad) was on the other side and both of you had ushered in God’s protection around me. I never felt such a determination to press in and help those people.

Of course you knew I’d make it in and do the work I was called to do there. And at the end of trip I felt I did all that I was sent to do and felt a release to go back home to my wife and kids.

Thank you for your strength and your spirit that encourages me. Thank God for his protection and I pray that God touch and bless those people.

Give Dad a kiss and a hug for me.

I love you both,

Uncle Ted

Ted Haas

September 18, 2005

Brian,

Life has it’s share of ups and downs. Things seems to be tougher during those times when I can’t reach out to those that I’ve lost, especially you. But then I look close and you are there, as clear as ever in my mine. I can be having a bad day, but then see those big bright eyes yours and that wonderful smile you always have and the problems of the day just melt away.

Dad (your Grand Dad) told me once that your legacy you leave behind is not what you’ve accomplished in life, but rather how you are loved and remembered by others. Brian, you have left a great legacy behind inside of me because I think of you often and I still love you. The memories I had of you and the memories we shared together live on and are passed on to others that I share them with.

Do you remember when we went hunting a few years back in Felda? That was a good trip. I always enjoyed a good adventure with good friends, but I especially like the ones with the sports of the family (they know who they are). You were no exception and I was looking forward to it. You are such great buddy to do those things with. I’ve never heard you wine or complain when you were a kid like others kids I’ve done things with. From even the time when you were a lil tike, you’ve always knew how to have a good time with adults, been in tune with your surroundings and carried an enjoyable conversation with them. From your enthusiasm, your humor, to your sincere interest in others, you are always a joy to be around. From around the time you hit 12 yrs old, I stop thinking about you as my nephew and though more of you as a lil bro.

We jumped in your rust colored Bronco that you got from Gramma and headed down the road that morning. I always like that Bronco and was glad it worked out that you could have it. It certainly earned my respect since, from experience from my own Bronco, I knew what they were capable of. I looked forward to our drive to the woods since I always had a great time chatting with you. Though I had many years of experience in the woods, I felt honored and proud to be with such a great marksman and gun handler. I also felt honored to be with you on your first hunt.

The fog was thick that morning and kept our hopes and spirits up. I’ve always done best on a foggy morning. When we arrived, we eased though that first gate and pulled over. I must say that I was overwhelmed with the arsenal in the back of the truck.. No weapon or gadget was spared and I felt like we were ready for gorilla warfare, or much less, a pack of piney wood rooters.

I must admit I enjoy the art of stalking more than my left butt cheek falling asleep in a cumbersome, hard, unfomfortable tree stand. It’s when you get “one on one”, mono e mono with the elements and the foe you pursue, is when it becomes a real challenge. Anyone brain deader can bag a deer when he rots away in a stand over a feeder. But to track one down is to be on the top of the game. So many things come into play, sounds, good listening, stealth, the wind factor, tracking, signs and getting into the game’s head. One false move or mistake and your cover is blown or you are in left field.

We had one shot and we both we bound to make this a good one. Though I carried a shotgun, I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity hunt through you. Pulling the trigger wasn’t enough for me and wasn’t my goal. Rather, by working with you and through you to make all the little right things we had to do, happen. The result would be seeing you bag your first deer or hog.

Though killing something as beautiful as a deer or a weary hog (not to mention other big game) might seem cruel or inhumane, but I believe they were put here on this earth by God for our consumption. I also believe it is a type of quazi-spiritual “right of passage” for a young man entering manhood. However, not necessary to be a man. Of course, with everything that God gives us, it comes with it’s fair share of respect, privilege and conservation. I think that between you and I, and the nods from your father, we were all on the same page.

To me, nothing is more exciting in the game of whatever you do, be it fishing, hunting, sports or even work, than to be gelling with your team mate(s) where you are on the same page, having the same thoughts and skills, applying simple signals and gestures and working as a well oiled machine, without saying one word. You and I were “there” that morning, working the signals to each other, observing the signs and surroundings and stalking the way it’s supposed to be done.

Though you were calm and cool, I knew your excitement was building. I knew you might have been wondering when it came time, could you make the shot. But I had all the confidence in the world that you had it in you.

I’ve always been proud of you and your sister. You two were cut out of a unique piece of stone. You both have drive and a thirst to be as good as you can be. Most would have giving up long before you two hit your 3rd gear. So because of your skill of controlling your nerves on the gun range, I knew you had the nerves to make your 1st shot count, long after my first one made my knees knock together when I was a teen.

One by one as the morning progressed, we found all the important key factors to finding either deer or a hog. We found main traffic trails, feeding areas, bedding grounds, rootings, scrapes, hair on the fence where they crossed regularly and the watering holes. The only thing is, we didn’t find the game. But that’s hunting. The game might have had a further range from the bedding due to forage, or they might have been on been on a different feeding cycle due to the moon phase. So many things cause them to do different things. Point is, unfortunately, this was our first and only day at it. Most of the time, it takes weeks on end learning their patterns before you can be successful (like most things you do). Still, with the certain look in your eye, you knew that we had a successful trip and had a good time, which that’s what it’s all about anyways!

As the ole saying goes, it wouldn’t be called “hunting” if you always shot something. ~thinks~ ……. Catch a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats a lifetime full of memories.

Be well my brotha and give your Grand Dad a big kiss and a hug for me.

Ted Haas

Ted Haas

August 28, 2005

Hey there, Brian....Just want you to know that we are thinking of you everyday and that you are VERY MUCH a big part of our hearts....
It seems, everyday - I'll think of you and the goodness of your spirit & heart and it's so easy to pass that to all the people I see everyday...And I see alot.
The world keeps getting tougher and I like to show the easier/free spirited side of life, so those of us that are here will live for the moment and charrish each one... as tomorrow is a gift.
Hold your Nonnie's hand and show her the "ropes".
We Love you and miss you so much...
Aunt Trish & Uncle Allen
XOXOXOX

Aunt Trisha

August 20, 2005

Brian -

wanted to check in say hi to you.. :)
norrie we are thinking of you and love you.

- jess and the starks family.

August 12, 2005

Brian,

Nonnie left us this afternoon, to be with you. I asked her to tell you how much I love and miss you, hope she remembered. I think the thought of seeing you again, made it easier for her to let go.

I miss you each and every day, but times like this; your absence is even more painful.

Mom

Norie Haas

August 7, 2005

Brian, Well, Nonnie joined you in heaven today. I know you were there to hold her hand and guide her. We all love and miss you. Please tell Nonnie we love and miss her.

Bonnie Cannedy

August 7, 2005

Brian,
I know this seems silly to be writing after all this time but I still think about you from time to time, after all you left quite an impression on me. I wrote a you a message back in April 2004, but I still visit time to time to see the beautiful things people write about you. I get sad sometimes looking at pictures from highschool and from the CO academy. It just isn't the same knowing that you are gone. What I remember the most is you and Theresa sitting the row ahead of me, constantly laughing and happy. We were all happy and so proud to be doing what we had worked so hard to do. I know you were proud to be a Deputy, just like the rest of us, because we all wanted to make a difference, to help people. Please Brian, just know that you did and still do make a difference. Your memory still lives on in those people that knew you. We miss you and always will.

July 21, 2005

Brian -

I think of you often and sometimes look up to the sky and wonder just what is going on on "the other side." I know you have met Daniel and are happy. I know the two of you would get along so well - trading stories and such.
Norie - Thank you again for the nice note in the mail. It came at the perfect time.

Thinking of you Brian -

Jessica Ruhl
Fiancee of Police Officer Daniel Starks
EOW 10.25.03

July 16, 2005

Brian, With all the fireworks on the 4th...I do believe you where the brightest light of all...Still shinning in our hearts.
We love you and miss you dearly!
Aunt Trisha & Uncle Allen

Aunt Trish

July 6, 2005

Brian,

Today is the Fourth of July. You have the best seat in the house for the fireworks display tonight. Enjoy!

Mom

Norie Haas

July 4, 2005

Dear Norie,

My thoughts are with your family this Father's Day. It seems that we reflect alot on the pass, what we did with our Bri's & how unfair it is that they're not here with us. The pain is so great.

Never lose faith, be hopeful & stay strong! You'll be in our prayers always. Angels on your shoulders!

Nancy Litz-Mother
Deputy Brian Robert Litz
E.O.W. 2-7-04

Nancy Litz

June 19, 2005

Brian,

Blue lights burn in the windows and cupola every night, to honor you and your comrades. Those in heaven, and those still on earth, doing the job you loved.

I love you and miss you so much.

Mom

Norie Haas

June 11, 2005

HEY BROTHER,

SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG TO WRITE I HAD SOME TROUBLE FINDING THE SITE. I MISS YOU MAN. I REMEMBER THE DAYS WHEN I USED TO RIDE WITH YOU AS AN EXPLORER. YOU ALWAYS HAD SOMETHING NEW TO SHOW ME. I ALWAYS FOUND A WAY TO MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH. I WILL NEVER FORGET THE TIMES WHEN I WAS WORKING IN FLEET WHEN YOU WOULD ALWAYS COME UP TO ME AND SAY WELL JOSH I'M READY FOR MY 2004 MEANING YOUR UNIT. I WOULD ALWAYS LAUGH AND YOU WOULD SAY JUST KIDDING I DON'T CARE WHAT I DRIVE I JUST LIKE BEING OUT THERE. I REMEMBER THE TIME YOU SAID "MAN JOSH I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY PAY ME TO DO THIS" YOU SURE LEFT YOUR MARK ON THIS AGENCY AND I AM PROUD TO SAY THAT I KNEW AND WORKED WITH YOU YOU WILL FOREVER BE IN MY HEART AND PRAYS. AND MAKE SURE YOU WATCH OUT FOR US DOWN HERE.

C/O JOSHUA WOODS
HENDRY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

June 8, 2005

Your dedication, motivation, and desire to the job will always be remembered. Even though you're gone....you are not forgotten.

Deputy Sheriff Mario Dixon
Osceola County Sheriff's Office

June 1, 2005

Mr and Mrs Haas, it was so nice meeting you this past week at national police week, although I wish we could have met under different circumstances.

Your son was an amazing young man and is a true hero. Unfortunately he paid the ultimate sacrifice, but that sacrifice will NEVER be forgotten. He is truly one of the nation's finest.

Denise Zimmerman
Surviving Spouse of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman 02-05-04

May 17, 2005

Hey Brian...It's taken me a few days to write you and let you know how much we miss you. Over the weekend Uncle Allen and I had our time with you and prayed for strength for your mother and father and Manda. I have a special candle for you that we got a year ago for this past weekend - It's beautiful! Angel Brian's Candle. It shines bright - just like you. The heaven's have one Big bright star in the sky. We think of you every day and your are forever in our hearts.
Spread your wings baby boy, and fly proudly.
Loving you! xoxoxo
Aunt Trisha & Uncle Allen

Trisha Barnes

April 29, 2005

DEAR BRIAN

I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT SATURDAY MORNING, APRIL 24, 2004. SGT MCLAIN CALLED ME AT APPROXIMATELY 3:45 A.M. AND TOLD ME; "WE LOST ONE OF OURS." I ASKED "WHO", AND HE TOLD ME THAT IT WAS YOU. I THOUGHT THAT IT HAD TO BE A MISTAKE. I THOUGHT "MY YOUNGUN CAN'T BE GONE". BUT IT WAS YOU. I PACED THE FLOOR UNTIL DAYLIGHT; KNOWING THAT YOUR FAMILY AND FELLOW OFFICERS WERE GRIEF STRICKEN. I ASKED GOD "WHY"; YET I STILL DIDN'T KNOW THE ANSWER. BRIAN, I THEN PRAYED FOR STRENGTH; FOR YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND YOUR LAW ENFORCEMENT FAMILY.

THE DAY OF YOUR MEMORIAL SERVICE I WAS TOO DISTRAUGHT AND EMOTIONAL TO GO ON STAGE AND SAY ALL THE THINGS THAT I FELT IN MY HEART. PLEASE FORGIVE ME FOR THAT. ONE OF THE HARDEST PARTS WAS SEEING YOU ON VIDEO, PARTICIPATING IN A DUI STOP. YOU WERE TALKING AND IT SEEMED AS IF YOU WERE STILL ALIVE, BUT WHEN I HAD TO LAY A SINGLE ROSE IN A BASKET, I KNEW THAT YOU WERE GONE. IT WAS DIFFICULT BECAUSE I FELT THAT BY PLACING THAT ROSE IN THAT BASKET, I HAD TO LET YOU GO; AND I WASN'T READY FOR THAT.

WHEN YOUR NUMBER WAS CALLED OVER THE RADIO, I WAS PLEADING WITH ALL MY HEART FOR YOU, #157 TO ANSWER. BUT YOU DIDN'T. YOU COULDN'T. IT WAS YOUR FINAL CALL. AT THAT POINT, I FINALLY ACCEPTED THE FACT THAT YOU WERE REALLY GONE.

NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT I DON'T THINK ABOUT YOU AND THAT SMILE OF YOUR'S THAT WOULD LIGHT UP A ROOM WHEN YOU ENTERED. YOUR PICTURE SITS WITH ALL MY FAMILY PICTURES; BECAUSE YOU ARE AND ALWAYS WILL BE A PART OF MY FAMILY.

BOB, NORIE, AND AMANDA. I WILL ALWAYS PRAY FOR YOU; THAT GOD GIVES YOU THE STRENGTH TO MAKE IT THROUGH ANOTHER DAY. TIME CAN EASE THE PAIN; MAKE IT A LITTLE MORE BEARABLE, BUT MEMORIES LAST A LIFETIME.

BRIAN WAS A VERY THOUGHFUL, CARING, COMPASSIONATE YOUNG MAN WHO GAVE HIS LIFE DOING WHAT HE LOVED BEST.HE LOVED HIS JOB AND HIS FAMILY. HE'S A SON AND A BROTHER THAT YOU CAN BE VERY PROUD OF. HE WAS GIVEN TO YOU AND TO US FOR A VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. IN THAT TIME, I KNOW THAT BRIANS' POSITIVE OUTLOOK ON LIFE AND HIS CHARISMATIC PERSONALITY HAD A POSITIVE INFLUENCE IN A LOT OF PEOPLES LIVES. WE ALL LOVE AND MISS BRIAN. IT IS HARD TO SAY THAT HE IS GONE, BUT EASY TO SAY NOT FORGOTTEN.

SGT JEANETTE MOORE #304
HENDRY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

SGT JEANETTE MOORE #304
HENDRY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

April 26, 2005

To Brian's parents:

i do apologize for not leaving a message for you and brian yesterday as it was his 1-year "anniversary"...i hate that word, really, but i don't know what else to call it. i knew brian, too young, was called home close to the same time as my cole. i simply do not understand it. i also saw that you left a message on cole's page. it really means a lot that others remember. i cannot imagine what it is like to have lost a child, for cole and i were not yet married. i have watched cole's mom during the last 2 years and know that while we can relate on a lot of the pain and agony unfortunately, i still cannot fathom the loss of a child. so many hopes and dreams...gone in a flash. i do know that your brian must have been a wonderful young man who was obviously very much loved. i will definitely honor your son's memory at police week. i am actually going with jessica ruhl and the starks family. i hope to meet you both there. brian must have been an amazing officer. God bless you both.

Jessi Garger
Fiancee of Cole Martin EOW 4.25.03

April 25, 2005

Brian,

Home is usually where we feel closest to you, and where we feel the most comfort and peace, but after much thought, Dad and I decided to spend this past weekend camping. We were afraid that being home and reliving the painful memories of a year ago, would be too much for us to bear, so we opted to do something that you always enjoyed. We have so many great memories of family camping trips when you and Amanda were younger, and we tried to focus on those memories as we hiked the same trails that the four of us did, many years ago.

In spite of our determination to concentrate on the good times, many sad thoughts interfered. I can recall in vivid detail, saying goodbye to you before you left for work that last evening. I am so thankful that I took the time to get off the treadmill, tell you I loved you, and give you a hug before you left. I remember being so excited about the prospect of helping you move into your new house the next morning. Dad and I were woking out in the hangar, and you called with a question just before your shift began. Dad couldn't answer your question, so he handed the phone to me. That was the last time we heard your voice.

In less then two weeks, you will be honored at Memorial Services in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. Amanda and Mike, and some of your coworkers will be there with us. At the samt time that our hearts are breaking with grief, they will be bursting with pride. Not a single day has passed since April 24, 2004, that you have not been in our thoughts. You live on in our memories, our minds, and in our hearts. We love you and miss you.

Mom and Dad

Norie Haas

April 25, 2005

Hey Brian it has been a year since you left us, but we have not forgotten about you. When I went to work on Sunday I spoke to your picture on our wall and told you a few personal things. We often talk about you and remember the goods time we shared with you. Archer came upstairs on Sunday and we shared some things about you and of course we did laugh. Anyway I just wanted to say hey and I will keep you in my thoughts and your family in prayer. Talk to you later Big Bob

C/O Bob R. Chirila
Hendry County Sheriff Office

April 25, 2005

BRIAN

I HAD TO DO IT AGAIN... I WAS GIVEN ANOTHER 19 YEAR OLD OFFICER TO TRAIN. YOU KNOW ME, I ASKED HIM IF HE WAS SECURE IN HIS MANHOOD , AND THEN I MADE HIM DRESS OUT A BUNCH OF MALES IN THE SHOWER. I STILL LAUGH ABOUT THAT JOKE WITH YOU. TO HAVE A CAMERA AND TO HAVE TAKEN THAT SNAP SHOT. I SIT AT HOME AND GET ALL TEARED UP LAUGHING AT MY MEMORY OF YOUR FACE WHEN I ASKED THAT QUESTION. AND THE FACE YOU MADE WHEN YOU DRESSED OUT TONY IN THE SHOWER. I HOPE I CAN HAVE THE SAME RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR NEWEST OFFICER, LIKE I HAD WITH YOU. KEEP THE SHOWER RUNNING. LOL

SGT.TINY

SEARGENT MCLAIN
HENDRY COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

April 25, 2005

BRIAN

I HOPE YOUR WATCH IN THE AFTER-LIFE IS AS FULFILLING AS THE LIFE THAT YOU LEFT. WITH YOU AT YOUR POST, MY FAMILY AND I FEEL LIKE WE HAVE A GUIDING ANGEL WATCHING OVER US AND HELPING GUIDE US. YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR PRAYERS.

SEE YOU ON OUR NEXT WATCH

SGT.TINY

SERGEANT MCLAIN
HENDRY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

April 25, 2005

BRIAN,
I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT HAS BEEN A YEAR ALREADY. IT SEEMS LIKE JUST YESTERDAY, WE WERE DESIDING ON WHICH POD IN THE JAIL TO SHAKE DOWN NEXT. YOU USED TO SAY IT FELT LIKE A BIG EASTER EGG HUNT TO GO IN THERE AND TAKE OUT ALL THE CONTRABAND. THOSE WERE THE DAYS.
I AM FINALLY ON THE ROAD AND DOING THE JOB YOU LOVED AND I LOVE IT ALSO. I JUST WISH I COULD HAVE YOU AS A PARTNER. I HOPE YOU ARE UP THERE WATCHING OVER ME AND THE REST OF THE DEPUTIES. WE NEED ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET.
I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT WE ALL MISS YOU AND YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BY ANYONE HERE. YOUR NUMBER "157" IS ALWAYS WITHIN EYE SIGHT. ON THE BACK OF THE PATROL CARS AND MOST OF OUR PERSONAL VEHICLES, TO REMIND US THAT YOU TO ARE THAT CLOSE AND WATCHING OUT FROM ABOVE. WE MISS YOU.
YOUR FRIEND AND BROTHER BY BADGE,
DEPUTY ROBERT ARCHER #151

DEPUTY ROBERT ARCHER #151
HENDRY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

April 24, 2005

BRIAN,

EVERYTIME I COME TO WORK I SEE YOUR SMILING FACE, STARING DOWN UPON US AS WE RUSH ABOUT IN HASTE.
FINGERPRINTS AND PATTINGDOWN, THERE IS NO TIME FOR SLOWING DOWN.
MEDICATIONS, TYLENOL, IT'S LIKE A RUSHIG WATERFALL.
IT'S COME TO PASS ONE YEAR AGO, YOU LEFT THIS WORLD AS MY HERO.
HERE TODAY GONE TOMMOROW, IT'S NOT O.K. WE DROWN IN SORROW.

WE MISS YOU BRIAN. YOU ARE ALWAYS IN OUR MINDS AND HEARTS.
ONE DAY WE SHALL MEET AGAIN AS WE WALK HEAVENS STREETS.
LOVE YA,
TERESA

C/O HELMLINGER
HCSO

April 24, 2005

Brian,
I can't beleive it was a year ago when I got that horrible phone call from your mom. All I could think of yesterday was how it Was your last day on Earth and how I wish we could have said good-bye to you. We miss you so much and think of you every day. Please watch over us all, especially your mom, dad, and sister. Also please watch over Nonnie.

Love Always,
Aunt Bonnie, Uncle Glenn,
Sarah, and Heather

Bonnie Cannedy

April 24, 2005