Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It’s almost been 39 years, I’m 32. I would go to sleep every night and wake up every morning to your picture by my bed and carried it everywhere. I didn’t get the privilege to physically meet you like some of my sisters and cousins but we’ve all talked about as if you were still physically here. Anyone I’ve met and talked about you to always told me how good of a man you were and that you left an impression that will stay with them for their whole lives. We know you were and still are spiritually. Your great grandson, Clay, would carry that same picture and carry it sayin “pawpaw” and “I’m gonna be a policeman like my pawpaw.” I know you, mama jo, and uncle Greg are up there together watching over us. I’ll take care of dad as best as I can until everyone’s finally together again and I know mama Jo is literally over the moon back now that she’s with the love of her life again. I have your pipes just the way you left them, the tobacco and everything, your leather aviator jacket is how you left it, and so is your deputy jacket that I have (it’s definitely seen better days though) the BRAND name will always live on and will have the same stubbornness and willfulness along with so much that YOU and mama jo taught dad and uncle Greg. Your legacy will live on through me, my sisters, my cousins, all of our children and all of their children. You will NEVER be JUST a picture. You’ve been my hero for as long as I can remember and my literal guardian angel for even longer. Thank you for your service to your country when you went Vietnam twice, and for protecting and serving your community that costed you your life. Leonard Wilbur Brand, my paw paw, and the best deputy that ever lived. You’re gone but truly are never forgotten. I love you and, thank you again for paying the ultimate sacrifice


Your granddaughter,
Amanda Bundy (BRAND)

Amanda Bundy

May 15, 2025

Almost 39 years and I never knew you except for a picture I kept in my room and looked at every night. The same picture your great grandson carried around saying he wanted to be like pawpaw. I didn’t get the privilege to meet you like some of my sisters and cousins but I still know you, my kids know you, and my grandkids will know you. Your pipes are as you left them with the tobacco still in it, I have your deputy jacket and your aviator one. I’m glad mama jo is finally with the love of her life again. I know yall have uncle Greg with yall but I got dad until yall are together again. You’ve always been my hero for as long as I can remember. You were never just some random man in a picture, you’re my pawpaw and the Brand name and our attitudes will always be how you molded them to be. I can truly say you will never be forgotten. I love you, and thank you for your sacrifice

Amanda Bundy (Brand)
Granddaughter

May 15, 2025

Brother Leonard I remember the day you left us like yesterday. I also remember the good times we had. God Bless.

Detective Chris Murray
Auburn Police Division

October 30, 2019

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 25, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twenty-fourth anniversary 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.

I hold your family in my heart's embrace today and pray for their solace. I share your anquish in losing a beloved family member which surely has to be life's greatest sorrow.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

May 25, 2010

Deputy Brand your service to our county has not been forgotten I can still remember the last day of your watch I was only 5 years old and lived down the road I remember seeing so so many police cars flying by with lights and sirens and my parents cried because they couldn't believe anyone would hurt such a "good man" well here it is many years since and you still serve as an inspiration to Law Enforcement officers everywhere.

Corporal Chris Johnson
Eclectic Police Dept. Alabama

November 11, 2007

"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

July 24, 2007

Rest in Peace, Deputy Brand. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

November 2, 2006

I pray that you are still resting peacefully and hope that you are watching over all of us down here.

Cpl. Egendoerfer
Mishawaka PD

May 25, 2006

It has been 20 years since your intimely and tragic death, but your ultimate sacrifice has not been forgotten.

Detective
Orlando Police Department

May 25, 2006

I believe that no officer should be without a reflection. To you Deputy Brand, I salute you and your ultimate sacrifice. You will never be forgoten. We thank you and our prayers are with your family. God Bless!

Patrolman/Instructor
Hokes Bluff PD

February 23, 2005