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We will miss you Brian.
Joe Perry
It is an honor to have known and work with Brian. We shared many wonderful times together. He was many different things to many people. To me he was my: partner, teacher, friend and most of all a BROTHER. He would always be willing to help or to offer his opinion. I’m sure that we all at one time or another were a focus of one of his practical jokes.
You will be missed, however NEVER FORGOTTEN.
Bob Trautman
rktrautman@worcestersheriff.com
The time you gave to us was precious and memorable. In rest, your memory remains.
Chuck Martin, Sheriff Worcester County, Maryland ctmartin@cji.net
Lost so tragically at a young age.
A tribute to Brian Keith Heller is not difficult to write as he truly was a wonderful person and a friend who was caring, comical and loyal. The many of us who knew and loved Brian could never have imagined we would lose him so tragically at such a young age. Although Brian is gone, he will never be far from our thoughts as he had touched so many of our hearts. Brian died doing what he loved, but he would be the first to tell his fellow officers to "be careful out there." The compassion and heartfelt caring shown in respect to Brian during his final farewell from so many departments from Maryland to Pennsylvania to New Jersey was heart-warming during a sad time. Brian became part of our family and I will always miss him, but am thankful to have shared his life for a short time.
Tee Trautman Pennsylvania
Brian was a very good Deputy, who loved what he was doing. I had some very good talks with Brian about work and life.
To the Heller family, I know that his friends at the Worcester County Sheriff's Office felt his severe loss very deeply, but some small measure of consolation may be found in the words of the poet, Walt Whitman:
He is not gone. He is just away, With a cheery smile and the wave of the hand, He has wandered into an unknown land, And left us wondering how very fair that land May be, since he tarries there.
May the family find solace in the inspiring memories of the exemplary life of Brian.
Let's bow our heads to the will of God, the Father of us all, and say to ourselves:
Is there beyond the silent night an endless day? Is death a door that leads to light? We cannot say. The tongue less secret locked in fate We can not know. We watch and wait. May he enjoy his eternal rest and the rewards he has earned. May his family derive some measure of comfort in the knowledge that we share their grief with them.
Barry Brittingham Sr. e-mail; barryqs@cs.com
A day does not go by, that we do not think of Brian. We remember his laugh, his smile, and his love of family and friends. We try to remember the great times that we have shared with him but there is an empty feeling that stays with us. I will not forget him. I will not forget that bear paw grabbing my neck and hearing him say " Are you going to do any work" We all have lost a friend, a true believer in good against evil. Our hearts will remain heavy for a very long time. Our thoughts now are with his family. One look at his girls and we know that Brian is still with us. He was proud of them and would want us to carry on. I will miss him. I am indeed thankful that I know him and shared with him so many things. Be safe on your journey home brother! We will meet again.
D/S Andy McGee Worcester County Sheriffs Office
Tricia Benscoter SoftballAngel1717@hotmail.com Alexandra Wojewodzic psychoprincess19@aol.com he was a great father to April and Laura, and a great man to all who knew him.
It was in July 1995 that I first met Brian. I was a new trooper working night patrol and stopped a car on Route 50 near Rt. 113. Although it was not his area, Officer Brian Heller of the Berlin Police Department backed me up. Just the size of Brian made me think that if anyone in this car gave me any trouble...they would be in it deep!! He was so nice I felt like I had known him for years, not minutes. That was the first of MANY times Brian would back me up on a call. Never had to ask, he was always there.
Brian was an outstanding officer...never condescending, conceited or jealous....just loved what he did.
I'll miss his always present smile and laugh. God give us the strength to carry on and keep Your healing hands on his family.
Amy (Costanzi) Williams, TFC, Maryland State Police livnoc@hotmail.com
I found a Poem I would like to share, In Memory of My Dad. I love you and miss you so much daddy. Love, April Lee "Wings"
Your life was full and had so much meaning, you never dwelled on the chance of leaving. Facing each day with a possible threat, and not one moment lived with a regret.
So many people see, but don't understand, that you protect and serve in a not so perfect land.
There wasn't time for you to say good-bye, but I can hear you clearly saying -- "Please don't cry".
Your life has been rich and sweet, you'll be missed by your brothers and sisters on the street.
You don't have to face another hassle, now you can go live in your own little castle.
Getting your wings up in the sky, where one day you'll teach us all to fly.
This poem was written as a Tribute to The Capitol Police, Washington, District of Columbia and especially to family, friends and those who were protected so honorably by them. Oregon State Police
I know I keep putting poems in but right now that's all that describes my feeling Well not really that's all that can explain my loss. So here is one more and my last until I finish mine that I am writing myself. -Traditional Irish Prayer
May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back May the
sun shine warm upon your face, The rain fall softly on your fields; And until we
meet again, May God hold you in The palm of his hand.
The previous poem was entered by April Lee Heller E-mail Isawtweety@aol.com
Brian was always a great big brother. I think being a police officer was easy for him because he was always protective of others, friendly, and compassionate. I will definitely miss him. Love you Brian! Beth Berg
"In The Line of Duty" By: Michele
What is the Meaning of "In The Line of Duty" It means that an officer made the Ultimate sacrifice. It means that someone took an officers life. A hero has fallen.
Officers who gave their all To protect and serve us Have been killed by someone whom they swore To protect and serve.
It means that their badge will no longer be on their chest And they will join "The Best Of the Best"
It means that family and friends are left behind To deal with the lost of a loved one. Only having the memories of that loved one Close to their hearts. something no one can ever take away.
It means that family members will stand at the officers grave And wonder why... Why would someone take an officers life And leave them there to die? If we only knew.
Today an officer will place their badge on their chest To fulfill the dreams of heroes killed "In The Line of Duty".
Laura Heller
Even though I met him once, he seemed pretty cool. Rich (Aprils friend), stoggie40oz@aol.com
Brian and I met in the early to mid 80's when he joined the Florence Volunteer Fire Company #2 and the Roebling Rescue Squad located in Florence, New Jersey. Brian and I became very close friends, spending most, if not all, of our free time together. If you found one of us, the other wasn't far behind. We were either shooting pool at a local bar, working around the firehouse, running fire calls or ambulance calls together. I look back now and can't believe how much I really enjoyed Brian's company. Hey, ever make the mistake of shooting pool against Brian? If you have, you know what I mean.
Brian and I drifted apart over the years not because we wanted to, but he had to follow his dream and I had to follow mine. He wanted to be a Cop in the worst way, and I wanted to be a Fireman. We both achieved our goals at about the same time. Yeah, we kept in touch from time to time, got together a few times. But family matters and work constraints work kept us from ever seeing each other again.
I, like a lot of you, am having a hard time accepting that Brian is gone. I can recall several fire incidents with Brian that should have snuffed us both out. We were known as the "Wrecking Crew". Imagine that. As those of you who worked with Brian knew, he wasn't going to back out on you. He was there when you needed him. I can't believe a car accident took him away from us.
They say you should never go through with regrets. Because Brian is gone, I have several. I regret not spending more time with my friend. I regret the fact that we never finished the plans to take a vacation together. I regret loosing contact over time.
Brian was one of a kind. If you ever met him, you couldn't help but notice that he always had a smile on his face. You know, the smile that made him look like the cat that just ate the canary. And what can we say about that laugh :-)
Since Brian has passed, I've come to realize one thing. God is a jealous individual. All the good people are taken first.
I will forever miss my friend, Brian.
Jay Coble jcoble@mountlaurelfire.org
It has now been almost three months since Brian has passed on. I still cannot believe that this has happened. I worked with Brian five nights prior to his death and he was so full of life. We will never understand how fate works. Brian Heller should have been here to see his daughters grow and excel in this world, as he did. I lost my father as a child and I had some extremely difficult times not having my father present. Brian was so devoted to his girls. I cry every time I think about them and what they will have to endure without him here.
Last school year, while teaching D.A.R.E. at Snow Hill elementary school, a young long-haired girl walked up to me as proud as can be and said " Do you know Brian Keith Heller"? I said that I did and that we worked together. In a proud voice with a great big smile she replied "He's my daddy". Now Laura and April Heller are in the same situation that I was in. I mourn so much for them and the loss of a great person, friend and brother. When I heard that Brian had died in a car accident, the first thing that came to my mind was Laura and hearing her say "He's my daddy".
We loved you Brian, You were a tremendous person and friend. You will be in our Hearts and Souls forever! Miss you forever!
Matt Crisafulli
As we approach this holiday season, I can't help to think of Brian. Christmas time was always his favorite holiday. Two years ago, Brian called me up to let me know he was coming to April's Christmas Concert at her school. Two minutes before the concert started, Brian comes running down the aisle with a armful of beautiful flowers to give April. April came out with her choir group and saw him and her smile just lit up the room, he had surprised her! Brian just watched as she sang, so proud and happy to be there. He sure did make April's night. After the performance she came running over to him, and gave him one of those big daddy hugs. After, he said he had brought one of her Christmas gifts that he would like to give her and he also had one for Ashley. April and I had stood in line but had never got one, he got five of them (Furbies). They were so happy.
Brian, I know you are watching over all of us, please give me the strength and guide me along with our wonderful daughter April Lee. We miss you dearly. Merry Christmas in heaven. April's Mom Joyce starlite1462000@yahoo.com
His Journey's Just Begun Don't think of him as gone away-- his journey's just begun, life holds so many facets-- this earth is only one... Just think of him as resting from the sorrow and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years. Think how he must be wishing that we could know today how nothing but our sadness can really pass away. And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched... for nothing loved is ever lost-- and he was loved so much. E. BRENNEMAN
May 16, 2001 is the date for COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors) picnic for all of the surviving families. Blue Knights' MD V, the local BK chapter, made a substantial donation to COPS and COPSRUN (the motorcycle event the is in honor of our fallen brothers and sisters) in Brian's name. The 2001 COPS survivors' picnic will be dedicated to Brian. We will never forget Brian and Brian's dedication to the citizens of Worcester County. My name is Craig Theobald. I am the Treasurer of the Blue Knights', MD V. Please join me at the COPS picnic and, if you ride a motorcycle, join in the COPSRUN ride. We must never forget our survivors. email: BKMDV@aol.com
I didn't know Brian, but I did. I've know Brian from every survival class I taught at the academy. Some of the Brians I've known is only by standing with thousands of other officer, paying their respect. The last number of years I got to know the other part of these Brians, their families, as we all gather at the Police Memorial for the candlelight vigil and I can see in the faces how much they are missed and how much they are LOVED. Rest peaceful my brother Brian and all the Brians that have gone before you, for as you can see, your family is not, and will be never alone. COPSRUN (COPSRUN@aol.com)
I knew Brian while he worked at Morrisville Police Department, I am a paramedic who has been at Morrisville Ambulance Squad for eight years. If you have never been in Morrisville, you wouldn't understand how close the Squad and Police Officers there are. It is a small, close community. The police station is separated from the squad building by only a parking lot, so the guys were/are over a lot. Since there was always coffee, TV and someone to talk to, Brian was there often! He loved to joke, and was quick with a quip. I always knew that I was safe whenever Brian was on a call with me, because he was so protective! If his presence was not enough to quiet a bad situation then he could be counted on to take care of any problems. I am sorry that his children will be deprived of the things they deserved: having him at their graduations, walking them down the aisle at their weddings and holding their children. But in a way, he is luckier than most people, because he was paid to do what he loved and he died doing something he believed in. I hope that that thought is a comfort to all of us who knew him, respected him and counted on him.
Laurie Brooks, Morrisville Ambulance Squad
LBC139@aol.com
When Brian and I were first dating he told me that one of his dreams was to
be a police officer, I asked him why didn't he look into it, and the rest is
history as the saying goes. He was so proud the first time he put on that
uniform to start at his first police department. There have been several over
the years, we met many wonderful people, Brian did not meet many people that
didn't like him, even the ones that he arrested. I learned many things about the
officers over the years, some of what is portrayed in the media and TV is true,
they are committed to doing their jobs to keep the world a better place for
everyone, they have the same cares and concerns as everyone else. I think most
cops worry that it could be them next, but to do their job they can not let that
interfere with their duties. Brian would have been the first to say that he died
doing what he loved, his only regret that he would not be there for his girls. I
see him everyday in my daughter and in my step-daughter. I know only too well
how devastating it is to lose your father at an early age, I am grateful that
there will be so many wonderful memories for the girls from his friends and
co-workers who have gone out of their way for us. The past months have been
difficult for Brian's family, but the Sheriff's Dept. has gone out of their way
to help and support us. I have many memories of my time with my husband, and I
hope more people will share their memories of Brian, so that the girls can hear
from other people about him. My ten year old said that she is afraid she will
not remember him as she gets older, I said that he will always be in our hearts
and is watching over us and his fellow officers. I would like to thank everyone,
especially Lt. Stuart Murray, Det. Jim Yost, Dep. Bob Trautman, Off. Scott Frank
and Off. Steve Brookes for their support these past months.
Connie Heller and Family (Isticku2@aol.com)
I did not know Brian personally, but I served as a Seasonal Police Officer in Ocean City, MD in 1998. I wish to send my sympathy to his family and friends. Matthew J. Hilty mjhilty@yourinter.net
No memory of Deputy Heller; however, I am the wife of a Deputy Sheriff in Tulare County, California. We are interested in relocating to the Eastern Shore to be closer to family members. This website was recommended to us. I truly hope the family of the fallen officer are able to overcome their grief and move forward with the love of the Lord in their hearts. Ellen Kennedy, KennedyKlan@aol.com
I did not know Deputy Heller personally. I was a seasonal Police Officer in Ocean City in 1998 and 1999. I am currently a Police Officer in Lancaster City, PA. I just wanted to express my sympathies to Deputy Heller's family, friends and fellow Officers. It is always tragic to lose anyone so suddenly, but even sadder when someone who is willing to lay their life on the line is called to make that sacrifice. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Respectfully, Officer Bill Hickey Lancaster Bureau of Police