Thousands of deputies, law enforcement officers, family and friends from Orange County and around the country filled the First Baptist Church of Orlando on John Young Parkway on Tuesday, to honor and may tribute to Deputy First Class Brandon L. Coates, who was killed in the line of duty by a lone gunman, one week ago.
The moving funeral service gave many a glimpse into Deputy First Class Coates’ life, as colleagues and friends remembered him as a loving husband, son, brother, marine, first class deputy and warrior who gave his life in the service of community.
Dr. David Uth, pastor of the First Baptist Church led the service with a prayer, noting that while there was nothing that he could say to take away the pain of the loss, “Brandon was the reason we are free to gather in this room, every-week. He served his community, protected us and made this a place to live. We owe him. We thank him.”
Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings, in paying tribute to Deputy Coates said, Brandon lived the motto of the Sheriff’s office–“making a difference”.
From Brandon Coates’ personnel file, Sheriff Demings recalled that, when he was asked why he wanted to join the Agency, Brandon wrote, “I want to be part of the solution, to take care of everyone, including those whom I do not not know.”
Demings noted that Deputy Coates was a good and faithful husband, son, brother, co-worker, marine, member of the Honor Guard and exemplary Deputy Sheriff, who shunned the limelight. As part of the marine corp, he served two tours of duty in Iraq and survived, but died on his own streets in his homeland, Demings said.
“Brandon did his job with utmost care and conviction and one could always learn something from him,” Demings said. “He made a difference in the world. Brandon is our hero, and he will never, never be forgotten.”
Deputy Coates was awarded the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Purple Heart and the Medal of Valor, posthumously, for his act of bravery in trying to arrest a murderous individual.
Other law enforcement officers who paid tribute to Deputy First Class Coates said that he lived by a set of beliefs, always putting himself on the line for others. Brandon’s Sergeant said that he was always eager to help anyone in need, was always there and could be counted on.
“The world will forever be darkened,” said one Deputy Sheriff who eulogized Deputy Coates. And another, “The World is down one good man. We all have a void to fill. Brandon we will always make you proud.”
In addition to being an exemplary Deputy, perhaps the common theme throughout the presentations was Deputy Coates’ love and devotion to his wife, Virginia.
A Deputy who read from a letter written by his widow, Virginia, noted how much her husband loved her.
“Brandon showed me what love is,” the letter stated. “He always told me how much he loved me. He was the hardest worker, best husband and best friend one could ever have. You will always be my hero and the love of my life.”
Deputy Virginia Coates and Deputy Brandon Coates, who joined OCSO about four years ago, had been married for about one year.
Deputy Coates will be interred at the GlenHaven Memorial Cemetery in Winter Park, with full honors, after the motorcycle cortege of the funeral possession makes its way through Orange County.
