Rough Men Doing Good Work:

On November 23, 2010, Weld County Deputy Sheriff Sam Brownlee was shot and killed in the line of duty. I can't say I knew Sam well, but all of my interactions with him were positive and professional. By all acounts he was a good man and a good cop. He will be missed.



Officer Down.

Over 200 marked Patrol and Police cars partcipated in the processional.

In the military and Law Enforcement, the casket never stands alone.

Just a sample of the 120+ officers from the WCSO present.

Sam's radio number was WC 679 - making the "last call" significant and heart wrenching. "Weld 679, Dispatch...Weld 679, Dispatch...no response...Weld 679, Dispatch...no response - God bless."

A striking image - a hero remembered.

Our Honor Guard stood a Silent Watch in pairs, on rotating 15 minute shifts. From the Hospital, to the Morgue, to the Funeral Home, until he was laid to rest.

Butler-Hancock, on the University of Northern Colorado Campus, may not be pretty, but it is the only place big enough in Weld County to host the estimated 2,400 uniformed personnel and another 1,200 civilians who attended.

"Amazing Grace" played by the Denver Police Drum and Pipes Corp. A reverant ending to a beautiful tune. And woe to the man who makes fun a man wearing a kilt, whose belt carries a Glock. I would not mess with this man.

The Rank and File. The Deputy in power blue was a former WCSO, who travelled from Maryland to attend. Chicago PD, LAPD, NYPD, almost every State, County, and Municipal Law Enforcement Agency sent a representative.

As we honored WC 679, I was reminded of one of my favorite quotes by George Orwell: "People sleep peacably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Sam was shot by a fleeing felon in the height of his duties, a rough man standing ready - only be taken too soon.

Photos courtesy of WCSO and the Greeley Tribune