On Wednesday, December 8, 2010, Deputy Brandon Coates was shot and killed while making a traffic stop near the intersection of South Nashville Avenue and 45th Street at around 8:30 pm. Moments after radioing in the traffic stop 911 dispatchers received calls stating a deputy had been shot and received a description of the suspect's vehicle.



The vehicle was located at a nearby apartment complex. During the ensuing search for the suspect, the man's body was found suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.



Deputy Coates had served with the Orange County Sheriff's Office for 4½ years and was assigned to the Tactical Anti-Crime Unit. He is survived by his wife, who also serves as a deputy with the agency, his mother and brother.



On December 13th and 14th, 2010, the central Florida community gathered to honor a hero for his selfless service to his community and country.



Photographs of Brandon Coates' memorial services featured in this book were taken by Amanda Kern (www.amandakern.com) and Gian Carlo Brand (www.giancarlophotography.com ).