Bradley Alan Moody - Online Memorial Website

Brad,

I can't tell you how many times I wrote this letter.  How many times I read Susan's letters over and over again, studing each page, photo and memory shared on this site like I was trying to solve a puzzle.  I still haven't found the words that could express what I feel or make sense of what has happened. 

It was just a few weeks ago that I ran into Betty at my kids school and gave her my phone number for you to call me.  Like clockwork you called that week end.  I regret that I only managed phone tag with you, but I am happy I got to hear your voice again before you were gone.  I know now that I should have tried harder to reconnect with you and your family.  I know now that God had given me that chance. 

 

If there was anything that I learned from this tragedy Brad, is that I have taken life for granted by not appreciating every single person who has been in my life.  I have let a lot of people that I cared about drift away as I walked blindly and emotionally shut in.  Your passing has showed me an error in my character.  Brad, I will never make that mistake again. 

You have refueled my passion for Law Enforcement, Love for Family and Friends, and Life.  You were my friend, my hero and my teacher.

 

Susan, I am truly sorry for your lost.  I pray everyday for God to be with you and your children.  I can not begin to imagine how you feel.  My family and I will be here for you and continue to pray for you, Madison and Emma.

Rob

I knew Brad from Golden West Middle school. The one thing that has always reminded me of Brad was his 8th grade Class president speech as it started... "Howdy Doody From Brad Moody." Every time I heard the word Howdy this came to mind. Even though Brad and I didn't keep in touch over the years he left a funny thing in my mind that has stayed with me through the years.

I have only known Brad for a few years, but in that short time I learned what an amazing, person he was.  I met Brad for the first time when Susan and Brad had their first baby Madison.  I have known Susan for years, we met in High School when I was a senior and she was this " little freshman".  We instantly became friends and I loved being her friend.  Well as everyone knows time and life can drift even the best of friends apart, we did lose contact from each other for a few years.  I remember it was after my daughter was born when I actually got in contact with susan again.  I remembered right away how much I missed her after a few short minutes into our conversation.  We talked about the past few years, and all the new things that we have accomplished and our families.  It was in these conversations that the "big sister" in me felt like I had to see if she was really okay and being taken care of. 

After Susan had delivered Madison, I had come to the Moody house to meet their little bundle of joy, and to visit with my long lost friend.  From the moment I walked into their home I had not one question that she was being treated like a princess, and loved more than ever!  I remember that day when I met Brad he had the most amazing look on his face and a grin that went from ear to ear.  He was a gleeming father, and proud husband.  I watched him hold his firstborn child in his arms and saw nothing but love, I watched my friend at some of her first moments as mother and knew she had all the support she deserved from a loving husband who was dedicated to his family. 

 

I still find it funny that after all these years Susan and I managed to both marry a Bradley.  I thank God everyday for not only bring Susan back in to my life but for the oportunity to be friends with Brad as well, he is someone that has touched my heart and I will never forget him.  I have enjoyed every moment that my family has shared with Brad and Susan, they both are such dear friends to us.  I will miss our family Disneyland trips with the girls, and I will miss seeing Brads big dimpled smile.  I will miss having those pool days when we would all get in with the kids, and have a good time. (Now who's gonna kill the big pool spiders!!)  I know I only knew Brad for a short while, but it didnt take me long to realize how special he was.  It was easy for me to like him and enjoy his friendship, he could make me laugh in an instant.  In the past few weeks I realize how many people felt the same way that I do.  I am honored to have met Brad, and to be part of his family life and to have shared so many important milestones with him and Susan. 

 

The day I sat in the hall way at John Muir waiting to see Susan and say "good bye" to Brad, I wept and promised to Brad that I will always be there for his girls and to make sure that they are taken care of.  I will do whatever I can to be the friend that she needs.  I wish more than anything that I could take the pain away from my dear friend Susan, I would do anything to give her her husband back, and complete her again.  I will take every oportunity to remind Susan and the gilrs how much Brad loved them and how he would want them to be happy.   If anything I hope Brad knows that I have nothing but love for his girls and Susan, I will do my best to make Brad proud and honor my promise to him.  I know if the situation was reversed Brad and Susan would do the same for my family.  Thats the special people they both are to me and I will always be eternally greatful for knowing them both. 

 

 You will be forever missed Brad! 

 

Anna

My dearest Susan, Myself and no one else can make sense of this either. We hope you can draw strenght from us. We will try to be strong for you even though our hearts are heavy. Please, Please look to the ones whom you know are strong for your support. I love you, Madison, and Emma. 

Bradley, 

         I dont even know where to begin to tell you how much I miss you. I cant even describe to you the pain that I am feeling.  I miss you so much already and it's only been 2 1/2 weeks---HOW AM I GOING TO LIVE THE REST OF MY LIFE WITHOUT YOU BY MY SIDE???   There isnt a second in the day that I haven't thought about you.  I just feel so very lost with you.  You have made such an impact on everyone's lives---it's truely amazing.

         Maddy and Emma have asked about you everyday, and they kiss your pictures that are all over the house a 100 times a day.  A couple of days ago at lunch Madison said to me "Mommy....daddy is right here huh??"  (as she pointed to her heart).  And I said to her, "yes baby...daddy will always be with you in your heart."  And then she said as she looked up at the sky "And my daddy is up there watching down on me".  Bradley---I just lost it.  How does our three year old baby comprehend that.  It just broke my heart.  It breaks my heart that our babies are never going to see you again or really know you like we all did.  But like I said in the hospital to you---I promise you, each and every day---I will let them know what a wonderful, caring man you were.   Every night before bed, we go outside and look up at the starts...and our babies blow you a kiss and say good night to you.

          Baby--I am still so confussed about all this.  I can't grasp the fact that I will never see you again.  My heart feels empty without you.  Why did this have to happen to such a great person---you didnt deserve this.  Our babies didnt deserve to have their daddy ripped away from their lives... and I didnt deserve to have the love of my life taken so soon from me. 

         Please Bradley, I need your strength to make it through this.   I want to make you proud of me....I want you to be proud of our beautiful daughters.  I promise you I will teach our daughters to be honorable just like you were.  They will know what a true hero their daddy was.

             I love you with all of my heart---even though it's in a million peices.  Thank you for picking me to share your life with... thank you for giving me the two most precious little girls anyone could ever ask for....thank you for teaching me how to be a better person. I love you Bradley---and I ALWAYS will. 

          

Brad where do I start???  Man I don’t know, I have been putting this off for so long… I cant even stay on your page for more than 2 min. I have lost friends and family before but this one has hit me the hardest… We have so many memories and I am sure this will not make much sense to others…

 

You were the brother I never had, starting back when we all played for the Bengals, when we would DJ for Jens little parties thinking we were sooo cool. To you turning 16 and me still the little kid in Jr. High going out in your car T-Ping and just acting like kids… I remember the day you told me you were almost done with the Academy and you were going to be a cop. That smile on your face and how proud you were… I also remember the first day you introduced me to Susan, you had that same look on your face, and I knew she was the one and there wouldn’t be those boys nights out anymore… even though she gave you a pass here and there but made sure to tell me to take care of you because you had to get up with the girls or be at work the next day… yeah that never stopped us, some good times at stars, paint balling going to the shooting range, or just going to dinner and having a drink… Or us redoing the backyard like 3 times before you decided to just put a pool in… Our dinners at the house with the girls, us making jokes knowing it pissed them off but they just couldn’t stop laughing at us…

 

From my first ride along, to my first car chase, the first time I took a gun off of someone, you were always there… you showed me the in and outs of being a great officer and how to talk and treat people… I just hope I can be half the police officer you were…

There isn’t a day that goes by that I have not seen those little girls of yours… to be honest they are what keeps me going and not breaking down…

 

I know there is so much more to say and write but some things are just better left between you and I ha ha I will cherish those days and talks we had and will look forward to having them again…

 

I love you bro and never will forget you... you meant so much to me and I know you always had my back... We will see each other one day and sit back and drink some beers and just laugh at all the dumb and funny things we use to do or say... your girls will always have there uncle Sean around no matter what... just watch over us and make sure I am doing a good job and being half the man you are...

 

love you bro!!!  

Although I have never met you, as a fellow police officer in Fresno, I felt like wishing you peace and greatness in heaven. I know there is a special place for you there. May God bless your fellow co-workers, friends and family members you left behind.~Lindsay Dozier~Fresno Police Dept.

Hi I am new to this family. I am with Michelles brother Tim. I have loved Michelle James, Tanner and Jaiden from the first day I met them. I have met Jenny and both Brads parents. I have wanted to meet you Susan and your babies. I look forward to making memories with you. I pray to him to watch over you and your whole wonderful family. Love you guys..

One of the Good Guys: You Made A Difference

 

The older I get the more I wonder why our brightest young men and women are taken from us at such an early age. I met Brad Moody when he joined our Police Cadet program. He was one of those young men that instantly got inside your heart. You knew he was a keeper, that he was one of the few that were born to be a police officer. His enthusiasm for life was without measure, and his willingness to help others was evident from our first meeting. He was a leader in the cadet program. He possessed a genuine concern and compassion for his fellow man. He found real joy and satisfaction in helping his fellow man. He was one of those rare people that got along with everyone regardless of age, gender, or race. Brad could walk into a room and within minutes relationships began to form and it was like he was a life long buddy with people he just met.

 

When he made a commitment he stuck to it. He was an outstanding cadet. His leadership role was exemplary and provided a benchmark for his peer group to achieve. He loved helping people whether it was comforting the mother of a lost child at the Winters Youth Fair or donning a Easter Bunny costume and helping a 1^st grader on an Easter Egg hunt, you knew that Brad was special.

 

He had a great sense of humor and a smile that could cause global warming. His friends were from diverse backgrounds and occupations and he enjoyed them all equally. He was a man that chose his friends and path in life. He was not subject to peer pressure, he stood tall and stood on his own to feet. If you were his friend there was no amount of peer or social pressure that could cause him to abandon you. He was a man of conviction He was mature beyond his years.

 

His natural leadership skills surfaced early in the cadet program and he was promoted to a cadet command officer. I remember his reaction the first time he put on his uniform and the great sense of pride he displayed. He knew the importance of properly maintaining and wearing a uniform and the respect that accompanied it. He came back from the “Pigs on the Pond” celebration in Fairfield and could not wait to tell me what happened. Police officers had stopped him and asked him where he was from. They were really impressed with the uniform and the way he wore it. Little did they know that it was the man in that uniform that was truly something to marvel, something rare and special.

 

Brad was very compassionate and humanistic but when he had to, and without bravado, he could be extremely tough. I remember watching a video that scared the living hell out of me. Brad had taken a security job for a grocery store chain and his job was to catch and apprehend shoplifters. He needed extra money. This is a very tough job and not one you want to do by yourself and one you should avoid if at all possible. It is thankless and often very dangerous and frequently results in you being abandoned by your employer when you need him most. I saw a video tape of Brad in a violent battle trying to affect the arrest of a shoplifter. Brads assailant was over 6’5” tall and in excess of 300lbs. Brad and the suspect went toe to toe for over 10 minutes. I saw Brad get knocked to the ground and I saw Brad knock the suspect to the ground. I saw Brad chase him down and finally apprehend the suspect. I knew he had the heart of a lion. He was a man of courage and bravery and now I knew he had the heart to protect and serve. We got him to quit that job and work more hours for us. After all, we wanted Brad to become a police officer.

 

Brad was one of those few people who had great family values, great character, outstanding moral fiber, physical prowess, and a love for life and his fellowman. He was one of the very few that was born to be a 21^st Century Policeman. He was chosen by God to protect and serve his fellow man. He was a man of such strong character that no matter what tragedy or injustice he observed or experienced he would not become bitter or cynical nor would he lose his love of and desire to serve his fellow man. He would never compromise his values or violate the public trust. Yes, Brad was chosen by God to be a cop.

 

He was one of the fastest white boys I had ever seen. He was blessed with the gift of speed. I knew this would serve him well. He used it to catch bad guys and to build bridges to the community he served. He also had rhythm and the ability to bust a move on the dance floor. He had the ability to interact with anyone, at anytime, and have a great time doing it. He was one hell of an inspirational leader for the cadet program. He was a leader and a big brother to his fellow cadets. In the Police Academy he was tops in his class in physical fitness and at the range.

 

I remembered meeting the Richmond Police Sergeant and proudly listening to him tell me that his agency was going to hire Brad out of the Police Academy. Like so many other police cadets, Brad had now made the transition to police officer. The pride in my heart was overwhelming. I knew that Law Enforcement was in safe hands with Officer Brad Moody. You see doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right reasons, was not only part of the fabric that made up Brad’s character it was part of his soul.

 

Officer Moody it has been my pleasure to know you. You have positively touched so many lives. I know the love and compassion you showed your family and your cadet brother and sisters carried over to your own family once you were married. I know that you loved your wife and children unconditionally and that they were a sense of your pride and that they defined all that was good in your life. 

 

You walked on this earth for only a short time but you left footprints in the hearts of everyone you met, helped, and served. You were all that is good in being a police officer and a man! So I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you have done for all of us, for the outstanding example you set as a man, as a friend, as a father, and as a police officer.

 

 Be it known to all who have served their fellow man that Brad Moody, the man and police officer, did make a difference in this life. He was a role model for all of us as men, fathers, and police officers. He was an example of what it meant to be a good human being, neighbor, and friend.

 

May God take you in his arms and reward you for an outstanding tour of duty, a job well done. May God bless your family and protect them, but do not worry they will not be left alone. God has chosen you to protect and serve on His team. Officer Moody outstanding job, tour is done, rest in peace in God’s eternal sun.

 

Eternally Grateful

Chief Larry Eade

 

Brad, You and Susan were in my life for a very short, but precious time in your lives. As you were becoming new parents. Your "expectant dad" enthusiasm was so refreshing. Your excitement and humor added so much to the classes that I taught. You even came to class in uniform one time. I was amazed that you would take your break from work to be with your wife, and learn about being a Dad. I'll never forget the day that you found out that my husband was with the Richmond Fire Department. Your eyes lit up, almost like we were "family". I could tell that you had a great love for your wife, becoming a dad, and the work that you were doing in Richmond. My fireman would tell me that he would see you on calls from time to time, you guys would talk. He shared with me what a friendly guy and great cop you were. It seems that your work wasn't finished on this earth. But obviously you were loved by so many, and became a top notch role model for us to all follow. Your babies will always have you in their hearts, and may the stories that are shared about you become part of their life's legacy. So now your daddy duty is love them from above and to watch over them in a way that I couldn't teach you on this earth. Watch over all of us!

Susan,My wife and I felt honored when Brad ask us to attend your wedding.You may not remember us but Brad worked with me almost daily at SCC Police dept when he was a police aide.We made a very good team as officer and police aide and had lots of fun working together.I received a phone call Saturday about 0900 while working at the Greek festival in Vallejo.The Father was in the room when I let out a 4 letter word of which he was not to happy to hear.I explained what had happened and he went into the church and liit a candle.

My wife and I received a very nice phone call from Brad when I retired from the PD.I think he wanted to make sure he still would have a contact for the Greek cookies my wife gave him .He did stop in a couple of time and picked up some.

Sue we all here will miss him dearly.This was a double shot for me as I had just lost my mother 3 weeks ago.We will light two candles at church each Sunday.Bless you and your family Sue

                                       MAC & MAGDA MCPHERSON

When Brad went through the Academy at LMC, I was working as a clerk in the office. Many cadets passed through many classes, but for some reason Brad stood out in the crowd. His smile was amazing, & I can still hear him saying yes ma'm, no ma'm.  When he was hired in the Richmond P.D. I said, "Are you sure you want to go to Richmond?" Yes ma'm. "Are you sure you wouldn't like another department that might be safer? " No ma'm. His eyes sparkled. He was an amazing kid. Any P.D. would have gladly taken him.
I was shocked & saddened when I read the paper Sunday morning. He was one of the few cadets that I really remembered. I am so sorry for your loss. He will always be in your heart & in mine.
Veronica Foreman-MDF Operations-Senior Clerk

B-RAD,

I'VE LOOKED AT THIS SITE I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY TIMES NOW AND SAW YOUR PICTURES FLASH PAST HUNDREDS OF TIMES AND IT KILLS ME TO KNOW THAT YOUR NOT HERE WITH US. 

 

I GOT A CALL FROM SUSAN LAST SATURDAY THAT I NEVER EXPECTED, IT WAS LIKE I WAS HIT WITH A WRECKING BALL.  I'VE BEEN COMPLETELY DEVISTATED SINCE THAT DAY.  ONE MINUTE I'M FINE AND THE NEXT I'M PISSED OFF AND CRYING.  YOU WERE TAKEN FROM USE WAY TO SOON. 

 

I'M GOING TO MISS YOUR PHONE CALLS WHEN YOU ARE ON THE WAY HOME FROM WORK, CALLS ABOUT THE LATEST PERSON THAT JUST GOT SMOKED, ABOUT THE KID YOU JUST CHASED WITH A SAWED OFF SHOTGUN.  YOU LOOKED ON GOOGLE EARTH AND SAID YOU CHASED HIM FOR 305 YARDS OR THE LATEST PERSON THAT MEAT HEAD (RICO) JUST ATE. 

 

YOU CALLED ME 2 WEEKS AGO NOW AND SAID THAT YOU WANTED TO SET UP A DAY TO TAKE SGT. WILLIAMS OUT FOR DRINKS, WE NEVER GOT TO HAVE THAT DAY, I WISH WE HAD.

 

I ALWAYS REMEMBER SITTING IN YOUR BACK YARD DRINKING BEER, OUR CONVERSATIONS WOULD ALWAYS TURN TO DOGS, DOG TRAINING, GANGS AND WORK.  YOU LETTING ME TAG ALONG TO K9 TRAINING AND BEING USED AS A CHEW TOY BY JUST ABOUT EVERY DOG FOR A 30 MILE RADIUS, AND EVERYONE WELCOMED ME.  I REMEMBER YOU INVITING ME OVER TO YOUR PARENTS HOUSE OF COURSE THEY WEREN'T HOME, I JUST GOT HIRED AT THE S.O.  WHEN I SHOWED UP, THERE WERE A BUNCH OF UNDERAGE PEOPLE DRINKING AND OF COURSE VVPD SHOWS UP AND I WAS THE ONLY ONE OVER 21, THANK GOD I KNEW THE GUY.  I THOUGHT MY CAREER WAS OVER BEFORE IT BEGAN.

 

YOU ALWAYS SHOWED SUCH ENTHUSIASM FOR EVERYTHING YOU DID, YOU WERE COMPLETELY FEARLESS.  YOU WOULD CHASE EVERY GUN TOTING GANGSTER IN CENTRAL AND NOT HESITATE.  I REMEMBER DRIVING PAST NEVIN PARK ON A RIDE ALONG AND HEARING EVERYONE YELL "MOODY" AS WE DROVE PAST, AND YOU SAYING WITH THAT GRIN ON YOUR FACE "I'VE ARRESTED EVERYONE OF THEM". 

 

I WOULD TRADE PLACES WITH YOU IN A HEARTBEAT IF GOD WOULD LET ME, JUST TO GIVE YOU ONE MORE DAY TO HOLD SUSAN, KISS YOUR GIRLS AND TELL THEM ALL YOU LOVE THEM.   

 

YOU ARE A TRUE HERO, A COPS COP, A GREAT DAD, A LOVING HUSBAND AND A GREAT FRIEND.  THANKS FOR ALL THE MEMORIES, I WILL CHERISH THEM FOREVER.  I MISS YOU LIKE HELL BRO.

 

SEE YOU AT THE CROSSROADS MY BROTHER.

 

LOVE YOU

BRYAN  

To Susan, the girls, Brad's family, and everyone who loved him, and the RPD family,  we mourn with you. We will cry with you as long as you want. Laugh with you as long as you can. To have someone love you in this life is a blessing many people never get. Brad was truly loved and blessed by many people who loved him. He also loved all of you. God loves you, too. I know that God's hand is upon us, and this is a time when His perfect healing will take place.

 

What a life. What a wonderful, incredible, fantastic, heartbreaking but heartmending life. This young man managed to do with 29 years more than most people do in five or six deacades. He lived. He loved. Remember that. The love of God, and the love that Brad had for us all is something that never dies.

 

There are three things which last forever: faith, hope and love, but the greatest among these, is love.

Below is one of the first songs I ever learned. I woke up today and it reminded me of Brad.

 

I'll be your candle on the water
My love for you will always burn
I know you're lost and drifting
But the clouds are lifting
Don't give up you'll have somewhere to turn


I'll be your candle on the water
'Till ev'ry wave is warm and bright
My soul is there beside you
Let this candle guide you
Soon you'll see a golden stream of light


A cold and friendless tide has found you
Don't let the stormy darkness pull you down
I'll paint a ray of hope around you
Circling in the air
Lighted by a prayer



I'll be your candle on the water
This flame inside of me will grow
Keep holding on you'll make it
Here's my hand so take it
Look for me reaching out to show
As sure as rivers flow
I'll never let you go
I'll never let you go
I'll never let you go...

Dear Susan,

 

You probably don't remember us because of the years that have passed, but we met and spoke briefly at one of the early K9 trials you attended with tiny Madison tucked into a stroller.  It was nice to finally meet the "fastest" cop and his lovely family in person.

 

Our K9 Pete had already retired, and Rod was working Robbery-Homicide at this point in his career, but he would bring these stories home about an incredible young officer who could outrun any bad guy on any day.

 

As the wife of a Richmond police officer, I understand what sacrifice and dedication you have given to support the man who gave his life to protect us.  Rod and I would also like you to please remember that you will always be family to us and that we are truly blessed to have friendships such as this one. 

Brad,

 

I looked forward to getting to finally work the same side of the week this year with you, you on days and me on swings.  When I would hit the street in the Triangle we would eventually cross paths. We would pull our patrol cars along side of each other and you would flash that big ol smile.  You'd say "Whats up golden child", to which I would respond "You tell me K-9, Gang, Swat Moody".  We would part ways and I would eventually find someone to "Richmond jack", I knew you were headed my way because thats what you did.  I also knew when you were close because whoever I had contacted would say "Aww damn here comes Moody", "Why you gatta call Moody over here" or something of that nature.  "Moody" that name alone struck the boys on the block with pure fear.  Just like everyone else I learned a lot about being a Richmond Cop from you.

 

I remember when we worked the opposite sides of the week I would come to line up after the weekend and as always the log from the weekend was filled with your name and what you had done.  It would challenge me to go out there and do good police work.  I remember when Kaiser came to the Department and asked me about working in Richmond.  I told him that one of the people he needed to get to know was you because you are what a Richmond Cop should be.  You are the shining light in this dark and cruel world that we work in.

 

Sometimes you would get discouraged because of the BS that sometimes goes on in our department.  You would say "I'm not doing anything extra anymore" and I would tell you "Yes you will, you can't help yourself.  Its who you are".  And wouldn't you know it eventually I would here "K27 I got one running".  You have only one speed, full speed. 

 

I still can't believe your gone because guys like you don't and aren't supposed to die.  There will forever be a void in all of our lives that will never be filled.  I remember driving out to the hospital with Chris and thinking you would be alright.  When we got the horrible news we couldn't believe it, you were gone. 

 

Richmond PD will never be the same.  The Central District will never be the same.  We will never be the same without you. 

 

I miss you "Superman".  

 

I Love You My Brother.