DFC Brandon Lee Coates

DEPUTY FIRST CLASS BRANDON LEE COATES 27, was killed in the line of duty December 8, 2010 while serving and protecting the citizens of Orange County. DFC Coates was born November 19, 1983 in Columbia, Louisiana. He was a veteran of the US Marines, serving 2 combat tours in Iraq; 4th H&S Company, AAV Battalion. Brandon served his country honorably for six years and rose to the rank of Corporal in the US Marines. He was employed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for the past four and half years and assigned to the Tactical Anti Crime section. He served with honor and dignity. He is survived by his wife, Deputy Virginia Anne Coates, mother, Deborah Elaine Griffin both of Tavares, FL and brother, Christopher Griffin of Texas.