1952-2021
1950-2021
We Lost Two from The Murder Police Family
Murder investigations are never the work of a single detective or investigator. Every case is a team effort, with many people bringing a diverse field of talents and skill to the game. The team isn’t made up of only sworn cops; it includes many talented people that never carry a badge or a gun. but are just importantly equipped with phenomenal talents, and even bigger hearts.
In April 2021, we lost two such people, just days apart.
Jo Darlene “Jodi” Garrison and Brenda Lee Estes left the Murder Police family on April 21 and April 24 2021, respectively.
Both were civilian employees of the Lexington Police Department in Lexington Kentucky for many years, each spending most of their careers in the Bureau of Investigation. I was a murder cop when they were there, and will never forget who they were, and how much they meant to me and all the detectives.
Staff assistants in the Bureau of Investigation are virtually next to investigators every step of the way during the investigation. They know the cases, front to back. Every name, every witness, every word spoken. You see, they are the ones that are creating the reports, memorandums, and transcripts, from the work the detectives perform. And true to the dedication of all investigators, see and hear, but never tell. It is truly commendable that they can carry this weight, and carry it so well.
There is more. In policing, we are one big family. Jodi and Brenda were maternal forces for us. They took care of us, tolerated us when we were new, ignored us when we were tired and put up with us as we got older. They watched us succeed, they watched us struggle, the watched us stumble and fall. And they were always in our corner. They knew when we were having great days. They knew when a less-than desirable boss was beating us like red headed step children and looked at us as if to say “I understand” from across the room.
They knew our families, held our children when they were babies and welcomed our toddlers with open arms, toys and coloring books when our kids where ‘hanging at the PD’ with us as we worked or stopped by. Our kids were their kids.
So, it is this and more that make Jodi and Brenda worthy of a minute or two of recognition, for being the loving and amazing women they were. For being a foundational part of The Murder Police Family. For being our friends forever.
David Lyons
Brenda and Jodi were remarkable women and colleagues. Their professionalism was top notch, and I was privileged to work with them. I miss both of them dearly.
May you ladies Rest In Peace. Thank you for service. Prayers for your families and friends