MURDER-SUICIDE...Pam was convinced other officers would cover for Kevin Brainard, so she did not contact police... Police believe [Officer] Brainard killed his wife, then himself. Their two-year-old child was unharmed, but in the home with the bodies until relatives made the discovery.
Public Safety officer involved in apparent murder suicide
WWMT, NEWSCHANNEL 3
November 5, 2007
Otsego Police are sorting through the evidence of an apparent murder-suicide involving a police officer. It happened at a home in Otsego Sunday. Kevin Brainard was rushed to an emergency room after a relative found both him and his wife. They'd been shot inside their home... A friend of the Pam's refuses to call the dead Plainwell Public Safety Officer a victim. "I'm sure she doesn't know what happened but she just knows her mom is gone and she'll cry for her," said the friend, speaking of the couple's two year old daughter. Police believe Kevin, a Public Safety officer and volunteer firefighter, killed his wife then turned the gun on himself. Pam was pronounced dead on the scene. Kevin later died at Borgess-Pipp Hospital's emergency room...Pam was 33-years-old and working as a registered nurse. We spoke with one of Pam's best friends. She says Pam was sweet, a good mother and a good person. She also says Kevin wasn't right for her, and that they fought a lot. She said that Pam threatened to leave her husband just last week. "He was verbally abusive and controlling. He would hide her phone, he would take her car keys, he would verbally call her every name in the book. Very scary man," said Pam's friend... "It was just shock. You'd never expect this from him or his family and you don't expect this in a town like this. You expect that this is a safe place but it just goes to show tragedies like this happen, domestic violence and other issues come up," said Chief Gordon Konkle of the Otsego Police Department... If you have information that can help police call them at 269-692-6111.
Plainwell officer kills wife, then himselfWOODTV
By JOE LaFURGEY
Nov 5, 2007
...Their two-year-old child was unharmed, but in the home with the bodies until relatives made the discovery. 24 Hour News 8 spoke with Pam Brainard's sister, who said she was concerned Kevin might hurt Pam. But the sister said Pam was convinced other officers would cover for Kevin Brainard, so she did not contact police. "I think there's a lot of pain now," said Otsego Police Chief Gordon Konkle [Email]. "She's upset. Hopefully, she doesn't really believe that. We would take a strong stand against domestic violence. This occurs, it occurs all over Michigan. It occurs here. It occurs in Allegan County. That's not something we will tolerate"...
Chief Konkle: 269-692-6111
See comments section for updates
Plainwell officer kills wife, then himself
ReplyDeleteWOOD-TV, MI
By JOE LaFURGEY
Nov 5, 2007
[Excerpts] OTSEGO -- Jennifer Drake remembers the last calls from and to the home on Brookeside Drive in Otsego Sunday Night. One, a voice mail message from her brother-in-law, Kevin Brainard, followed by a call she made. "I told her, I said, 'Pam, you've got to get out of the house. He's calling, leaving us messages. He doesn't sound good,'"... Within that same hour, Pam Brainard, a nurse and mother of two, was dead. Police believe Kevin Brainard, a Plainwell police officer and firefighter, shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself... "I knew how bad things are getting for her, but I really thought she was going to get out of there," Drake said. Drake said her sister had just told Brainard she was filing for divorce... "He played mind games with her," Drake said. "I mean, her phone would be filled with 100 calls a day by him. Her receipts were checked. I mean, every little thing of hers was under a microscope with him." But Pam Brainard never contacted police. Her sister said she knew it could ruin his career, and she wasn't convinced she'd get anywhere with a complaint... Kevin Brainard's boss, Plainwell Director of Public Safety Bill Bomar, said Brainard was a good officer who received commendations for traffic enforcement including drunk driving. Brainard, like other officers in the department, went through a psychiatric evaluation before being hired.
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7311294&nav=0RceIdqZ
Ex-husband tells of warning in murder-suicide
ReplyDeletewwmt.com
November 6, 2007 - 5:23PM
...Tuesday we have new information about the final days of Pam Brainard's life. "She called me on her cell phone," said Ed Straub. It was only the second time Straub had heard from his ex-wife since their divorce. "I was a little bit surprised"... Pam said she was leaving her current husband, Kevin Brainard. "I called her back and stated she shouldn't be calling me, she should fear for her life because he's going to find out about that phone call," said Straub. Then last Friday Ed was so scared for his safety and Pam's, he decided to tell police in Plainwell. He met with the chief before Kevin arrived for his night shift. "The Chief of Police stated he wouldn't want anyone on his force that could act like this and he was going to check into it with what he could," said Straub... Then Sunday night the 911 calls started coming in. It was already too late. Those deaths stunned Kevin Brainard's boss. The Police Chief told us he had no idea this was possible. "We're all in that, wondering what happened, what we missed, where could we help," said Chief Bill Bomar... Even Ed Straub seemed to know he'd have trouble getting anyone to believe him. "You got an ex-husband coming and blaming a police officer for these type of things and accusing him and saying he's going to do this kind of thing, me coming in off the street, that's a tough thing to believe," said Straub. Otsego Police should know more about the exact sequence of events inside the home in the next few days. That's when they'll get autopsy results for Kevin and Pam.
http://www.wwmt.com/news/police_1344621___article.html/pam_straub.html
Victim's loved ones feared husband's eruption
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
By John Tunison
The Grand Rapids Press
Jennifer Drake wonders whether her sister, Pam Brainard, ever heard a message she left, warning the Otsego woman to get out of her house. Kevin Brainard, a Plainwell police officer and an Otsego firefighter, left emotional and foreboding messages on Drake's phone Sunday, apparently after he learned Pam intended to divorce him. "He said he couldn't be a failure, and that he wasn't going to be a failure by letting Pam leave him," Drake said Monday. "He thought he loved her so much that he couldn't stand to see her go... I told her (in a message) Kevin didn't sound right and that I loved her and I hoped that she would leave. I don't know if she got it or not. I hope she did." Police say Kevin Brainard shot and killed his wife of 14 months before turning his gun on himself... Their 2-year-old daughter, Kayla, whom Pam called "little ladybug," was inside the house and not injured. Pam Brainard's 15-year-old son from a previous relationship, Kyle, was not home... "She felt really trapped," said a close friend, Rich Kremmel... "I knew he killed her. He tried to control everything she did," Kremmel said. "When he thought he was going to lose her, he offed her." The slain woman's sister said Kevin Brainard, 31, knew how hard he could emotionally push his wife without breaking the law... Drake said her sister did not want to threaten her husband's job with complaints about emotional abuse. "She just wanted out," Drake said. Friends described Pam Brainard as a nurse who cared about her patients... In addition to her sister and children, Pam Brainard is survived by her parents, David and Debra Auckerman, and her brother, David Auckerman II.
http://www.mlive.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-39/1194355504292440.xml&…
Urgency in officer murder-suicide 911 call
Posted: Nov 6, 2007 01:43 PM
By PATRICK CENTER
The 911 call from a family member who discovered the bodies of Kevin Brainard and his wife, Pam, in their home Sunday night were released to the public... Kevin father, Roger Brainard, went to the house after Kevin apparently called his mother. In the call, Roger Brainard, is heard telling dispatchers what he saw... If an officer is found guilty, the department could suspend him and require counseling, plus whatever the court ruled. A police psychologist told 24 Hour News 8 that under Title 18, an officer found guilty of domestic violence must turn over their sidearm. In other words, no gun, no job.
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7320714&nav=menu44_2
Public Safety officer involved in apparent murder suicide
ReplyDeleteWWMT
November 5, 2007
Police tell us Kevin Brainard, a Plainwell Public Safety officer and volunteer fire-fighter, killed his wife Pam and then ended his own life... "You'd never expect this from him or his family and you don't expect this in a town like this," said Chief Gordan Konkle of the Otsego Police Department. "He was very verbally abusive and controlling," said one of Pam's best friends. She thinks Kevin snapped. She asked to remain anonymous, painting one nasty picture of her friend's husband. Someone she says Pam threatened to leave last week. "She couldn't feel comfortable going to the cops because they believed he's one of their own and they were gonna take his side," said the friend... If you have information that can help police call them at 269-692-6111.
http://www.wwmt.com/news/brainard_1344567___article.html/police_otsego.html
Reader's comments
I was at the funeral. From what I heard, they wanted a fire fighter's funeral. They wanted to have him take his last ride on the fire truck. From what I understand, the fire department was not allowed to do that for them.
friend - Nov 09, 2007 03:26:02 PM
[SNIP]
She worked as an RN at Gentiva in Kalamazoo and had recently worked at Allegan General Hospital. Her nursing work focused on pregnan, at risk women and babies. She went out of her way time and again to help others in need, often on her own time. She was the closest thing to an Angel on earth that one could ever meet. She left the world a better and brighter place and will be in the hearts of all she touched forever.
co worker - Nov 09, 2007 02:17:15 PM
Let's also not forget about Pam's son Kyle. He should also be included in the fund as well.
Tanya - Nov 09, 2007 02:14:26 PM
You can donate to Kayla's fund by calling fifth third bank in Plainwell or by calling Joe's Pizza at 269-685-1162 for more details.
Tanya - Nov 09, 2007 02:09:48 PM
[SNIP]
My sister and I grew up with Pam Aukerman in Mattawan, before my family moved away in 1991. I live in Pittsburgh now and just found out, this morning, about the tragedy surrounding her death. Pam was like a big sister to me, one that didn't pick on me! She was always kind, loving and fun. I spent a lot of time at her home, playing video games, swimming, and eating lunch. Pam was better friends with my sister, as I was a bit younger, and my mom absolutely adored her. My heart breaks for everyone involved. I'm doing my fair share of crying and praying. I don't know exactly how to pray for Kevin's family, but will be doing that too since everybody involved is surely hurting and devastated. I would like to give to Kayla's fund. Can anyone tell me how to contribute if I live out of town?
Sarah Walsh Landini - Nov 09, 2007 01:59:58 PM
I believe that the family wanted him to have a police burial. I'm not sure if that is what they are referring to or not. I do know as a friend of the family that at this has been an issue and people were picketing at his visitation. I think the situation is so tragic and this family as well as Pams deserves some time to grieve and some peace. They are going through something I hope none of us will ever have to endure.
friend - Nov 09, 2007 10:16:08 AM
[SNIP]
I hope everyone is beginning to heal and focus on the kids. In order for the former to occur with me, the latter must precede it. I was wondering what Kevin's minions had done to reach out and support Pam's children. Kayla is in their possession, and I pray that little lady bug is doing well in their care. As for Kyle, I'm not quite clear. Perhaps one of them could share what has been done to reach out for and support the other child left without a mother. Just wondering.
wondering - Nov 09, 2007 12:01:02 AM
Lisa, I totally agree with you. It is obvious the amount of grief that many who have posted on here are expressing. Wouldn't it be nice if people would come together and embrace the families involved instead of spouting off ignorant comments. That only makes the people who live here and these two towns look incredibly superficial. I also knew Kevin. We went to school together and hung out many times. I can still picture him in his soccer uniform with the same smile on his face he has in the pictures that were broad casted on the news. It is sad to think that the last memory we now have of him is this. So I guess that everyone posting on this board has two options you can choose to let your anger and grief continue to fester and bring you down, or you can choose to remember the good times. We will never know what demons Kevin was struggling with, nor what happened between him and his wife. I would hope that all of us are mature enough to be supportive towards the families, and be thankful that we have another day on this earth to love and cherish the people we love. Rest in Peace Kevin, we will miss you.
Angie - Nov 08, 2007 09:14:07 PM
Instead of leaving comments on this website, why doesn't everyone get together and hold a candlelight vigil for them. Prayer works miracles. It will take a miracle to help the families and friends, and the people of these small towns -Plainwell and Otsego- who are in such shock. The funeral is Fri. am so why not Fri. night at 7pm at the Brookside Park. Kevin used to play there as a kid and I am sure he and Pam took their kids there since it is close to their home. I hope all of you can be there to honor the lives of their loved ones left behind.
Lisa - Nov 08, 2007 08:31:56 PM
[SNIP]
I just wanted Pam's family to know that the Otsego and Plainwell communities are praying for them and feel there pain. We cannot imagine what you are going through. I do not believe that anyone should be blamed for Kevin's actions except for Kevin. It would not be normal for his friends and family to question how and why this happened - they loved him. He made a terrible decision that will impact both families forever. Anger may seem easy now, but we should let both families grieve for their loved ones without throwing stones.
friend - Nov 08, 2007 12:09:13 PM
I think it is absolutely horrible that we are arguing about this. This should serve to send those that are living a lesson keep up with those you love. This anger and poison we are spewing is ridiculous! What we should be doing is mourning in our own ways the loss of people who were loved. The deed is done with now we face the consequences of the actions. Another thing they are gone from us physically but did you learn something from them while they were alive? If you did and you pass that teaching on it hasn't all been in vain and they will NOT be forgotten. However if all you remember is the tragedy that occured they will be forgotten, because it will all be tarnished with the negativity we pour on it. Kevin in his own mind justified ending Pams life and his own somewhere in his thinking he decided this is the only way out this is why we need to be more involved in our loved one lives asking the simple questions are you okay how is everything going? Im not blaming Kevins parents or family whatsoever I'm just stating something that I feel might stop tragedies like this if we keep an open line of communication. Let each family remember them at their best. There is no such thing as a bad person just bad decisions and the consequences we have to face. May peace hope understanding and solace find their way into our hearts.
CD - Nov 08, 2007 11:18:21 AM
[SNIP]
s j, did you miss where I said "I pray for EVERYONE involved?" I find the twisting of words to be a bit sickening. Where you get the idea of statues and plaques honoring him is beyond me. It certainly can't be based on anything I have said. And I didn't ever mention public servants from other cities honoring him. I am talking about those that want to honor him for the good he did in the community. You do realize he did good while on this earth, right? Certainly not Sunday night, but in the last 13 plus years he did. I don't apologize for showing compassion for a man that needed help. And that compassion doesn't lessen the memory of Pam. Nor does it lessen the compassion I have for her, her family, and most importantly, her children. But for anyone here to chastise someone for empathizing with a man that was clearly not in control and needed help. Or to show even a shred of compassion for EVERYONE involved needs to take a good hard look in the mirror. And for anyone that thinks they need help with their self-control or knows someone that is in a bad place, GET HELP!
Phil - Nov 07, 2007 10:42:25 PM
I am certainly not trying to justify Kevin's actions, but he did a great deal of good for the Otsego/Plainwell community as a firefighter and police officer. I am glad to see him being honored for that. His actions on Sunday don't change that. We are still in disbelief over what terrible decisions he made that night. I pray for everyone involved and hope this will serve as a lesson for anyone else that feels out of control. Please, please, please get help. Your actions have more ramifications than you will ever know. We'll miss them.
Phil - Nov 07, 2007 06:45:33 PM
I put this on the other article as well. I grew up playing soccer with Kevin. We attended and graduated Otsego High School together. He was a great guy to know. Always full of fun and an altogether pleasant guy, Kevin set a standard for normalcy. I would have never expected and am still shocked to see this happen. However, I will not pass judgment on Kevin. Obviously an emotional state is in question. Of which, no one can attest to the exact circumstances preceding the event. I hope people will remember the fun times they had with the Kevin and his spouse. It would be unfortunate for people to dwell on the natures of their deaths versus the way they spent their days. Try not to judge to harshly. Domestic violence is a reality but this one tragedy only accounts for a tiny portion of Kevin's life. My hopes are with the family.
Justin C - Nov 07, 2007 05:05:25 PM
To Tina it's obvious how you feel what I was trying to say is that Kevin is dead too. People who loved him are not only grieving for the loss of him but have to live with not SEEING the signs and not being able to help him before this. Not only do they feel pain but i am sure guilt. They will have to live with the whys what ifs and how comes. I too was in an abusive relationship and know what it's like to have people think that everything is fine. It STILL does not change the fact that people who loved him are going to feel pain. So again I am not saying that his choice was the correct one but the one he chose and his family friends and brothers shouldn't be ridiculed for sharing there thoughts of the man they knew.
a person with feelings to - Nov 07, 2007 04:09:51 PM
[SNIP]
THERE IS A FUND FOR KAYLA, THE PEOPLE AT JOES PIZZA IN PLAINWELL HAS SET UP AN ACCOUNT FOR HER AT FIFTH THIRD BANK YOU CAN MAKE A DONATION AT ANY FIFTHTHIRD BANK, OR THERE IS A JAR AT JOES PIZZA THAT YOU CAN DONATE TO THAT WILL GO INTO THAT ACCOUNT ALSO
DALE - Nov 07, 2007 10:27:14 AM
I met Pam at work. She was kind and gracious. She was smart. She was excited about her work as a nurse and had a strong work ethic. Domestic violence killed this beautiful person. It can happen to anyone, anywhere. Even to this smart, self-sufficient, kind woman who was trying to remove herself and children from a bad situation. She will be missed. God bless her family and especially her children. Please keep them in your prayers.
S - Nov 07, 2007 10:17:00 AM
Two families are left devastated and having to suffer the consequences of one persons selfish actions. That is the bottom line. Kevin had choices and made the wrong one. Bill Bomar and Plainwell crew keep your heads up you cannot be held accountable for Kevins selfishness. If Bill had known he most certainly would have taken care of the matter. What you saw in Kevin on the outside wasn't necessarily Kevin on the inside. Kevin will be held accountable for Kevins actions no one else!
Deb Otsego, MI - Nov 07, 2007 10:05:22 AM
To the article signed What? Did you actually read the obit in the Gazette? The Obit was written my Kevin's family not the police deparment. Kevin's family will do whatever they need to do to honor or not honor him. And whatever that is, is none of our business. Put yourself in their shoes, because I am sure they will allow you to wear them right now. Oh, by the way, if you are going to write a check it needs to be made out to the Otsego Fire Department, not the Police Department. They are not one in the same. If you had read the Obit you would have known that. God bless both families and please know that my prayers are with you all.
Janice - Nov 07, 2007 09:50:23 AM
No offense to the soccer team or fire department, but I really would have thought there would be a fund for his daughter Kayla instead of the other two locations. This information is found on the obituary posted at Winkel Funeral Home.
Unfortunate - Nov 07, 2007 08:03:30 AM
[SNIP]
Pam was sweet natured beautiful kind helpful and an inspiration to me A wonderful and caring Nurse She will be missed
LH - Nov 06, 2007 04:34:49 AM
[SNIP]
I dusted off an old Yearbook and this certainly looks like Pamela Aukerman from the Mattawan Class of 1992. If this is indeed her, may she rest in peace. She was a very sweet girl in high school. My prayers are with the two year old daughter.
Saddened - Nov 05, 2007 10:23:12 PM
[SNIP]
I'am Sorry for not seeing the problems you both were having, Kevin and Pam you will be missed!
Cameron Cowels - Nov 05, 2007 03:27:58 PM
[SNIP]
Having known both of them , I am still finding it hard to comprehend this tragic event. My prayers go out to both families, as I have known Kevin for several years and was lucky enough to have met Pam. God Bless the children left behind.
family friend - Nov 05, 2007 01:02:58 PM
[SNIP]
Pamela (Aukerman) Brainard
ReplyDeleteView/Sign Guest Book
http://www.legacy.com/kalamazoo/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=97491255
Pamela (Aukerman) Brainard
BRAINARD (AUKERMAN),
Pamela
Of Otsego
Passed away Sunday, November 4, 2007. Pam was born July 2, 1974 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of David and Debra (Hayward) Aukerman and was raised in Mattawan. She had worked for Gentiva for several years as a Registered Nurse, in the Medicaid Programs such as the Mother-Infant Program, Home Health Care and finding resources for funds to help Mothers in difficult medical situations. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Willard and Barbara Aukerman. Pam is survived by her parents, Dave and Deb Aukerman of Mattawan; her children, Kyle Aukerman and Kayla Marie; her sister, Jennifer Drake; her brother, David (Peggy) Aukerman; her maternal grandparents, Robert and Shirley Hayward; several cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, including a very special nephew, Chase. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Saturday in the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel 411 E. Centre Ave. with Pastor John Vick and Pastor Mark Minger, officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to a Y.W.C.A. Domestic Assault Program.
269-343-1508
www.langelands.com
Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette on 11/7/2007.
http://www.legacy.com/kalamazoo/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=97491255
Kevin Brainard
ReplyDeleteView/Sign Guestbook
http://www.legacy.com/kalamazoo/Guestbook.asp?Page=GuestBook&PersonID=97441566
Kevin Brainard
BRAINARD, Kevin W. R. C.
"R.C." "Doogie"
Of Otsego, MI
Died Sunday, November 4, 2007. Kevin was born June 26, 1976 in Kalamazoo, to Roger and Gloria (Chase) Brainard. Kevin was a graduate of the K.V.C.C. Police Academy and had been employed with the Otsego Police Dept. for one year and then with the Plainwell Public Safety Dept. for seven years. For 13 years he was a member of the Otsego Volunteer Fire Department and was currently serving as secretary. He was the assistant coach of the Otsego Women's Varsity Soccer team, enjoyed camping, bowling, golf, Moto-Cross, fantasy football, NASCAR and had been a lifelong soccer player. On September 16, 2006, in Plainwell, he married Pam Aukerman. Surviving are his daughter, Kayla; his step-son, Kyle Aukerman; his parents; his sister, Kim (John) Wheeler; nieces and nephews, Jodi, Danielle, Adamm, Chase & Chelsea; several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles and Doris Chase and Wilbur and Rose Carrier. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Wednesday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM Thursday at the Winkel Funeral Home
Otsego
where services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, Rev. Mark Minegar, officiating. Burial will follow at Mountain Home Cemetery, Otsego. Contributions in memory of Kevin may be made to the Otsego Varsity Women's Soccer Team or the Otsego Fire Department Rescue Unit Fund.
Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette on 11/6/2007.
http://www.legacy.com/kalamazoo/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=97441566
I spoke wit someone from both the police dept. and fire dept. all money they collect will go to both children involed in this horriable action . None of the money goes to either party of police or fire . As for the Kevin and Pam everyone with miss you and always pray for the children left behind . So please pray for the children so that they can one day live through this event that will always be there .
ReplyDeleteEven though I could be judgemental of Kevin's actions that horrible night, I don't have the right too, only God does, as a family member of Pam's who was at her funeral today, I just wish he would have seeked the help he truly needed so his daughter didn't have to grow up without both of her parents and her Son to have to grow up without his Mother, the Poem (Kyle) Pam's son found for her was so beautiful and perfect for her. If anyone reading this knows of anyone who is in any type of a domesitc violence situation I hope this tragey gets them to seek help so another senseless tragedy like this doesn't have to happen again!
ReplyDeleteNot one of us knows what Kevin was dealing with inside. Obviously he didn't want to lose his wife & family and didn't want to be a failure. Unfortunately the enemy took control of Kevin's mind that Sunday evening. As I read these things it bothers me so bad to see people going after each other. This should be a lesson on how we as people, and communities need to come together to help out people and marriages that are going through difficulties. Not to mention being a firefighter and police officer is a very hard job that many of them need to be able to release their feelings and emotions to professionally. I don't believe that having a psychological evaluation in the beginning of employment should be enough, things change and people's emotions and fears become a reality after awhile. As for the families, God please bring comfort to them, and please bring them closer to you drawing near to you for strength and support. Anger and frustration is a huge emotion especially in a time like this. Let's just remember that we all have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God. No sin is greater than the other, to take someones life and then your own has got to show you that mentally something just wasn't right. God is our judge and juror, and even though we have our opinions of what could've happened, none of us know the truth other than Pam, Kevin & GOD! Please try to uplift one another and not blast one another. Haven't we learned anything from this tragedy? Do unto others as you would want done to you.
ReplyDeleteMaybe all public safety officers should have yearly psychological evaluations to see where their mental state is with all the stress they endure, my Husband was a fireman for 20 years so I know they deal with a lot. You are right only the 2 of them and God knows the whole story, this is a wakeup call to all of us that we need the lord everyday. we can't handle everyday life on our own!
ReplyDeleteI knew both Kevin and Pam. I used to trick or treat with Kevin when I was a little girl. I met him later in life at the same time he met his wife. I was a young teenager who witnessed the older couple fall in love. I thought they had it all. I hoped that someday I would get the chance to have what they had. I'm shocked and hurt that this story didn't end up the way I thought it would. Domestic Violence is a scary thing...people do scary things when they are not thinking and they are hurt. Please pray for BOTH families and children. I really hope that everyone works together to help take care of the two most important people left behind.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for both Kevin and Pam Brainard. He was a police officer and fireman and served his community. What happened on that fateful Sunday is something that no one will know. I don't know what his mental state was at that time. But for someone who was a community servant to do something like that, something must have been terribly wrong.
ReplyDeletePam also served people, I too have been the victim of spousal abuse and it is terrifying. I pray for her and her children.
May GOD take them both under his wing and give comfort to both families, it is a tragedy.
Yes to the idea of yearly exams.
ReplyDeleteMichigan needs legislation.
If you want to offer support or work with the police dv advocate in the video above let me know and I'll see what I can do. She's a beloved warrior friend of mine. I honor her and am awed by her instant love of Pam - which is genuine.
May all she do to make things better - in remembrance of this tragedy - be BLESSED and successful.
The only thing for most to do now is join together and FORCE good things to happen because of this loss.
Force it.
Come up swinging.
COME UP SWINGING.
ReplyDeleteFROM BLOG: PAMELA AUKERMAN
ReplyDeletehttp://pamaukermanbrainard.blogspot.com/
DEB AUKERMAN'S LETTER FOR HER DAUGHTER'S FUNERAL
The Lord blessed us 33 years ago with our daughter Pam, our angel.
She has touched so many lives and has been a roll model for many. Pam gave of herself not expecting anything in return.
The years have pasted by so quickly, now on this day, after 33 wonderful years, we have to let her go back to the Lord for he needs her as an angel above.
Pam died a tragic death. Domestic violence is a horrible way of life. Sadly this is happening everyday, mentally, physically harming women and children, destroying families.
Our daughter was taken from us by this type of violence. We can not make sense of this tragedy. For Pam’s sake, if you no someone in a domestic violence situation, please reach out for help now. There are places available, a women’s shelter, a church, law enforcement, family, friends. Help is available.
Please hear this message and take action so there are no more tragic endings for another family. Please in Pam’s memory seek help now. Reach out help spread the word to help others get out of situations were their health and well being or in danger.
Our daughter has gone to a better place, but her two children live on. Nothing on this earth can replace a mother’s love, or erase the horrible memory of her tragic and senseless death, But they will be well taken care of and loved deeply to help them get through this.
One last thing let’s help keep her memory alive by touching lives the way she did everyday, something as simple as a smile can mean the world to someone having a bad day.
http://pamaukermanbrainard.blogspot.com/2008/02/deb-aukerman.html
Having spent the past three months dealing with the Plainwell Public Safety department I have two observations;
ReplyDelete1) they are completely inept and incompetant or
2)they engage in systematic and questionable activities to protect their own, including Rick Updike, the Supt. of Public Works for the City of Plainwell.
Updike filed a false report of a crime against his ex wife. Plainwell provided Updike and his attorney, Bob Champion, who is also Plainwell's City attorney with information they received from Updike's ex wife. Ironically, they closed the "case" the day they received an email from Updike's ex regarding the penalties for filing a false police report.
In the initial report, it states SIX times Updike was not at home when his neighbor, David Dehart, "caught" a woman "stalking" Updike's home.
In a Supplement to the report, dated August 6, 2008 and written the day Plainwell received Updike's ex wife's FOIA request, Updike was suddenly at home. Even more ironic, the investigating officer, John Varley, who was on vacation that week, made a special effort to inform Updike his ex was no longer a suspect. Updike states that he is now uncertain as well after hearing the suspect and witness Dehart conversing outside his home. WAIT A MINUTE!!! MR UPDIKE, the original report states SIX TIMES you were not at home. Convenient.
It gets better........UPdike's attorney, Champion, at 8:30 pm JULY 28. 2008 files for an Ex-Parte PPO against Updike's ex wife STATING SHE WAS "CAUGHT STALKING" UPDIKE'S HOME. HOWEVER, VARLEY AND UPDIKE ALREADY AGREED IT WASN'T HER. (SHE WAS ACTUALLY AT HOME IN BED)
UPDIKE'S EX WIFE RECEIVES TWO THREATS FROM THE PLAINWELL POLICE OVER THE NEXT THREE WEEKS. FINALLY, ON OCTOBER 17, 2008 THE POLICE CHIEF, BILL BOMAR WRITES TO HER AND TELLS HER IF SHE COMES TO THE PLAINWELL POLICE DEPT, SHE IS IN VIOLATION OF THE PPO, YA' KNOW THE ONE FILED AFTER UPDIKE CLAIMS SHE WAS NOT THE SUSPECT AND THE POLICE CLOSE THE CASE, AND TELLS HER SHE WILL BE SUBJECT TO IMMEDIATE ARREST AND INCARCERATION FOR VIOLATING THE PPO.
SHE HAD STOPPED IN PLAINWELL ON THE 16TH TO PICK UP AN ACCIDENT REPORT THAT MAY HAVE BEEN RELEVANT TO HER COURT HEARING ON OCTOBER 20 TO RESCIND THE FALSE PPO.
HOWEVER, JUDGE BELL, IN HIS INFINITE WISDOM, DID NOT RESCIND THE PPO BECAUSE DEHART CLAIMED HE WAS 90% SURE, BASED ON THE ONE AND ONLY PHOTOGRAPH HE WAS SHOWN OF UPDIKE'S EX, AND THAT UPDIKE PROVIDED TO PLAINWELL, THAT UPDIKE'S EX WAS THE SUSPECT.
WAIT ANOTHER MINUTE...DIDN'T PLAINWELL CLOSE THE CASE? DIDN'T UPDIKE AGREE IT WAS NOT HIS EX???
WHAT IS BELL THINKING. IS UPDIKE'S EX GOING "ON TRIAL" FOR A CRIME THAT NEVER OCCURRED? ISN'T UPDIKE THE ONE WHO SHOULD BE CHARGED FOR FILING A FALSE REPORT OF A CRIME AND HELD IN CONTEMPT FOR PERJURY BY FILING A FALSE AFFIDAVIT TO RECEIVE A PPO?
AS LETTERMAN STATES SO ELOQUENTLY THIS SMELLS BAD. THIS SMELLS VERY BAD. GO FIGURE. CORRUPTION? COLLUSION? DEMOCRATS STICKIN' TOGETHER? BTW UPDIKE'S EX IS A DEMOCRAT AND HAS BOTH CONTRIBUTED FINANCIALLY AS WELL AS WORKED FOR OBAMA..........BUT THEN AGAIN, SHE IS A "GIRL." OR, THERE ARE MORE CHOICE WORDS UPDIKE REFERS TO AS BUT THEY ARE NO APPROPRIATE FOR THIS SITE. OH, UPDIKE REFERS TO MOST WOMEN WITH THOSE SAME EXPLETIVES.
Dear Plainwell,
ReplyDeleteDid it ever dawn on you that providing rick Updike wand Bob Champion with information regarding his ex-wife's communications with the City placed her life in jeopardy? Wilson and Bomar, you both lack any ethics, integrity and frankly, you are both idiots. How much do the naive citizens of Plainwell pay the two of you for your complete incompetence?
You should both be extremely ashamed! Oh, that's right, money talks, nobody walks or as we used to say, it ain't who ya' know, it's who ya' blow...
Are all the men who work for Plainwell bisexual??? I'm beginning to think there has to be a reason why you go to such illegal lengths to protect each other..that or you are ALL cheating on your wives.