Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective LaVern Brann was shot and killed while he and his partner were investigating a homicide that had occurred the previous month.
The shooting occurred when the two went to an apartment complex at 140 Brewer Drive to interview a woman and her mother. Detective Brann went to the front of the apartment complex while his partner went to the back of the building.
While in the rear, Detective Brann's partner heard gunshots fired from the front of the complex. When he ran to investigate, he was met by an armed man. The two exchanged gunfire, and the detective was shot in the leg as the suspect fled the scene.
When backup officers arrived, they found Detective Brann shot in the stairwell of the complex. He was transported to Battle Creek Health Systems, where he died from his wounds.
The suspect was convicted of Detective Brann's murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Detective Brann had served with the Battle Creek City Police Department for 20 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MI-0ED4BBD1- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew LaVern. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
20 years. You could have gone home.
Detective Brann gave the Battle Creek City Police Department 20 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Battle Creek community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Brann.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective LaVern Steven Brann is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In MI, 426 of 718 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59.3% of this state's fallen. That is 5.1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Battle Creek City Police Department, 3 of 6 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. LaVern Steven Brann's cause is highlighted.
How LaVern Steven Brann Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. LaVern Steven Brann is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. LaVern Steven Brann was killed by shotgun; 12 gauge.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Battle Creek City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
