John Cotter Brodie

John spent his professional career with the California Department of Justice pushing for greater safety for children and improved tracking of sex offenders. He retired after nearly 40 years of service and will be remembered by his colleagues as a pioneer in the field.

He was in charge of the department's Sex Registration Program from 1981 to 1987, at a time when he had just two clerical support staff to help keep track of sex, arson and narcotics registrations. Before modern computer programs were put in place, he said the only way to keep track of offenders was to call the individual law-enforcement agencies.

"I would just do it on my own to find out what they have done, who they have done it to, and gather data about that person," he said. Prior to his retirement, John worked for 12 years as a Live Scan Field Representative in the Client Services Program, working closely with various law enforcement agencies.

In addition to his professional efforts, John volunteered for and worked with multiple nonprofit organizations dedicated to protecting children. He was devoted to the mission of stopping the victimization of children through education and public awareness.

He co-authored a book: "Don't Take My Child: A Parent's Guide to Keeping Our Kids Safe," published in 2001, with his dear friend Don Richardson. One review called it a "startling and penetrating book" that "offers their firsthand insights into the frightening and complex world of child abduction and how professionals investigate these insidious crimes."

John was a dedicated family man and loved spending time with his growing family of which he commented with a smile, "The circle is just getting bigger". He taught his family and everyone he knew what unconditional love looks like. His philosophy was based on a gentle sharing and caring. John is deeply loved and will be missed by his loving family and friends, whom he cherished.