Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I had the pleasure in October 2000 of being the only Toronto Officer at your Rodeo. I must say that your motor squad is the most impressive group of Police Motorcycle officers that I have ever come across. I hadnt met Cpt. Bernal but I am sure that he was a fine officer. I was unable to attend the funeral but my thoughts are with you guys.

Detective Constable
Toronto Police Service

I was saddened to hear about another law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty.

Last month I lost my partner in a motorcycle accident. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Captain Bernal and the law enforcement officers that served with him.

Sergeant Tobey Whitney
Fruita Police Department (Colorado)

I am saddeded by the death of Captain Bernal. I have been a police survivor for eight years, since my first husband Virginia State Trooper Jose' M. Cavazos was killed in the line of duty. I wish I could relieve some of the pain and sorrow his wife and sons will carry.
I convey my respect for Officer Bernal's career and to a family that supported him.

Linda Cavazos Dixon

Linda Cavazos Dixon

Dear Captain Bernal:

I just like to say THANK YOU, for working with COPS KIDS, as a police survivor I attend the Memorial in DC, both my children went to Fairfax Academy this year and enjoy it very much..Once again THANK YOU and May God Bless you always...


Terry Miyares
widow
Officer Emilio Miyares
Hialeah Police Dept., Florida
E.O.W. 11/6/86

Terry Miyares,
Hialeah Police Dept.

Thank you for being you. We will not forget all that you have done for us and the Dept...FXPD/216

Anonymous

Capt. Bernal, I just got back from your funeral and I wish you could have seen all the officers there to honor your life. I didn't really know you but you are my brother. Your accident has struck all of us very hard. Our agency has been so lucky to not have to go through losing one of our own. I hope we never have to again. Sir may God welcome you home and know your brothers in blue and grey will never let your memory die. Save us all a spot in Heaven. Your Brother, J.W. Snodgrass

PFC J.W. Snodgrass
Fairfax County Police Dept.

Captain Bernal,

I founded the ODMP six years ago and have been adding heroes like yourself to its pages every few days ever since. However, until I attended yours today, I had never even been to a law enforcement funeral. I would like to thank you for protecting Fairfax County - my home town - and for being such a brave officer.

Your funeral was attended by thousands of officers from around the country - and I even saw a cruiser from Ontario, Canada, there. I will never forget watching your funeral procession go down I-66 (which they closed for you) while standing on the Jermantown Road overpass.

Again, thank you for your years of service to Fairfax. May you rest in peace, Captain Bernal.

Chris Cosgriff, Chairman
The Officer Down Memorial Page

It is with heartfelt sympathies that I write to the family and the Fairfax County S.O. I recently lost a close friend in the line of duty. Time will heal, but WE WILL NEVER FORGET OUR FALLEN COMRADES. We have one another to hold us up and each other for comfort. Rest in peace, Brother.

Deputy Belia Fessenden
Pinal County Sheriff's Department/AZ

You are not forgotten! We will continue to do the job in your honor and in memory of you and all who laid down their lives so that we could live in a civilized society. We are stronger because of you. Rest in peace.

PTLM. M.W. LUDLOW
PALMYRA POLICE DEPARTMENT, NJ

To the family and fellow officers, of Cpt. Bernal, I am greatly saddened by your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. May God Bless you and help you find the strength and courage to continue with life. Our brotherhood has suffered a tremendous loss, Cpt. Bernal is now safe in Gods arms guarding the gates of Heaven. God Bless you Cpt. Bernal, for all that you have been and for all that you have meant, to the people whose lives you have touched..."

Sergeant Richard Lopez
United States Capitol Police

YOU WILL BE MISSED CAPTAIN,,YOU WERE TRULY AN INSPIRATION,,

PFC JH URIE
FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPT

My deepest sympathies and thoughts are with the family and the other officers.

Police Constable Tim Burrows
Toronto Police Service-Toronto Canada

rest in peace capt., your tour has ended.

Anonymous

I am absolutely stunned. I was just with the Captain in May for the COPS Kids gathering at the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Facility and he was telling me that he was thinking of retiring soon. The Captain was an outstanding gentleman and a great friend of the COPS Kids program. He was totally unselfish in his efforts to do whatever he could to make life better for police line of duty death survivors, and in particular the children. Policing has lost one of its finest and he will be sorely missed. God Bless.

Officer Bill Brown
Weymouth, MA PD Motor Unit

To the family of Captain Bernal

How sad to hear of another officer killed. Today someone called me and let me know about Captain Bernal death, it hit home as I have a guest at my house very close to my family who works for Fairfax and I am the one who is going to tell him about the Captain's death...sorry and may God Bless your family and your friends.

Terry Miyares
widow
Officer Emilio Miyares
Hialeah Police Dept., Florida
E/O/W/ 11/6/86

Terry Miyares,
Hialeah Police Dept.

All police officers feel a Terrible sadness when a fellow officer loses his life. The sadness never ends.Pray for his family and friends who will suffer the loss the most. Rest in peace . kenny

Deputy Sheriff Kenny Hetrick
Ottawa county Sheriffs Dept

I met Tom a few year back when we were going through MSF Motorcycle Instructor School. Immediately, when I entered the classroom on the first day, I knew I was not alone. Another brother of Law Enforcement was there. We bonded in the class and became good friends. Don't be fooled we always had remarks about the other's agency but, it was clear being a Cop was all that matter.
Tom, was just a few years older than me and always encouraged me to move up the ranks. He would say how good it feels to make a difference, maybe not on the front line, but, being the one who made things happen.
Tom's life was in my mind the way it should be. A loving family that he talked of often (I should say, all the time!), a job he did for the love of it and proudly serving his country and his community.
I think if I could see through my tears tonight, I would write all night long. I hope somehow Tom knows how much he effected my life. A Friend, a peer and a mentor.
I will miss the comfort of knowing you were only a phone call away.
Good bye my friend.
Mike

Sergeant
Metropolitan Police Department Washington DC

Tom, My prayers go with you and your family.

Lt. Mark Farmer

Sorry to hear about another death of a law enforcement officer. Rest in peace bro.

anonymouus