Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Detective
Putnam County Sheriffs Office

October 19, 2005

On Sweetest Day, October 15th, Malia and I visited your grave and placed a "Love-A-Lot" Care Bear there for you. Malia looks at your pictures throughout the house and always points "DaDa". (Even is the pictures are of Freckles and Zoe) She is such a loving, bright, and happy little girl. From heaven, I know that you see all the funny little things she does. Your life and sacrifice in the line of duty has given me inspiration and courage to face challenges on a daily basis. Seeing the many reflections in your memory reaffirms the wonderful and respected person you are to so many. Please know that I continue to keep you close to my heart and am forever grateful for the gift of Malia. Continue to watch over us.

Sherri A. Marzick
Mother-in-Law

October 19, 2005

To Marissa, Its been awhile since I last spoken to you. I remember it was in March 2004 and we were talking about the weight we were gaining being pregnant. I wish I could have gotten to know you better, but unfortuntily the dept., didnt give me that much time. I know you been dealing with issues with your department. I been getting calls from agencies that are trying to seek justice. I am trying to help as much as possible. I know what you went though and I believe that was just wrong. I know that Bryan would want to see that little girl of yours grow in a strong woman. I know you will make her into a strong woman, who can help change the world. I was watching Oprah yesterday and they had a show about phenomenal females that viewers need to get to know, and I thought of you and Brandy Winfield wife. They needed to know the courage that takes you guys to get out of bed everyday, to take care of your children and to continue life with out your husbands. My husband is a police officer for the state and I dont know how I would be able to get out of bed. But you two are my heroes just like your husbands and dont forget that. You both are extraordinary women to be able to carry on after your husbands death. I am sure Bryan would be very proud of you.
Always in my prayers
Yvonne Schilling

Yvonne Schilling

October 18, 2005

Marissa,
I hope all is going well for you. I saw your reflection on Bran's website. Thank you. People ask me about you all the time. We would love to have you join us for some COPS events. We are trying to plan lots of fun stuff for the kids and the surviving spouses alike. All of us were thinking like a spa weekend.. Imagine that.

I check Bryan's site often. I really like what you put from Dr. Phil. (We are all allowed our silly fixes). But seriously life is about the living. Bryan would want you to live it to the fullest and show Malia how to live it to the fullest. I have found it so hard to balance continuing life without Brandy yet keeping his memory alive with the boys. It is very hard. You have to be able to let go of some things just to live daily. Yet you want them to remember their father. It isn't easy and nobody knows what this journey is like until they have ventured it. This is such an individual process, there isn't a right or wrong way to do it. If someone says you are wrong in the path you are walking they have never had to walk this path. Do what is right for you in your heart. At Bran's funeral Sheriff Karnes whispered three words of advice for me that I have tried to follow through this first year...he said Listen to God, Listen to your heart, and Listen to the ladies from COPS. It has been hard at times but I think he gave me some good advice. Hold your head high and know that Bryan would want you to continue with your life in the manner that you feel is best...

I thought of you tonight when I took the boys to the PBR. I saw a man on a horse. I hope that you have gotten another horse. I know how you dearly loved the one that you had. We all need an outlet.

Much love and hope to hear from you soon.

Sara Winfield
Wife of Brandy EOW 10/14/04

October 16, 2005

Marissa,
I was thinking about you and thought I would say hi! I would love to get together sometime for that awesome shopping trip that we've been talking about forever!! You need to stop over sometime...if you're ever in the neighborhood, call me. I hope you still have my number. If not, email me. I don't have your most recent email. I need it! We would love to see you at the COPS meeting on Sun. Its at my house...I hope you and the baby are doing well and I think about you often.

Krissy Ensoll

October 14, 2005

To Bryan's wife,

Always remind your daughter that her father was a hero, a sheep dog, protecting the sheep from the wolf.

Patrolman
New Mexico State Police

October 12, 2005

Bryan,
I have never met you before but I was reading all of your reflections and it is amazing how loved you are by your wife, child, friends and family! I only hope that the rest of us have as much support and love. Going into this job scares me a little when I look at this page, but I know that this is what God wants me to do with my life. I do this for my friends and family and as well for you to try and follow in your footsteps becuase you were such a wonderful officer! Rest in Peace...

Police Academy Recruit

October 11, 2005

Bryan I read your page everyday and it hurts everytime. I never got the chance to know you that well but have gotten to know several of your close friends. I am amazed at the amount of love and compassion you shared with your family and friends. You are missed by everyone. Continue to look over us from your post in Heaven!!

Police Officer Larry Waltermyer
Columbus,Ohio PD

October 10, 2005

Bryan,
On Friday, my wife and I were watching Lima Co. come home. We were touched by the support of our community. It made us think of how, if you were here, you'd be out there! It also made us think about the cold and rainy day you were buried. How many great and supportive citizens lined the street with flags and signs. It felt bittersweet. Both occasions were about selfless heroes! Think of you and your family often!
PO
Columbus Police Dept.

October 10, 2005

You were on my mind all day yesterday... I was thinking about your service to this country and how proud you were to be a US Marine. I stood in the rain in uniform yesterday along Hamilton Rd saluting our Marines from Lima Company who just returned from Iraq. I teared up as they passed by me thinking about you somewhere along the route doing the same if only you were still here with us... I miss you please Keep us safe from up in Heaven brother....

Po Jim Gilbert
CPD

October 8, 2005

Bryan,
I should write to you more but it is kind of hard for me, since you and Melissa were killed so close together. I come here often and write Melissa and read yours. I and glad to know that your family is doing as well as can be expected. It has to be very hard for Marisa but she has a wonderful support group here and rest easy knowing they will take care of her and the rest of your family. I used to find it so easy to put to words to my feelings but I cant right now. Just know you will never be forgotten.

Robert Thornton
Friend Of CPD Officer Melissa Foster EOW12/04/04

robert thornton

October 8, 2005

Bryan,
I just wanted to say hi. As you know, I have taken both of my boys to see you. You would have loved it the other day - we played a joke on your old midwatch sergeant. You would have played right along! It all seems so unreal even at this time. I'm still trying to make sense of it. I really miss talking with you about those 5 pct. days, though they didn't last long enough, and laughing about current events at CPD. I just want you to know that I've passed your memory to my sons so that they know what "courage" and "hero" mean. I wish you were back at 2/18 sub - maybe you could square those new guys away! Take care of yourself - not a day goes by that I don't think of you and what you did. You gave me a new outlook as far as how I see each and every day. You remain a hero!

Ron

Sgt. Ron Kemmerling
CPD

October 7, 2005

This came from a forward from a friend thought to share it with you even though I didn't really know you.

"If tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things, We didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye, For all my life,
I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all that we shared,
And all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories, would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity, And all I've promised you."
Today your life on earth is past, but here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, But today will always last,
and since each days the same way,
There's no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful,So trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things,You knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven, and now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand, and share my life with
me?
So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far
apart,
For every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart

Westerville

October 7, 2005

Bryan,
Although I didn't know you, you and your wife were patients at my dads dental office in Worthington. As im sure you know, he was suddenly killed in a plane crash in south carolina on July 24th. Since he knew you and your wife, we chose to burry him close to you. While I was at my dads grave today i ran into your sister and her young child. It really shows how much she cares about you and how much she misses you. Whenever I visit my daddy I always take time to say hello to you too;and water your flowers if they look like they need it:-) Take care Bryan and I hope you are in a better place now with my dad, Dr. Bill Coulman. And to the family of Bryan, God bless, you will get through all of this.
Lauren Coulman

Lauren Coulman

October 3, 2005

Gumper,

Just got back from the cemetery. We're having a Memorial Motorcycle Ride for you tomorrow and I can't wait. We should have 250 bikes or so. I'll let you know tomorrow. Me and your brother will be driving the Stang!

Miss You,

Donnie

Sgt. Donald Oliverio
Columbus, OH PD

October 2, 2005

Hello Bryan,
It seems like yesterday that I came to Columbus to honor you on that rainy morning. Of all the funeral details I have represented my department for with the Honor Guard, I remember yours most. I envy you, you were surrounded by some of the most outstanding men and women during your time here and I have actually kept in contact with your officers I met in January of 2005. In Washington D.C. for Memorial Weekend, I was overjoyed to see Columbus P.D. vehicles. And to my understanding the same was true for C.P.D. as well. Although I hear Marissa was more excited than most. (Marissa, don't those Crown Vic's handle well?!) It brings me joy to hear that your beautifull daughter is doing so well and has clebrated her first birthday. I know she is proud of her father.
I hope all is well for you above, and I am sure that the coward of a man who caused this web page to be created will soon get his pusishment, both down here and when he meets our maker.
Good luck Bryan, I hurts me to not have known you in this life here, but I am sure we will share a pint when I see you above! So long Gumper!!

Scott Carns
Syracuse Police, New York

September 28, 2005

Hi Bryan. Mom was there in the court room, staring at Daryl Lawrence, and she said he smiled and acted real cocky. He wouldn't look at her. I don't want to hear anything he or his lawyers have to say. I only want to see him suffer. I hope that he is executed.
I really miss you. I love you, and I wish you were around to see how rough your daughter is!!!! She's somethin else. She was so cute at the zoo, and Cole just loves her. She and Cole have matching Dora the explorer suit cases! It's really too bad you're not around to see Greg's son strutting around with his pink reading glasses and pink suitcase.

Stacey

September 27, 2005

Brian
Hey many months has passed since you have been gone we miss you so much when I herd about what happened to you I started crying because you were a great role model to me you told me toy always belives in my self and look where I;am back in school and 12 grader at that a lot of things has happned some for good and some for bad the best was because of you. I think about you all the time even when the police are always coming to my house you were a great officer and a great friend to those who knew you we all love you and miss you so much maybe one of these days we will meet agian in the heaven sky.
love you

betsy davis
alum crest hight

September 20, 2005

It brings tears to my eyes to read these reflections, even though I never met you. I am so sorry.

Patrol Officer, K-9
Iowa

September 18, 2005

Hey brother sorry I didnt get a chance to talk to you sooner. You missed a heartbreak in the Shoe last week. My cell phone didnt work for s**t all day. It reminded me of Michigan last year. We couldnt get a hold of each other all day and just before the game..... we finally spotted each other. Donnie and I still talk about how it must have been fate to drink in the Shoe one last time. Anyway, Donnie and I plan on coming up next month and watching a game with you. Hopefully the cemetary staff doesnt throw us out.It's not like we drink or anything (hehe).

Melissa and Malia appear to be holding up. I'm glad she is staying strong and taking care of their lives in the best way she can. Despite other peoples opinions, she has to make their life the best way she can. We all grieve in different ways but it cant control our lives. I know she misses you and has a living reflection of your soul through the eyes of Malia. I hope that Dawn and I can continue to get to know her better. We will always be here if she needs our support.

As I always say before departing, continue to watch over us and we'll continue to watch over yours. Your brother in Blue!!

Ward
CPD

September 15, 2005

Bryan -

I take my hat off to you, I was also a victim of this coward, and I wait for the day that he gets his.

civilian

September 15, 2005

To Bryan's Mother,

I visit this site daily. This is the first time that I have worked up the courage to post a message on my brother's memorial page. I met you and your husband at the graduation ceremonies back in the spring of 1997. I want to let you know how much your son meant to me and the rest of the 95th. Bryan and I established a bond in the academy... I hold dear the many memories that we created together as friends and brothers. As you have lost your son, I have lost my brother... I cannot imagine your pain but I continue to deal with the pain of his passing on a daily basis. Please know that there are so many friends and fraternal brothers and sisters out there that grieve the loss of our brother today. I love your son like a brother... thank you for the gift that you gave us all... I would not trade my time with Bryan for anything in this world... Respectfully Submitted with Warm Regards.

Retired PO, 95th Recruit Class
Columbus Division of Police

September 15, 2005

Words are never enough to express the appreciation for sacrifices made by law enforcement officers, and especially, there remaining family. Too many times, good men and women leave us while upholding civic order and maintaining the standards of life we enjoy in America. I hope the family, friends and co workers of Officer Hurst know that their are some who do not take for granted and truly understand the sacrifice Bryan made. It is clear he saved the lives of countless others in his efforts. As you know, his presence will remain with you in spirit. May you find some comfort in words below.

"Every now and then,
Soft as breath upon my skin,
I feel you come back again,
And I believe."
Diamond Rio Lyrics

LT M
Maryland Police Agency

September 14, 2005

THE CORD
We are connected,
My son and I.
By an invisible cord, Not seen
by the eye.
It's not like the cord
that connects us til birth.
This cord cannot be seen
by any on earth.
This cord does it's work
Though no one can see
The invisible cord
From my son and me.
The strength of this cord
is hard to describe.
It can't be destroyed.
It can't be denied.
It's stronger than any cord
Man could create.
It withstands the test,
Can hold any weight.
And though you are gone,
Though you are not here with me,
The cord is there.
But no one can see.
It pulls my heart.
I am bruised I am sore.
But this cord is my lifeline
As never before.
I am thankful that God
Connects us this way.
A child and his Mother
Death can't take away.

I Love you and miss you
MOM

Bryan's Mother Carolyn

September 13, 2005

Bryan,
Went to visit your grave last night- I left you a buckeye necklace. Maybe you can help them get back on the winning tack. Wish you could have been there. I met Andy Ward's wife- she is such a nice lady. Keep watch over us- some of us need it more than others.
Cheers to us and those like us- Darn Few Left

friend

September 13, 2005