Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We are leaving on vacation and going to visit with a couple of your classmates...Lonnie Milka who is a Sargeant
now and Kristy who is heading up an invetigating unit in Nevada ..going to see pictures from your reunion,that you were planning on attending last fall...our baby boy is getting bigger,James,I'm sure would be happy if he looked like you....Keep us all safe as we try to move on without you...some day we will be together again --God willing.
We miss you every day..Love Mom

Maureen Tutino
Mom

September 27, 2006

We had peas for dinner tonight and you better believe we ate them with HONEY! I can hear you saying your pea song everytime we have peas. I sure do miss it. Tyler was born April 18th. He is now three months. He sure does need his papa. When I rock him, he stares at your picture on the wall and smiles. I miss our talks. I haven't smelt you in a while. I love you pops!


Tara

Tara
daughter

July 22, 2006

I guess you needed help up there with your kids.Rosie,your friend and fellow coach died a couple of days ago..after you left us ..his heart was so sad...I know you were waiting for him..he used to wear a badge too.From the second I met him ,I knew that you two had a special connection..We miss you...keep us all safe..Love

Maureen Tutino
Mom

July 21, 2006

This is sooo Jim
That man is a success who has lived well,laughed often & loved much
Who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children
Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task
Who leaves the world better than he found it,whether by an improved flower,a perfect poem or a rescued soul
Who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it
Who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.

We miss you every day..Love

Maureen Tutino
Mom

July 13, 2006

We all wish you Happy Father's Day....We miss you ...Your son will be a father this year..that would have made you so happy..Our family will keep watch over your sons..please keep us all safe ...You gave us all a great role model...Love you always

Maureen Tutino
Mom

June 17, 2006

I had the pleasure of meeting your brother last night. He arrived at our home in reference to a harassment issue with a neighbor. He is a wonderful person still so touched by your life force. I lost my brother (off duty) to a drunk driver. I came home from my shift and it looked like a police yard parking lot in front of the house my brother and I shared, it was my Uncle who informed me of the accident and that he was not expected to live. Though my brother passes over 17 years ago he is still standing right beside me every day in every situation. Later today I will deliver to your brother a copy of the following that I wrote while my brother was in the hospital, just a few hours before he passed.

THE EDGE OF MY SEAT

-I grew up in a house FULL of law enforcement officers of all ranks and many departments.-

As a child I never knew why adults worried so when someone was late - always on the edge of their seats.

When I became older I discovered the reasons why. No matter the family member, no matter the department I know why we cautiously sit - on the edge of our seats.

One day it came my turn to walk out the door, proud with the colors of my big brother, leaving others to wait - on the edge of their seats.

Day after day, we all take our turns sitting vigil waiting on the safe return of family and friends risking their lives to serve and protect - on the edge of our seats.

One awful day came while sitting - on the edge of my seat.

I waited and waited, looked and looked, then the Chief walked up to me his eyes brimming with tears, I couldn’t leave - the edge of my seat.

Tears flowed, palms began to sweat I looked across the room at others, all ranks, different departments, friends, co-workers, family - on the edge of their seats.

I fell...from the edge of my seat.

Tired, worn, lost and bereft with pain, I rested my head - on the edge of my seat.

In the grass on a gloomy, rainy day I sat and heard words spoken to the greatness of his life, the integrity of his soul and the courage he possessed – on the edge of my seat.

When all was quite and all had left, I heard a soft voice say to my heart, “Go on walk out that door you look good in blue. I died with honor as I lived, I can see you from here and all is well… I’ll be waiting for you - on the edge of my seat.”

I see them, those who selflessly gave their lives, all on the edge of their seats; coffee and donuts close by trading road stories – laughing at the “dumb ones”, taking no credit for the “big ones” and keeping an eye out for all the others who proudly, faithfully and diligently serve – angels in uniforms - forever and always on the edge of their seats.

I wrote this after the loss of my brother (killed off duty by a drunken driver), later my retired brother passed after a long battle with cancer, then a very dear and close friend ("family") member who gave his life in the line of duty. I have become astonished over the past few months (I have lost three very close friends) of how many great officers have found their way home. I no longer serve however, not a day goes by that the thought of officers out there on the streets protecting my family and me, doesn’t make me move to the edge of my seat.

For my vigilant and protective big brothers and Uncle Al – though they are not home, not doubt they are sitting and watching me – on the edge of their seats.
Revised 04-06

I am certain you are exchanging road stories with other officers who so faithfully served and protected all of us, laughing at the crazy stories, shaking your head over the ridiculous situations you found yourself in and constantly ever vigilantly protecting your family from the edge of your seat.

And thanks for that Steeler win! REPEAT?!

To Mrs. Maureen Tutino

God bless you for your dedication to your sons it is evident in their service that you are made of the strongest beliefs and values. Thank you for your children and their commitment to serve. And please…be careful.

Shari Gold
Officer K's baby sister

May 24, 2006

My dearest Son---Our family has stood in pride these last 2 weeks,especially your sons...You certainly didn't deserve to go so soon. I know you would love to be here to teach your Grandchild lots of things...Sacramento and DC were just incredible ...We were all so proud of you ...We miss you every single day..You'd be laughing at me..Mom did it again,I fell and broke my wrist going into DC.Keep us all safe Love ya,Mom

Maureen Tutino
Mom

May 23, 2006

We had the pleasure of meeting your wonderful wife Rita in Washington DC. She honors you in her words and actions and she is so proud of you. May you rest with God and please know that Rita will always be in our prayers.

May 16, 2006

We will be in Washington with honor and respect to hear your name read.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse

May 2, 2006

Be with us this weekend as we raise money to give the kids
money for their colleges.Lots of your fellow deputies are
coming to support us..and our whole family will be there
working.Your going to be a Grandpa before the end of the year..We miss you terribly...we will be honoring you in the next 2 weeks...Keep us all safe...especially your brother as he goes about his duties...Love ya, Mom

Maureen Tutino
Mom

April 28, 2006

Jim,

I worked with you in "the room" for several days. You were always very professional and extremely knowledgeable. I went to your services and was touched by the number of people you influenced. The football players wearing their jerseys in your honor was a fitting testament to the influence you had on these young men. By reading the past reflections, it is evident that your influence is still alive and well. Thanks for everything you did.

Sergeant Xavier Torres
Azusa Police Department, CA

April 10, 2006

We love ya and miss you
every day. Keep us all safe.
Maureen Tutino
Mom

Mom

April 6, 2006

This past week I learned I will be riding in the memory of Deputy James Phillip Tutino of the LA Co. Sheriff's Dept. on the Unity Tour ride to Washington DC. After reading through the reflections it is a honor and privilege to be able to ride for Deputy Tutino and to honor his memory.

Sgt. Steven Menafro
Metuchen PD, NJ

April 1, 2006

Jim,
I was putting on a suit, one I hadn't worn in over a year, and felt something in the breast pocket. I reached in and pulled out your memorial booklet. I began to remember back when we worked together at the old Max and fun we had on PM shift. You are missed and never forgotten my friend!

Lieutenant John Benedict
LASD

March 31, 2006

To Deputy James Tution and his loved ones:

On this the fourteenth month after your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart is still with your family and I look forward to meeting them in Sacramento and/or D.C. You’re all in our thoughts and our prayers.

James, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Deputy James Tutino. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service James gave to his community and the citizens of Califonia, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on January 26, 2005.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 9, 2006

Happy Birthday my Smakdady. You would have been 49! I miss you so much. You will always be my forever love.

Rita Tutino
Wife/Widow

March 6, 2006

Thank you for your dedication and service, Deputy Tutino. After reading thru your reflections, I sense you were a great husband, father and brother. May the Lord continue to comfort your family that loves you so very much. I'm also happy for you that your Steelers won the Superbowl.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Matthew 5:9

Wife of a Deputy
SBSD, California

February 7, 2006

Hooray They did it..Super Bowl Champs Baby..They weren't doing well and I put your picture in front of the TV and that was the turning point in the game...How big is that smile now ?Please watch over our family and keep us safe..Help us all as we try to carry on without you.We miss you every day,and will love you always.Mom

Maureen Tutino
Mom

February 5, 2006

Daddy, Our Steelers are in...Super Bowl time. I miss you so very much. There is so much going on in life that I could use your advice on. And i feel like i have no where to go but you. Dad i pray every night that you are safe and smiling down on me. I love you and miss you. I just want to tell you that I'm testing for LASD and VCSD. Help me get through this. I love you.

Son of a Hero, Nick Tutino

January 31, 2006

Please know that you are rememebered as a hero as your one year anniversary passes and we thank you for your dedication to the job.
Your family and friends remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Linda Lamm - LEO Wife and Sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

January 28, 2006

Your family and friends will be in my thoughts today. Thank you for your dedication to your job. You are a true hero.

Tracie
Friend of Officer Nick Sloan EOW 1/30/04

January 26, 2006

I remember seeing this on the news.
I find it amazing how thoughtless some people can be. I'm sure the tears shed for you could fill an ocean. I know the pain of your leaving is still very raw. Know that
time has not diminished your sacrifice and you are still in our thoughts. God bless all those that
you loved and all those that loved you.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

January 26, 2006

My Dearest Son
I know you are smiling down from Heaven,as your beloved Steelers won today and are headed for the Super Bowl.
Please help us as we head into our second fundraiser to help kids get to college. We miss you every day as the one year anniversary of your death comes up this week.We all love you very much.Our family chain has broken but one day we all will link up again..
Love always Mom

Maureen Tutino
Mom

January 22, 2006

It will be 1 year that you were called away from duty. Such a senseless act by one individual that has caused nothing but grief and broken hearts that will never mend completely. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten by your loved ones. Keep watch over them and protect them. Wrap your wings around them in an effort to ease some of their pain. I know your Mom's pain as there is no greater loss than to lose a child. We now have yesterdays to live with as all our tomorrows have been taken away. Your family will keep your memory alive for as long as they walk this earth and the Blue Family will keep it alive for many many more years. You have not been forgotten nor will you ever be.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
www.michaelpgordon.com

Bob Gordon

January 22, 2006

Jim,
It's been almost a year since you were taken from from your family, friends and team. I know you watch over all of us. I called the defense this year and looked up for your help on many occassions. I know you were there with us. I will be the Defensive Coordinator next season and we will "get after it" with 11 athletes that will attack and punish our opponents in true "Coach T" fashion. I know you will smile when you hear me call the monster "T" blitz.
Matt played tackle football this year and he did great. He wore your initials on his wristbands every game. You would be proud how he plays the game. Our little business, FCT, Inc., is entering it's second season and we are doing well. There are so many things in day-to-day life that remind me of you and all that you stood for. You could never imagine the impact that you made. Tonight as I wrote this, I stopped for a moment to tuck-in Matt and when I looked down at his right wrist, there was one of the well worn wristbands with your initials on it. I know your are with us.

I miss you coach.

Bob Alvarado

January 19, 2006