Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and everything you've done for the city of Los Angeles! You will never be forgotten!

Captain Andrew B.
Police of the Czech Republic

May 13, 2014

This May 13th, will be the 45th year since you laid down your life for your friends and community. There will be a memorial serice again this year on May 13th. Last few years we have had a good turn out, including your girlfriend, the first patrol and detective units at he scene. I will never forget you as you were the first LAPD Officer shot in the line of duty when I came on LAPD in 1967. I placed flowers on your maker this past Christmas and additional flower on the maker of a Marine KIA in Viet Nam in my old outfit, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines. His Marker is 5 feet from yours. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN My friend. Semper Fidelis John

Det John E Miller Retired
Fellow LAPD Officer and Marine

December 29, 2012

I was a white Classmate of Oscars Class of 10/26/1964 and grew up in Pasadena with a number of black friends! So Oscar and I became friends in the Academy and he was my training partner. One of our training Officers was Robert "Bob" Smitson. After our first assignments, Oscar to Wilshire Division and I to Highland Park Division we decided to go to Traffic together, so we would know how to take a traffic report when returning to Patrol. We were assigned to 77th traffic car 12T14 I believe and at that time Traffic Division was in Parker Center, so after roll-call we would drive to 77th Division via Central Avenue, many nights we would have our first DUI arrest before reaching Slauson Ave. We were lucky to work under Lt. Bob Vernon at Traffic, what a gentleman Bob was. After Traffic we both transferred to University Division, because that is where Sgt Smitson went when he made Sgt. Together we work night watch with Officer Alan Pennington and our car was 3A21. We all had fun working together and I remember many good times and great pastrami's at odd hours from the stand on Adams Blvd and a lot of good rib dinners! Oscar decided to go back to night school and went to day watch and was working a report unit the day he was killed! We always checked out shotguns when working together, but that day when Oscar went to get a shotgun they were all checked out or in for repair. To this day I believe if Oscar would have had a shotgun on the suspects the one that shot Oscar would not have attempted to do so! I agree with the gentleman who saw Oscar in the morgue, Oscar was not shot in the face, that was Officer Ian Campbell of the Onion Field killing, Oscar was behind a car on the street and got hit in the leg first which made him rise up and the fatal shot was in the chest, but he went down shooting like the true Hero he was! I remember going to his funeral was one of the hardest days of my life, because I had never had a young friend killed before. After Oscar's death LAPD lost it appeal to me and when I got the call from LAFD I left happily to a career with the Fire Dept. In 1994 I was back east and went to the National Police Officers Memorial and to their Office in the AARP building and discovered that there was not picture of Oscar in their history file. I notified the Police Protective League and the Oscar Joel Bryant Foundation and someone sent a picture to the National Memorial to Honor Oscar as he deserved. I brought home tracings of Oscar's name from the memorial wall to be given to his family. If you have never been to the National Police Officers Memorial I urge you to do so if near Washington DC. It is in Judiciary Square by the DC Courts and it is above a subway stop. It is like a small Vietnam Wall and will take your breath away! It is every Law Enforcement Officer ever killed since we became a Nation! Oscar I think of you often! Rest in Peace! Your partner and good friend, William (Bill) L. Riechel LAPD Serial #12172

Police Officer/Fftr William L. Riechel
LAPD #12172 & LAFD Retired

March 15, 2012

Rest in Peace, Policeman Bryant. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 14, 2012

I WORKED AS A JAINTOR IN THE HALL OF JUSTICE FROM 1965 UNTIL 1970 AND WENT THROUGH THE MORQUE EVERY NIGHT. I SAW OFFICER OSCAR BRYANT THE DAY HE WAS KILLED. I THINK OF HIM OFTEN. AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, I RETIRED AFTER 34 YEARS APRIL 1ST 1993.I DO NOT BELIEVE HE WAS SHOT INTHE FACE, BECAUSE I REMEMBER SEEING A SMALL HOLE IN HIS SHIRT NEXT TO ONE OF HIS PENCILS. THAT WAS BEFORE BULLET PROOF VEST. {IF ONLEY} I REMEMBER I NEAT HE LOOKED IN HIS UNIFORM AS I STOOD BY THE GURNNEY HE LAID ON AND PRAYED. RIP. WILBERT MARSHALL

Anonymous

May 2, 2011

Brother Bryant,

Thank you for your service and dedication to the city of Los Angeles. You made the ultimate sacrifice and it's an honor to keep your memory alive. Rest in peace.

Police Officer Malik Wilds
Los Angeles Police Department

January 19, 2011

R.I.P Officer Bryant, you are not forgotton. Jeff Jaynes, Arizona Highway Patrol

Officer Jeff Jaynes
Arizona Highway Patrol

August 13, 2010

My Brother,

Your sacrifice has meant so much to those of us you left behind. Although you passed long before I joined the Department your courage and valor have been an example what it means to be an officer, what it could ultimately cost and that if you give your life in service to your follow officers and your community, you will not be forgotten!

Sergeant Lloyd Scott
Los Angeles Police Department

May 19, 2010

Today marks the 42nd year of your death. Many of us gathered at Forest Lawn and placed flowers, The US Flag and The Marine Corps flag on your grave site. Your old friend Jake De Leon showed up and paid his respects. I also heard from your old partner Gene Twiford and Ralph Waddy, the Detective that handled your case. I must have spent 2 hours talking to them about you and how you lived and how much you meant to so many people. We will do it again next year... Semper Fidelis John

John E Miller
LAPD Retired

May 14, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today on the 42nd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service.

My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. He was shot twice when ambushed on April 23rd when he was on a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, 37 years after you were killed. Larry was also your fellow Marine so I must also bid you Semper Fidelis.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry lasater

May 13, 2010

Oscar Bryant was the first officer killed in the line of duty when I joined the Department in December 1967. Oscar is buried in Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills with the inscription: Oscar Joel Bryant
Born January 8, 1941 Died May 13, 1968. Corporal United States Marine Corps. For the past 40 years a group of officers and other department personnel visit your gravesite and place a rose, an American flag and a Marine Corps flag on the ground above your grave. You are not forgotten and your life was valuable to all of us. I will always honor and respect your sacrifice. I'll see you on the 13th of May again this year... SEMPER FIDELIS JEM

Detective John E Miller Retired
LAPD Hollywood Detectives

March 26, 2009

On this 40th anniversary(sic), I salute Your Memory !

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

May 13, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

May 13, 2008

Years ago as an L.A.P.D. Recruit I viewed pictures of officer's who had been slain in the line of duty. One of the slain was you. To this day, 25 years later I can still see that picture, the image of a very brave and selfless young man who had offered up the greatest sacrifice to his community. I will always regard your conduct on that day as the most heroic and in keeping with the highest traditions of that Police Department. Thank you for your valor young brother and God Bless.

Ron Jones
Clinical Probation Department, Third Circuit Court of Michigan

September 12, 2007

Oscar:

It has been an odd day. I received telephone calls and visits from several people who sought me regarding members of the LAPD Family. Today, I had a conversation with a fellow member of the OJB Foundation. She now knows what happened on that day. It is sad to think that many are members of an organization which is named after you, and yet they know little regarding who You were or how You died.

Now, she can be another who can help keep Your memory alive!

Semper Fi, Devil Dawg.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

June 26, 2007

I was just a young Policeman on May 13, 1968 when Oscar was shot and killed by a group of robbery suspects on 67th and Western in Los Angeles. Oscar was the first Police Officer that I saw killed in the line of duty. I recall his funeral and his mother who came in from Ohio. I don't recall Oscar having any other family present. I attended the funeral and every year since I have visited Oscar's grave site in the Hollywood Hills. I have done this for the past 39 years. Detective Vicki Bynum and I placed an American Flag at the site on May 15, 2007. National Police Memorial Day and 39 years and 2 days after Oscar was killed.

I taught Officer Survival at the Los Angeles Police Academy and I taught new Recruits and seasoned Officers what we could learn from Oscar's death. He was a Brave Officer, a Hero and he was awarded the Derpartment's highest award for valor. Next year will be the 40th anniversary of Officer Bryant's death. I will always remember him and his strong voice and his valor. His marker states: OSCAR JOEL BRYANT CORPORAL UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS.. Born January 8, 1940 Died may 13, 1968.
May his name be eternal

John E Miller Los Angeles Police Department (Retired 2007)

Retired Detective
Los Angeles Police Department

May 29, 2007

Dear Oscar:

Last night (10/06/2006), several dozen from within the USMC/LAPD Family met to watch John Miller retire. I was happy to see a representative from the Oscar Joel Bryant Foundation (which I have been a member for more than 20 years), attend and give John a much deserved heartfelt "Thank You," for the hard work and dedication regarding keeping Your memory as well as so many other fallen comrades alive!

It was truly a humbling experience being in the room with Marines who had served with the infamous "Walking Dead" (1stBn9thMar) during the Vietnam Conflict (including a Navy Cross recipent). There were many true LAPD "legends" in the room.

Today, the term "Hero" is bantered when many are not deserving of such a title. But there were many "True Heroes" in that room who came to share their memories of John Miller and to remind others never to forget the sacrifices that have been made by those such as You!

Semper Fi,
M. B. P.

Major Michael B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

October 7, 2006

This week a fellow Marine/LAPD will retire with nearly 40 years of service with LAPD - John Miller. No other person has done more to keep your memory alive, than John. I may retire from LAPD soon, but as John, as long as I am alive, I will continue to help keep your memory alive ! Semper Fi !

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

October 2, 2006

Since 1990, on Memorial Day, my children and I have routinely visited the grave of Oscar Joel Bryant.

As a retired United States Marine Corps officer and as a supervisor for the Los Angeles Police Department, with more than 20 years, I am now considering retirement from the City of Los Angeles. As I reflect on my past accomplishments, they all pale in comparison to one related to the memory of Oscar Joel Bryant (who also served the USMC and LAPD).

The original 1986 edition of "The Tactical Edge" published by Calibre Press depicted a photograph of an unidinteified slain officer. Based on the date of the photograph, source of the photograph, and the uniform worn by the officer, it was clearly a photograph of Oscar Joel Bryant. The caption clearly indicated erroneous information regarding Oscar's death. I met with several members of Calibre Press and expressed my concerns. The 1993 edition of "The Tactical Edge" does not contain the erroneous caption.

The memory of Oscar Joel Bryant continues with many of us!

Semper Fidelis,

Michael B. Parlor
Major, USMCR (Retired)
Sergeant I, LAPD

Sergeant I Michael B. Parlor
L.A.P.D.

July 24, 2006

Some years ago, I asked for reflections from those who knew the officers who had died in the line-of-duty at Southwest (formerly University) Station. One response I recieved, regarding Oscar Joel Bryant, came from retired LAPD Officer Jesse Spurlock, of Midwest City, OK:

(letter dated 02/07/1994)

"Oscar hadn't been on the Department very long when I worked with him in Traffic Accident Investigation Division. He had a good sense of humor and pleasant personality. He was the first black officer I had ever worked with, and we were good friends. He told me that one day, he would be Chief of police. I didn't know if he would make it that far, but he was very intelligent. I had no doubts he would rise in the ranks, even in the 1960's. However he died before he was eligible to take the sergeant's exam.

Oscar tranferred from Traffic, so I lost contact with him. I was at home when I heard about his death. The news only said an LAPD Officer had been killed, so I called the station and learned it was Oscar.

I attended the funeral. The theme of the chaplain's message was a take-off of Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream," speech. It was a very moving service. It was also the largest funeral I had ever attended, even up to the present time. The string of black and white police units in the procession stretched for miles. There were representatives from every law enforcement agency in California.

Sgt. K. Moreland
LAPD

December 6, 2005

Rest in peace Officer Bryant. You are not forgotten.

LT Derrick L Huckaby
Dept of Veterans Affairs Police

October 24, 2005

Rest in peace our brother. You will never be forgotten.

PO Richard Eckert
Town of Chester PD

May 8, 2005

~~~Eternally and Always~~~

I didn't get to say goodbye
You're gone without a reason why
I've loved you all of my life
and then you weren't there

I didn't get a chance to say
how much I cared
I can't even remember the tears
that I cried
All I really wanted was to tell you
Goodbye

When I last saw you I felt I wouldn't
see you again
There was a distance between us
that I couldn't explain
You wouldn't look
at me but I could see the tears
in your eyes
If you knew then
You should have told me
Then I could have said
Goodbye

So many words left unspoken
So many hearts left so broken
My love for you is forever
And that will never die
We'll be together always
Our souls are one with God
Eternally and Always
I'll never have to say
Goodbye

Anonymous

January 31, 2005

--------The final goodbye----------
It's been a while since you've been gone,
Guess I always hoped, deep inside,
that the facts weren’t true and someone lied, and instead of goodbye,
I would be saying hello to you.

Now my life carries on without you,
though I can't say that is so,
because each and every day
you fill my thoughts and dreams
and most things I do lately,
involve you it seems,
So how can it be that this is goodbye?
There are so many things we have to share,

So many plans to be made,
I turn to call you, I want to know you are home, but you're not there, you've already gone.
I’m not ready to say goodbye.

Some say that it's time to move on,
I know they are not wrong.
I move on, but I take you along.
I'm not ready yet,
to say goodbye.

It's been so hard to say goodbye,
and every time I try, I cry.
I just cant bring myself to believe,
that this is the final goodbye.

Anonymous

January 2, 2005

Rest in peace.

Sr.Cpl Hunt
Dallas PD

November 1, 2003