Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To My Beloved Brother…months ago when I was scheduling Masses for our family for their special days throughout the year…July 6th was already taken…but I was able to have a Mass said for you on the very next day, Saturday, the 7th…so in addition to going to Mass this morning and receiving Communion for your intentions on this 46th anniversary, I will also attend the Saturday Mass and again receive Communion in remembrance of marking another year of mourning your loss.

I remember your last words to me…and my memory holds the picture of what was to be the last time I saw you…as you went down the stairs…you looked back...with that amused scowl…as only a big brother would…when deciding what words of wisdom or admonishment he should give to the kid sister on any given occasion…and you said with brotherly authority, “Help Mom.” Over the years, in wanting to recall the sound of your voice…those are the two words I hear as though you just spoke them.

Sal you were the promise of our family…and when you were taken from us…how could we have known then…that it would be just the beginning of so many more heartbreaking events that our family would have to endure.

I guess lightning can strike the same place more than once…without reason or warning….I find that bad things happening to good people a first time…doesn’t protect against or give immunity from future occurrences…life is a fragile gift and how it unfolds…joys…sorrows…is an unbalancing act…maybe in time…God’s time…we get to understand…for now…no answers…explanations…reasons…just blind faith that someday maybe it will all be made clear…for now though…I am being tested beyond my comprehension…hang in there with me Sal…I need your brotherly insights…and prayers.

I sent flowers to St. John’s and to the Troop T Memorial in Tarrytown today…I wish I could have been to both places in person to offer my love, prayers and respect for you... since you have the advantage now from that far better place...you know how much I care and that you are never far from my thoughts.

I love you as always…I miss you…I hold my memories of you deep in my heart…and I cherish them.

Keep watch over our loved ones there and here… and stay close to my son.

May God continue to bless you.

Anita

July 6, 2007

Sal,
On your birthday with Jesus, I wanted to let you know that you are not forgotten, nor will you ever be forgotten.

From the letters your sister leaves, you must have been a GREAT brother. I hope that I can be the type of brother to my sister that you are to yours.

Anita... I will pray for you and your family every day. Your thoughts and reflections are a wonderful insite to your brother's life. Thank you. I promise that I will remember him and YOU.

God Bless you and your family..

Phil

July 5, 2007

My Dear Brother…today in observance of Memorial Day, my husband, daughter and I attended a Memorial Mass that was offered in remembrance of all those military men and women who lost their lives while defending our country and our freedom.

The Mass was celebrated at the Catholic cemetery where my son is at rest. The Bishop who officiated at the Mass also offered intentions for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed interred at this sacred site…as well as for the intentions of those present for other deceased family members interred at distant sacred sites. I prayed for you, your fellow servicemen, your fellow law enforcement officers, Mom and Dad, our extended family whom you all have joined, and for my son.

Your loss still is and always will be felt deeply within my heart. I cannot think of you without remembering what a wonderful big brother you were and how very proud we all were of you and still are. How Mom felt about you...I felt about my son...and now I know her pain. You both are loved, missed and will not be forgotten.

Please remember to intercede for us, as we keep our promise to our son…your nephew and namesake…to be his voice…as we seek in his behalf...accountability and justice… which thus far has been denied to us.

I pray that God blesses You, Mom, Dad and my Salvatore as you all rest peacefully in each other's company...I love and miss each of you.

Anita

May 28, 2007

My dearest brother, today, May 15th, is National Peace Officers' Memorial Day... and the United States flags on all government buildings are at half-staff in recognition and memory of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting their communities.

I said a prayer before the Blessed Mother statue for you...and many of your fellow officers who have joined you. I am and always have been so proud of you.

I check this site daily and I continue to be hopeful that days may pass without the addition of new names...but it never takes too long an interval before my hopes are dashed.

The circumstances for loss vary slightly...there is the evil that men commit in the taking of an officer's life...accidents involving natural disasters that cause the loss of life of those that are trying to aid citizens in areas that are hit...there are airplane, boating, motorcycle accidents...vehicular assaults on officers, automobile accidents due to DUI's, chases, trying to avoid animals, rushing to the aid of a fellow officer in need of assistance...officers' weapons discharged and hitting other officers presumably accidentally while the weapons are either being cleaned or handled in some way...any and all of the reasons are devastating.

I know each individual was a special breed of human being...motivations for wanting to be a leo are mostly universal...well intentioned...honorable men and women who are concerned for others safety...some may be otherwise...but nevertheless each is willing to put himself in harms way for the protection of another.

I only know that each of us who has lost a leo... shares the grief, pain and sadness that this ever growing number of what we call "survivor families" feel as we continue to become united by our common loss.

All of you were taken much too soon, much too young, and much too needed by your families...and oftentimes for the most unnecessary of reasons.

Time does not heal our broken hearts...we are parents, siblings, spouses, children, family...we go on because we have no choice...but we never forget...we always remember...loved ones memories are carried in our hearts forever...you are our heroes and may God Bless each of you.

I love you Sal, you were the best big brother...I miss you still...and I count on you to stay close to my other Sal... your wonderful nephew...and too...along with Mom and Dad...watch over us as we fight the good fight for justice for my son.

You are in my prayers...always

Anita

May 15, 2007

Today is National Law Enforcement Memorial Day. I salute you for your heroism and dedication to law enforcment. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones, especially your sister Anita. Wrap your wings around her and protect her and help her with her grief. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

May 15, 2007

Sal, today marks the 20th year that Mom is with you, so Happy Anniversary Mom.

We were all very blessed by God when He gave us to such a phenomenal mother...how fortunate we were to have been her children.

I know she loved all of us, but YOU were her pride and joy and such a good son.

Although she continued on for the rest of us, a part of Mom went with you when you were called home and she grieved for you the remainder of her days...she loved you so very much.

I know she was happy again when she finally joined you and that is the only comfort I was able to take in coping with her leaving the rest of us so unexpectedly...I knew how she longed to be with you once again, her beloved Sal.

I know she is watching over my Salvatore for me until I too can join all of you someday. She was a wonderful Nan to her grandchildren and I know God has blessed her for all that she sacrificed, suffered, and endured before she went to her final reward.

Kiss her for me and let her know how much I love and miss her.

God bless all of you...my loving family.

Anita

March 23, 2007

My dear big brother, since today is the feast day of St. Joseph, I hope and pray that my two, very loved, Salvatore Joseph's are celebrating and sharing each other's company with all of our other loved ones.

I miss all of you so very much. You all are always in my heart and prayers.

Anita

March 19, 2007

I have another request of you my dear brother...please give my "sweetheart" of a son, a hug and a kiss for me on this Valentine's Day...

I love and miss all of you...you are all in my heart, thoughts and prayers.

God's blessings on each of you as you rest in His peace.

Anita

February 13, 2007

Dearest Brother...It is one year today, Jan. 24, 2007, that my precious son has been in your company as well as Mom and Dad's. I ask all of you to hug, kiss and squeeze him tight for me...I miss him and all of you so very much.

Please stay close to him...I'm counting on you...believe me he has done you proud in so many ways in carrying your name...I wish it could have been for so many more years.

I pray for all of you and hold your memories in my heart...until we meet again.

God Bless you...my big brother.

Anita

January 24, 2007

Dearest Sal,

Please if it's in your power help
Sis over her heartache. She is hurting so, for you and her Sal. The comparisons are too much for her and the
hurt is overwhelming. Please watch over us here on this
unjust earth, until another time when we are together. Cookie

sister

December 25, 2006

Merry Christmas Sal. You are being thought of today by your loved ones, I have also lit a candle in your memory. Watch over your loved ones, especially your sister who needs your guidance and protection. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon

December 25, 2006

My dear brother, this has been a very difficult year and this holiday season has added immeasurable sadness to our already broken hearts.

My prayer is that you, Mom, Dad and my Salvatore are experiencing the joy and peace of a heavenly Christmas.

I cherish my memories of you, I love you and I miss you.

I ask that you continue to keep my son close to you and our family and I will always keep you in my heart and prayers.

Merry 45th Christmas in Heaven....

Anita

December 24, 2006

Sal, I'm counting on you today to give my son a big hug and a kiss for me. It is young Sal's birthday and he would have been 38...to your 75...but now you both will forever remain 37 and 29...incredible losses to our family, then and now. You were both called home much too soon...both in your prime with so many years that should have been left for each of you to accomplish the goals that were once only your dreams.

I love and miss both my Sal's and I pray that a nephew and uncle, my brother and son, are reunited and enjoying each others company as well as Mom and Dad's who are Nan and Gramps to Salvatore.

We have only just begun what will lie ahead of us...I'm counting on all four of you for your guidance and support in getting us through this difficult time...

You are all always in my heart, thoughts and prayers.

Until we meet again stay close to each other and watch over all of us as we try to cope one day at a time.

All my love always...

Anita

December 17, 2006

Hi Sal...I visit your site daily although I don't always write...I pray...I think...and memories come flooding in.

Thanksgiving was extremely difficult although I did remember to send flowers to Saint Johns...I miss you, mom, dad and my sal.

I need you to do the big brother thing... some wisdom...guidance...and a watchful eye would be good as you watch over all of us as we are under a lot of pressure and stress...I know you know why...we had some disappointing news re my son's loss and so it was an exhausting and heartbreaking week.

I guess some things and some people are pathetically unconscionable.

I will continue to keep you in my thoughts, prayers and heart...always.

May God bless and keep you.

All my love...

Anita

November 26, 2006

Just wanted to drop in and leave a short note to let you know that you have not been forgotten. Today I am putting up Outdoor Christmas lights, all blue bulbs of course. One of those lights will be lit in your honor every night until after New Years. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones. You are a true hero.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

November 25, 2006

My dear brother – I wanted to write something sooner but time keeps getting away from me.

We were in NYC this past weekend to attend two memorial services. There was a Mass offered by Cousin Anthony at Most Precious Blood Church in memory of all of the deceased relatives on Mom’s side of the family. It was followed afterwards by a reunion luncheon at Cousin Perry’s restaurant that he named in honor of Grandma Olimpia.

We attended the Mass in memory of you, Mom, Dad and my Salvatore, in addition to remembering how many wonderful relatives…grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins…our family has lost.

Cousin Anthony gave an insightful homily and as each name of a departed loved one was read aloud, a candle was lit in their memory.

Uncle Pat and Aunt Anne must be looking down from heaven feeling very proud of the fine children they raised…Anthony and his siblings are a true reflection of the goodness of their parents. I am ever grateful for all the times our families spent together after we lost you. We would visit St. John’s to bring flowers and say a prayer for you and then drive to Uncle Pat’s and spend the better part of the Sunday afternoon with his family. Aunt Anne would always have a delicious meal prepared and was always gracious and welcoming in extending herself to us. Father Anthony, who is lovingly referred to by our entire family as Dom DeLuise, is a very compassionate priest who still maintains a fantastic sense of humor along with an endearing personality. I understand he is truly loved by his parishioners as pastor of St. Bridget’s in Minnesota and his fellow friars have again re-elected him to be the minister provincial of his order, The Friars of the Immaculate Conception. He is a very busy, respected and valued man of God. What we always referred to as a “good priest.” And he is a part of us…ours.

It was great to see extended family again and to meet Mom’s cousins, many of whom I vaguely remember as just “names” from the past but did not recognize and only made the connection when Cousin Betty explained the relationships. Unfortunately, we couldn’t stay for the luncheon as we were heading up to Albany for the Trooper Tribute Weekend.

This is only the second time we were able to attend. The first time, which was the 10th Anniversary Tribute, we also had to be at Sal’s 40th West Point reunion. I remember we left right after the Cadet Parade and drove to Albany in time for the Memorial Wall ceremony, got a rubbing of your name, attended the Saturday night dinner and the Sunday candle ceremony; we missed the 11th entirely, and now the 12th found us juggling our time once again. We were only able to arrive in time to go to the Saturday dinner and the Sunday morning candle ceremony in honor of all fallen troopers
.
I would like to be able to spend the entire weekend at some point so that I can get to know other families and experience the entire program. All I can do is hope there won’t be any more conflicts in the future.

We did meet a few families, and although it was briefly, I sensed instantly that these were families not unlike our own … close, supportive, caring, loving, coping…and understandably heartbroken. I was also fortunate enough to share a few moments with the family of Trooper Ambrose.

I will pray for all of us as we continue to deal with our grief and get through our loss one day at a time. It is never easy.

I spoke with several admin/officers from other states who attended to observe how this type of weekend is put together. Their intention is to offer a similar program to survivor families in their own communities. It is quite evident that the NYS Police have the best and most successful program for remembering and honoring the sacrifices of their fallen brothers as well as the families that continue on in grieving the loss of all you fine troopers…our loved ones.

In speaking with Superintendent Bennett he told me that whenever he visited the Tarrytown barracks and looked at your picture that was on the wall, he always thought you were a very impressive figure in your trooper uniform. I wish he could have had the privilege to know you because he would have recognized that your physical appearance was well matched by your intelligence, integrity and empathy. You were a dedicated trooper who would have gone far in law enforcement. You were blessed; you had it all.

I also told him about the recent loss of my other Salvatore. He offered me his condolences, was in disbelief of the circumstances and offered his assistance if I thought he could be of any help in regard to the tragic killing of my son. He is a very kind, caring and decent human being. I appreciated his sincerity and thanked him.

At the candle lighting ceremony, as surviving families sit watching the screen showing the faces of all of our lost and loved ones….son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, nephew, cousin, grandchild, son/brother-in-law, godfather, friend…all titles held by most of you troopers in being part of a family…there is an overwhelming sense of pride and sadness that is recognized and honored by everyone in attendance. It does not matter if the ultimate sacrifice was made many, many, years ago or just recently...in the willingness of each of you to put your lives on the line in protecting and serving your community, we your families have become united by a common bond, have walked in each other’s shoes, and our individual and collective sorrow is felt deeply “by and for” each other in our loss.

I will keep your memory alive for as long as I live... I carry you in my heart…thoughts… memories…and prayers…you are not forgotten. You and your fellow troopers are all heroes.

You are loved…my wonderful, loving, big brother and it was an honor to light both candles in your memory this weekend.

Sal, watch over all of us here, and stay close to my other precious Salvatore.

All my love always…

Anita

October 28, 2006

Trooper Embarrato:
What an amazing sister you have! I met her this weekend at survivor's weekend in Albany and my only regret is that I didn't spend enough time with her. I have been reading her letters to you and the ones she wrote to my son and she is such a lovely lady. Please send her signs that you are watching over her like the ones my son will send me when I ask. It's just the little things like the beautiful red cardinal that would come in the backyard all summer during the evening or the deer that appear across the street for Dad and I to enjoy. It's signs like that which keeps us going.
You sound like a wonderful person and I hope I get to meet your sister, Anita again some day.
Cindy Todeschini

Cindy Todeschini
Mom of Trooper Craig J. Todeschini EOW 4/23/06

October 23, 2006

I want to thank your sister for the flower and prayer left at the wall in D.C. for my son Michael. From reading her reflection about her memories of you when she was young let me see what a great person and big brother you were. I know the daily struggle she has with the pain she suffers as she is also a bereaved parent. No one knows this loss unless they walk in our shoes no matter how many people say that we should get on with our lives, unless they experience this loss, they don't know. All any of us can do is take one day at a time. Keep watch over your baby sister and wrap your wings around her for protection. I am so glad that she has talked about you with all the generations that came after your end of watch and did not personally know you. A hero deserves to have his memory continued on and thats what she has done and I salute her for that. You are a hero and heroes never die. Someone sent me this poem and I know your loving sister can relate to it: (You will never be forgotten)

Poem by Richard Fife:

No person is ever truly alone.
Those who live no more,
Whom we loved,
Echo still within our thoughts,
Our words, our hearts.
And what they did,
And who they were,
Becomes a part of all that we are,
Forever

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

October 1, 2006

My dear brother, although people often stop counting birthdays when a loved one is called back home (as you were; much too soon and much too young) and thereafter only mark the anniversary date of their having left this life, I have not. And now it is your would-have-been seventy-fifth birthday. The last one we celebrated with you was your twenty-ninth; your thirtieth was coming up that September and then…

My husband and I just returned from the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial in DC where I went to place flowers, say a prayer and touch your name. Afterwards I attended the l2 noon Mass being offered in your memory on this your birthday and Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, patron saint of law enforcement officers. I received and offered my Holy Communion for you and cried for the loss of what could have been.

I have missed you and thought of you every day, of these past forty-five years, two months and twenty-four days, and I will continue to.

The last time I saw you was at our house; it was Thursday, and I asked when you’d be home again. You said it would probably be the following Thursday as it would be your “off day” because you were scheduled to work through the July 4th holiday week-end which was starting on Friday and going through Wednesday.

You had come home to pick up a new suit you had altered because as Mom always pointed out, your shoulders were sooo broad; and because your waist was sooo much smaller than the pants that came with the size jacket you needed, you always had to have the pants taken in.

You had a very good build and you were as handsome as you were intelligent. I remember how you would encourage me to read more since you had such a love of books, and I regret never finding your passion for the classics as well as Pogo.

You were a loving, caring and good human being. You were the family “calm and patience,” the thoughtful and insightful arbitrator, the peacemaker.

I can still see your face; and hear your footsteps as you went down the stairs that day and I even remember your cough to clear your throat before giving me, the kid sister, your brotherly lecture. It always ended in “help mom!” I guess you thought I was a typical teenager, all about “me.”

Your loss changed all of us. There was no more joy for Mom and Dad, even though Cookie and I tried to distract them from their grief. Neither your two little nephews, (one that was born on your birthday and who shared his first with you, on what would be your last, and the infant born two days after your accident) nor my “keeping company,” getting engaged and planning a wedding could fill the void left by your loss.

Sal, the what ‘ifs’ are still painful. I love you my big brother, I miss you and I cherish all the memories I was privileged to have of you for the eighteen years God allowed me to experience as your youngest sister.

There was the disappointed Sister Antionette who was unhappy because although you had achieved the highest academic grades throughout your eight years in grade school and was in line for the medal of excellence, you lost it to the new Asian boy who got an extra 10 points for penmanship. You always wrote like a doctor and I know although it was your dream to become just that, Sister couldn’t deal with the fact that all those years of "push and pulls and ovals penmanship lessons" hadn’t make a dent in yours and she made no apologies for her upset. I heard the story a few times and although I wasn’t there it seemed as though I was and so it was stored in my memory.

My earliest memory is actually when I was about three and you were fifteen. Mom had asked you to watch me and you wanted to play softball with your friends. I guess the reason I remember is because you and your friends traumatized me as you were all lifting me over what I recall being a very high wall (a shortcut) that led to the field where you played. I was scared and I guess it left an impression on me. I was being hoisted from the bottom and yanked at the top as Oscar, Hank and you completed the tugging task. Years later I saw that wall and it wasn’t nearly as high as I remembered, but then again I was only three.

I remember when you took me to the RKO Theater to see Disney movies whenever them came out and to the Radio City Music Hall, when I was a little girl about five or six years old, to see Peter and the Wolf and Willie the Whale (who sang) At The Met. You wanted to see both films and since they were both semi-classical musicals done in animation you thought you should take me because you were all of seventeen and felt funny to go by yourself. At least that was what you said.

Whenever you exercised on that flat board with the canvas pocket that you put your feet through (the precursor to an exercise bench) you would always let me feel like I was helping you. You would have me sit on your feet to balance the motion of all those sit ups you did and I really thought I was an important part of your routine.

You would juggle for me, tell me riddles, tickle me and your sense of humor always made me laugh. I adored you and all the attention.

I remember you practicing the clarinet when you were in the Cardinal Hayes HS Band and mom being concerned that you were going to distort your top lip from blowing into it. She was really starting to worry.

How funny it was when your Irish HS classmates had to clean up a sandwich that you had been eating in the auditorium during an assembly and the Monsignor took it from you and flung it across the aisle. Those slivers of eggplant went into a thousand different directions and for weeks you kept getting ribbed because not only were there still tiny pieces being found but the guys kept wondering “what the heck do you Italian guys eat.” How we laughed at a story worth retelling.

I was in awe of how many answers you knew to the questions on the TV quiz shows.

I know the lyrics and the music to most of the recording artists of the late 30’s, the 40’s and early 50’s thanks to you and your Make-Believe-Ballroom radio programs. My past is much of yours and I play a mean game of Trivia thanks to you.

When I first started to wear a little lipstick you would stand behind me as I looked into the mirror and you would sing an original lyric and tune to a made up version of a song you called PoPo the clown.

Since Mom had to work I would be left with the chore of fixing you something to eat before she got home and you had to leave for work at the post office. More than once I could have gotten you sick with the hot dogs (I barely knew how to boil water) that always looked greasy when “I” made them even though Mom would called from her office to tell me what to do. Then there were the directions she had left for me to follow in preparing you a ‘real’ meal. While I was reading them, having the paper too close to the flame, it caught fire. I was trying to read faster and you even had to tell me to drop the paper into the sink before I got burned.

I became the subject of several good stories for you to amuse others with but it was always done lovingly and in fun.

I remember when you went into the Army and how you would send money home to Mom and always wrote those beautiful letters. We would live for the postman… I have cherished the Happy Wanderer Hummel that you sent me for my twelfth birthday from Fort Riley, Kansas (you had remembered!) and even now it sits in a place of honor in my home.

I remember when you and another new trooper were going to drive upstate together to attend classes at the Albany headquarters. He got to the house early so I made both of you breakfast before you left the city. Later in the day his mother called and when I answered the phone she apologized for not being able to see her son Irving off that morning. I reassured her he was fine, had eaten a breakfast of ham and eggs with you and she seemed alarmed. I didn’t know I had inadvertently tainted a religious rule of her faith and Irv was going to hear about it thanks to me. But he sure enjoyed his breakfast.

Sal, there are so many memories and I wish there could have been years more made.

I have your baby shoes, your blonde curl from your first haircut, your First Holy Communion prayer book and white tie, Confirmation pin and arm band, your altar boy collar, your report cards, your awards, (I think Cookie has your yearbook, high school ring and diplomas) your Trooper Hat, (I wear your St. Joseph medal) the Crucifix, Nameplate and the American Flag that was handed to Mom. I cherish and value all of them as she did.

I have told my children about their wonderful uncle. I named my first son after you hoping he would have some of your fine traits, and he did. He even became an eye doctor, not quite the surgeon you were hoping to be, but a proud achievement nonetheless. My grandchildren know who you are and all the stories that go with the photos. Your pictures fill my home and you will never be forgotten. We were proud of you and continue to be.
.
Happy Birthday Brother, I pray that you, Mom, Dad and my Salvatore are celebrating together in Heaven. Until we are all united again, you all remain in my thoughts, my heart and my prayers.

God’s Blessings on you for being a most loving and caring brother.

All my love always…Anita.

sister

September 29, 2006

I salute you for your service and to say that even after 41 years, you have not been forgotten and thats because heroes never die. I know the grief your loved ones carry in their hearts as I am walking the same path. I know our lives will never be the same and that we have some solace in that you died doing what you loved, being in law enforcement. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

July 16, 2006

Well Sal, it's once again July 6th, a Thursday, just as it was on that same day and date all those many years ago when our family suffered our great loss of a wonderful son and the best big brother two sisters could have ever hoped to have. It is said that time heals all wounds and I guess that may be true of physical healing. Then there are those wounds time cannot heal because what is carried in the heart, the memories and the love will always recall all too well the pain and grief that the soul bears when a loved one is called home much too young and much too soon. I suffer that for you my dear brother. I miss you as much now as ever.
There was a mass of remembrance celebrated for you this morning that my husband and I attended. We received holy communion in your memory. After church we drove to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in DC to place flowers near your name and said a prayer for you. I also brought flowers to place near Tpr. Ambrose's name as well and prayed for him too. Sal, I hope that you, Mom, Dad and now my other beloved Sal are all happy, celebrating together and sharing in God's eternal peace. I miss and love all of you -- take care of each other and watch over our families. Please, keep your nephew close to you until we can all be together again. Happy Anniversary in Heaven, as you mark your 45th year of being "Eternally on Watch." You were and are our pride, our joy and still remain the best of us.

Always in my thoughts and heart. All my love.
Anita

Anita L. Culosi
sister

July 6, 2006

Thank you Trooper Embarrato for the sacrifice that you made so long ago.

Anita, I pray that God holds you in the palm of his hand and comforts you in your time of sorrow.

Trooper's Wife
Oklahoma Hiwghway Patrol

June 23, 2006

May Our Lord heal the terrible pain your family is suffering now.May you and your nephew rest safe in the Arms of Our Lord and may He Bless your family.

May 24, 2006

dear sal, i hadn't put anything in print,because it's painful to think of you as past. reading of anita's pain is too much. as you know she just lost her sal, i can't know how she feels but it must be what mom felt. you left a wonderful kid sister behind. she never forget, just as mom never forgot.i remember the day you left us, i was in the process of having my second son, you never knew this one, you only had a short time with my sal. but on that day i asked our god to take my unborn child and let you come back to us, that was the only way i could comfort myself from the pain i was feeling. never to see you again, or hear your dry sense of humor, and your scowl, i even missed that. i had a family to tend to, but anita and mom and dad had each others pain to deal with. as time passed i could think of the silly things that passed between us as kids, but i only hoped that my boys would be just a little like you, that would have been enough for me, just that little bit.sal anita's loss of her sal has left her numb, please help her to heal, she loves too deeply, and feels too much, she is so much of you. love cookie.

April 13, 2006

Dear Uncle Sal.

I never new you but i have heard many things about you from my mother (your sister) Anita. She always spoke very highly of you, so highly that I tried to become a police officer myself. I never made it, so I assumed that was not God's plan for me, but I wanted you to know that you inspired me to try. That being said I am writing you now because I wanted to ask you to look after my brother. Obviously you know of the tragic loss that my family has endured. My mother always said that you and my brother shared many of the same qualites. I never knew you but if you were even half as wonderful as my brother, then I am confident that you were not only an amazing officer, but an amazing son, brother, friend, and person. I miss my brother so much uncle Sal. I know the way my mother must have felt when she lost you. It makes me grieve for her even more than myself. I can feel her pain of losing a brother, but not of losing a son. That makes her pain so much worse. I want you to help heal her. As for me, my brother and I were very close. He was my best friend. I would see him 2 or 3 times a week. We would hang out at his house and watch tv. We would go out and sing karaoke together. We would go on little road trips to Baltimore. We were very much alike and he was the only person in my family who really understood me and sympathize with me. He was my only brother and I his. The bond between a brother and a brother is something that I cannot describe. I could just look at him and know what he waws thinking. I used to shout out to him over the mic when we sang karaoke "I love you Brother" he would reply on the mic "This is my retarded brother". It's little things like that that I miss. Those little memories of him giving me a brotherly tough time or listen intently to a funny story I was telling. Oh how he loved to laugh and how I was always able to make him laugh. I missed that and I am forever robbed of the opportuniy to ever do that again. Just please let him know that my heart breaks for him every day. Tell him that I miss him terribly. And tell him to continue to give me the strength that he has been thus far to cope with a life altering and painful event such as this. I LOVE YOU BROTHER. Thanks Uncle Sal

Christopher

Christopher ---nephew and son of Anita

March 22, 2006