Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You were the big brother I never had… Your dear sister was my best friend, your dad was not only my favorite teacher-but a mentor and someone who truly believed in me. Losing you will always hurt. I’m sure the reunion with your parents & Bo was beautiful. Thank you for putting up with me and treating me like a little sister

Anonymous
Friend

September 14, 2023

I grew up across the street in Clear Lake from Bret's mom and dad. They were Gordon and Bonnie Sunner, with a golden retriever named Bo. Though I never knew Bret because I turned 4 years old on the day that his life was unfairly taken away, I knew of his story. We must find comfort knowing that his mom , dad, and Bo are with him now. Though he was taken from this earth at a young age under difficult and unfair circumstances, we should find comfort knowing they are together forever. God rest you and find peace!

Non military, or LE.
Neighbors of parents

May 15, 2022

Rest in peace Officer Sunner.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 8, 2020

I remember Bret first as a Rookie, when I was a Fire Fighter. His FTO, Dave Goodwin would bring him into Fire Station 5 to have grab dinner now and then.. He turned out to be an amazing officer. His death shocked both the Police Department and Fire Department. The day of his funeral, I was stationed at Fire house 8. We were asked if we would block a intersection for his funeral procession. All three of us saluted with tears in our eyes as the procession drove by. 1991, I switched from Fire to the Police Department. We talked a bit about Brets incident. RIP my brother in blue

Peter Hegarty Retired Police Officer
Cedar Rapids Police Department

June 8, 2020

I was 13 yrs old when I went to Officer Sunner's funeral out at Cedar Memorial. I was with my father Sgt. Bill Serbousek of the Cedar Rapids Police dept. I know when an officer dies, whether in the line of duty or not, a piece of everyone who's in or has been in, the brotherhood dies when hearing the news. My career was a short one, but, hardly a day goes by without me thinking of the fellow officers I've worked with and how grateful to have been part of that honor. To the friends and family of Officer Sunner my thoughts are with you.

Retired Officer
Steve Serbousek 719

Retired Officer Steve Serbousek #719
Cedar Rapids Police department

August 8, 2019

This was a senseless shooting by a person who had no respect for Law Enforcement Officers who were on scene to help him.

Jim Cannon
Mytestimony put shooter away

June 8, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Sunner. Young and heroic.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 19, 2018

Bret, I knew you only to say hello to you. I was an EMT @ Mercy and a reserve police officer. We never worked together. I knew your partner very well. Your death destroyed him. He was demoted from sergeant because of domestic violence. I know it killed the chief to do it. I can not be more sorry.
.

Brad Harper Reserve Officer
Cedar Rapids

August 25, 2018

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 8, 2015

I didn't know Officer Sunner, but I did see his name and face on the police memorial display last night. I read his story on the internet. My daughter, Ashleigh Steil is a CRPD officer, and we have many who were or are police officers, in our family. I respect the job they do, and am so very sorry for the loss of Officer Sunner. My deepest condolences go out to his family, as it never stops hurting. I pray for my daughter's safety, and the safety of all other officers. May they all do their duty with God at their backs.

Michelle Steil,
Mother, wife, daughter & sister of police officers

May 15, 2015

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

January 5, 2015

Bret,
Not a day goes by that I don't think of you -- you were a treasured friend and one that I continue to miss everyday. Each time there is a thunderstorm I smile and think of you looking down on us -- and your dedication to protecting others continues to make me so proud of you -- even 29 years later.
I miss you my dear friend --<3

Pam Sipes Seiler
Friend

November 3, 2013

Rest in Peace, Officer Sunner. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

May 23, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

February 6, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 28th 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 line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

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

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

June 11, 2012

Country Time and tequila make the best margaritas. Rest in Peace my friend. R. Duke

Duke
CRPD

April 9, 2011

Thank you for your service. CRPD officers are continually reminded of the sacrifice that you made and that any officers could make in the line of duty. Peace be with your family.

Officer Smothers
CRPD

March 26, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 23, 2007

You are not forgotten...............

AZ Narc

June 14, 2007

May you sllep safe in the hollow of His Hand.May He ever bless you.

June 8, 2007

May you Rest in Peace.

June 8, 2006

Bret, I will always remember the great times we had growing up at your house in Clear Lake. Do you recall how we used to put coins on the railrod tracks and flatten them out. I used to stop in and see your Mom and Dad when I was in the area and we always spoke of you. Your Dad loved you so much and I think I was able to help fill that void somewhat as you know he was such a patriot May you both rest in peace. Your 1st cousin Kurt Sunner

Kurt Sunner MSgt USAF retired

June 5, 2006

I did not know you Bret but I knew your dad. Your dad was a teacher of mine back when this happened and I can remember the effect it had not only on him but all of us....all throughout my high school career and I'm sure for all of his life. He talked very highly of you. Your dad was a great man and definitely one of my favorite and most influential teachers when i was young and I know that you were a brave man yourself. I happened to hear your name as the last Cedar Rapids policeman to be shot down in 1984 and wanted to bring some rememberance to you. You will never be forgotten and neither will your father. I hope you have reunited and our telling each other stories as we speak.

Jennifer F.
Clear Lake High School
Class of 1988

Jennifer, no rank
friend of father

May 14, 2006

God bless to you Bret. Thank you for your service to the Cedar Rapids Police Department, RIP.

mjw643

March 7, 2006

Bret,

I remember waking up that Sunday and reading in the news paper the events that took your life that Friday night. Having worked on the Clear Lake Police Department which was your home town, I felt especially torn by your loss. Twenty one years later I still think of you and your sacrifice you have given to the citizens of Cedar Rapids. There's not a time when I'm in that neighborhood I don't remember you. Your fellow officers at CRPD have not forgotten as they honor you every year during Police Memorial Week in May. Because of you, Cedar Rapids is a better, safer place to live.

Police Officer Michael Barry
Federal Police Officer

November 28, 2005