Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

36 years ago today we held your funeral service. Time have flown by but I think about you nearly everyday. We had great times as kids and someday we will be back together having great times in heaven, thank for being my friend ,

Cold Case Investigator Mark Wall
Delaware Co Okla. Sheriffs Dept.

June 8, 2024

I was just your little 5 1//2 year old prissy cousin when you left this world. I remember when you passed. I worked as LEO with a couple of different agencies before leaving due to disability. I hope I did something in my time to make you proud. I think the desire to keep people safe and help society is in the DNA.

Cassie T.
Cousin & Oklahoma Dept of Corrections

June 6, 2022

34 years has gone by and I still think of you often you were a great friend and a great example to me

Retired Director Mark Wall
NEO College Dept. of Public Safety/ Campus Police

June 5, 2022

Another year has past and we have not forgotten you.
I look at your picture in my office everyday because it reminds me what a great officer you were.

Director Mark Wall
NEO A&M College Dept of Public Safety/ Campus Police

June 5, 2020

June 5th. 2019
I stopped by and left some flowers at your memorial today ,
It brought back a lot of memories ,
When we were kids we rode our bikes down 9th street ,
Now it is name in your honor,
Your picture hangs in my office to remind me everyday what a great police officer you were,
You are not forgotten,

Director J. Mark Wall
NEO A&M College Dept. of Public Safety / Campus Police

June 5, 2019

June 5th, 2018
30 years ago today you left us,
I can still remember the moment we got the call telling us what happened,
It seems like only yesterday,
I was very blessed to have a friend like you,
I miss those fishing and hunting trips when we were just kids,
Your example as a Police Officer stills helps me today,
You are gone but you certainly have never been forgotten,

Director Mark Wall
NEO A&M College Dept. of Public Safety / Campus Police

June 5, 2018

I was only 11 years old when BJ was taken from us. I am now 39 and still can remember every time I was in the Car with my Mom looking for him on our drive hoping to see him. I would always ask to stop when we would see him sitting on patrol. He was always just so kind and loved to talk to kids. A great officer that was taken way to soon. My thoughts and prayers to his Family.

Jimmie Bond
Citizen

May 29, 2016

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 6, 2015

I will never forget this day as it is also my birthday I was working when BJ got shot. My worst birthday ever. Couldn't have asked for a better Police Officer and friend. We miss you BJ.

Vickie Hansford, Dispatch Supervisor
Miami Oklahoma Police Dept

June 5, 2015

B.J. You are loved and missed by all the Briggs girls. I will never forget that day or you.

My dad Claude Briggs kicked himself until the day he passed away over that day. You are Loved and Missed by many. I know you and my dad are reunited once again.

Police Officer
Watts P.D.

May 15, 2015

B.J. I think of you and that tragic day often, I will never have a birthday again that I don't think about you, since my birthday is June 5th and I sent you that motel, I feel like I could have done something different or better. You're in a better place now, we miss your smiling face. Love Vickie and Marty

Dispatcher Vickie Hansford (retired)
Miami Oklahoma Police Dept

May 5, 2014

It was an honor to be in your Patriot Guard escort yesterday, sir.

Michael Smith, 716th MP, Vietnam
Patriot Guard Riders

January 2, 2014

I never had the pleasure of getting to meet you as you made the ultimate sacrifice before I was one year old. My dad knew you and talked about you all the time and even gave me part of your name. Like you I'm called by my initials. I wish I would have been able to meet you, I know that we will meet in heaven. Thank you for service sir! You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Deputy Brian "BR" Rutherford
Sequoyah County Sheriff's Department

September 28, 2013

25 years later the news of what happened seems like yesterday.
I still look over at the spot where it occurred every time I drive by.
thank you for being my friend, I learned so much from you.
you have not been forgotten,
until we meet again.

Mayor Mark WAll
City of Jay, Oklahoma

June 5, 2013

I have the dubious honor of probably being the only person posting here that was arrested by B.J Tunnell, The Only arrest of my life I Might add. Im thinking it was 83 or 84 . I was driving relatives car with expired tag , expired inspection , expired license...I was a kid. B.J pulled me over and we talked while he was awaiting the response on the expired ...everything. One thing was clear when you were dealing with B.J in a situation like that. He was a big man and could bring you under control real quick if need be. But he was also skilled at keeping you calm in a stressful situation.Sadly , my expired license could not be my bond so off we went to Miami city jail for potential incarceration ..lol. But incarceration never happened because B.J said " I really hate to put somebody in jail for something like this". He stalled for over and hour while I called for the "$50" bond money....ha!...We talked quite and while and found out we had several mutual friends and acquaintances ...he made stressful situation much easier and Ive never forgotten him.We have allot of good officers in Miami and B.J was one of the best.I got to see him a few times over the next few years when he would come into the business where I worked. I was truly saddened and shocked when the new reached me that day. I want to tell Bill Butler that he wrote a great tribute and was right on..Bill was also one of the best of Miami police officers and I remember you and your Dad and family.

Kevin Waltz
citizen

May 29, 2013

I was just thinking of you and the day we lost you but the years had robbed my memory of the exact year so I was looking it up and found this wonderful page with many of our friends having a chat with you, I am so happy to have found it. I remember the day you left like it was yesterday but it's been 25 years, now I wonder what might have been. No doubt you would have been a success and an inspiration as you had always been. You are the only officer I know that grew up wanting to be a police officer, from day one, and had led a life that prepared you for it better than anyone I've ever known. From the day you hired on you were a breath of fresh air, I remember asking you if you drank, no, do you smoke, no, do you cuss, no, are you willing to start, cause to be a cop you gotta be willin' but you never changed, the job didn't change you like it does to so many, you were solid as a rock. I remember the tennis matches we had with Oexman, Steele, James, Ice, and others I can't recall immediately, you were the best out there, no one could beat you but you never rubbed it in, always the nice guy, we all learned a lot about tennis from you. I never saw you angry, your judgement was top notch, and if something didn't go liked planned you could adapt and get it settled. I can't believe we loose the best at the worst times and will never understand why you left so soon, you had so much to offer to so many, I wonder what would have been. I and many others think of you often and wonder why, no answers just endless wonderment. Wish we could still play tennis. maybe when I get to where you are, if I'm lucky, I had a problem with the smokin, drinkin, and cussin thing, I licked the smokin and drinkin but my cussin has got a lot worse so who knows where I'll be playing tennis. Later amigo. My Mom says hi too.

Bill Butler, Lt. retired
Miami PD retired

May 21, 2013

It has been many years since I lost my best friend,

I still think of you often,

Rest in Peace until we meet again,

Mayor Mark Wall
City of Jay, Oklahoma

June 5, 2012

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th 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 solace for 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 thier memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

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

June 5, 2012

I think of you often BJ.

John Koch
Retired Miami P.D.

June 6, 2011

IT HAS BEEN 23 YRS. NOW SINCE YOU WERE TAKEN FROM US...AND I REMEMBER THAT DAY VERY CLEARLY,...I WAS ON DUTY ONLY 11 MILES AWAY IN WELCH,OK. IN NEIGHBORING CRAIG COUNTY. WE WERE COUSINS ON MY DAD'S MOTHER'S SIDE OF THE FAMILY. YOUR FUNERAL WAS THE BIGGEST THAT I'VE EVER BEEN TO,..AS MANY FOLKS OUTSIDE AS INSIDE THE CHURCH,..AND OH BOY BRIAN IT WAS A SWELTERING HOT DAY,..BUT NOONE WAAVERED . I HAVE HAD A LONG AND SATISFYING CAEW IN LAW ENFORCEMENT,..I WILL MARK 34 1/2 YEARS THIS SUMMER AND HOPE TO CONTINUE FOR ANOTHER 10 1/2 YEARS OR SO. I THINK OF YOU WHEN I GET ANYWHERE NEAR THAT BLUEJACKET(ok.)CEMETARY,..BUT DOWN DEEP WE ALL N KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT REALLY THERE,...YOU ARE WATCHING OUYT FOR US FROM ABOVE. ITS NOT HOW YOU DIED,BRIAN,THAT MAKES YOU A HERO IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS,...IT'S HOW YOU LIVED! SEE YOU WHEN WE GET HOME COUSIN. ---JIM

LT. J.B. (JIM) HERMAN
CRAIG CO. (OK.) SHERIFF'S DEPT...COUSIN

June 5, 2011

I lived in Picher at the time of his death, but used to come here to Miami and see him in his patrol car all the time. Every week, there he was, always watching, always friendly, always there, and then he wasn't. Every time I go by where that motel was, I think of B.J. Tunnell, and it is so unfortunate that this town lost a good man. It's been 22 years now, and I still remember him.

Francine Stinson
citizen of Miami, OK

October 16, 2010

I was a mere 16 year old kid, when you were called home. I remember to this day the impact it had on our community and the feeling I had the night the news came. I was at work just two blocks from you fell. I have trained people in Law Enforcement and and again am a student in training. I tell people your story, because I remember your contribution. Thank you and God Bless.

J. Dodge
El Paso County Sheriffs Office

April 8, 2010

Today I remember, Honor and Salute your service, sacrifice and Heroism.

Rest easy Brother Tunnell

Deputy
Florida

September 22, 2009

I just wanted to leave my condolences to all family and friends of Officer Tunnell. I have only known of you since 1988, and will appreciate you and your family for the remainder of my life. Officer Tunnell, to my understanding, saved the life of my father. Because of Officer Tunnell’s bravery, I was allowed to spend an additional 20 years with my father, where my children and I may not have gotten this miracle otherwise. Respectfully ~Always Remembered~ Thank you.

Tracy Upchurch
Locust Grove, VA

February 18, 2009

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

December 10, 2008