Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Today is the 6th anniversary of your tragic and untimely death. Thank you for paying the supreme sacrifice. You will ALWAYS be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten!

Sergeant, Retired
AR

June 28, 2007

God bless your family, friends and co-workers.
Heros are never forgotten. I am greatful for your service.
Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

June 28, 2007

My brother in law sent me a Harley Police magazine. In it, was the 2006 FCPD motors group, lined up all nice and perfectly.

At the back of the magazine , was a letter to the editor from YOU!

It was shocking to read, but a nice note from the editors remembering you.

Again, we will be at police week, when the Unity Tour comes into town. My husband placed the wreath at your spot on the memorial last time, and we will mark the time and think of you again.

God Speed!

Wife
FCPD/NTPD

April 17, 2007

It has been 5 years and 7 months, and you have been remembered by me each and every one of those days. I still miss our conversations about riding, our occassional lunch trips to the Harley Dealer, and definitely your smile that greeted me in the halls at the Academy. You were consistant, fair, supportive, encouraging; all those things.... and that kept you...no...keeps you...on top of the very small list of commanders that I felt fortunate to work for.

MDS B. Liles
FFX Co. Sheriff's Office

January 18, 2007

Dear Captain,

I wanted to take a moment and thank you for your help and support through the years. I still find it very difficult to accept the accident that took you away from us.

You were a great supervisor and even more special as a friend. I remember when you called me into your office to let me know where I fell on the Master Police Officer list. Knowing that I would make it soon, you delivered the message that I wasn't even on the list. You let several seconds passed then you let out the biggest laugh I ever heard! You then told me that I was # 1 on the list. That was the person you were always making people smile and laugh. I really do miss your smile.

I had known you for a long time but really didn't get a chance to learn who you were until you became my lieutenant at McLean District Station. We shared many crime scenes together and you were always the professional. Thanks again for all the opportunities that you gave me and please keep an eye on Mike and Vicki upstairs.

I will be forever thinking of you and remembering your kind heart and the great smile that you always wore.

Perry Knicely
FCPD Retired

MPO Perry Knicely
Fairfax County PD - Retired

November 22, 2006

5 yrs. ago today, not to be forgotten my friend. May God continue to bless your family.

Ret. Motorman, PO
City of Miami

June 28, 2006

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer D.Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

June 26, 2006

Tommy,

We were sadden on May 8th at HQ as Col Rohrer read the three names on the momument at the start of Police Week. Little did we know that in four hours, we would be adding two more names, Gabby and Vickie's. The event started and ended is less than five minutes, not quick enough for the band of angles to gather and protect them. Please make them welcome and look after them.

When you see my dad, mother and nephew Shawn, tell them we are thinking of them often.

Bob Holzman
Madeira Safety & Security

Robert Holzman Director of Safety& Secur
The Madeira School, McLean Va.s

June 8, 2006

Hey Captain, I remember all the fun time at I.D. and the help you always offered me. Your funny jokes and your laugh! I was with the Front Royal P.D. when the accident occured and was devistated like the rest to hear the tragic news that followed. Your an inspiration to me an I only hope I can become a little like you. You are missed Sir :)

R.Masiello
former FXCO

May 18, 2006

Capt, take care of Vicky and Mike for us. May God bless and keep you all.

PFC
Fairfax County Police Department

May 17, 2006

Thank You for all you did. You always had a smle for everyone. God Bless you!

K.J.Primas-Hailey
Former LEO

May 9, 2006

hey capt,
as the new year enters i wanted you to know you are still thought of and missed deeply. In my 20 yrs with fairfax county pd it was an honor to serve with you at several different times and posts. I am greatful for the time i spent in your office the day before you died. my hardest task and greatest honor was to pick up your family the day after the accident. may angels rejoyce at the sound of your motor making rounds,keeping heaven a safe place,for through your memory
God shows his grace. Till the day we meet my friend!
chip

mpo c.k.owens
fairfax county police/traffic division

December 31, 2005

Tommy,

I shall never forget the day I received word that you had been injured. I dropped everything and rushed to the hospital to be with your wife during this difficult time for her. When I arrived I was told that you had died. Your funeral was one of the most difficult I ever had because we were such good friends. I lost a brother, a very supportive friend of our chaplaincy program. You shall always be an inspiration to me and all those who knew you. I know that you are in the heavenly home helping to prepare a place for all those who knew and loved you.

Former Chaplain Allen Minter
Fairfax County Police Department

June 30, 2005

Captain, I think of you often.

Bucky Barlow
Fairfax County Police

June 29, 2005

Capt, your smile and laughter still fill my memories. You are so missed by all.. I know you are watching over your Troops, You are a true angel in Blue..
Rest in Peace... Ter

Terri Doyle, Retired MPO
Fairfax County Police

July 21, 2004

On the third anniversary of your passing the men and women of the Virginia State Police honor your memory and contribution to the citizens of Fairfax County.

Senior Trooper
Virginia State Police

June 28, 2004

Captain Bernal,

I have read all of your reflections. You obviously were a quality individual, both personally and professionally. I grew up in Fairfax County and worked there as an ATF Agent while assigned to the Washington, D.C. Field Office. I am so sorry I never had the honor of knowing you personally. Thank you for protecting me, my parents, the citizens of Fairfax County , the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Nation.

You will never be forgotten. We all give "some" . . . you my brother, have given "all." Go rest high on that mountain . . . you have more than earned it. We will proudly cover your post on the thin blue line. With brotherly love and respect, Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer.)

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

June 25, 2004

YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS EVERYDAY..6-28-03

FFX CO. MOTORS

I saw the heavens open up.
The Earth Shook with Fear.
For Evil, know of God's Army.
They were Heroes, Men on steel horses.

Cpl. James J. Crawford
Lower Providence Twp Police Motor Unit , Montg. Co. PA.

How sad. I grew up in Fairfax, 10th generatio. My gandfather was one of the first 7 county policemen. I have great respect for Fairfax Co. PD.

What a tragic loss of such a fine career policeman. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, colleagues and the FCPD.

He now patrols the streets of Heaven with St. Michael. God Bless and stay safe.

Chief JA Millan

Chief JA Millan
NC Public Schools, Avery Dist SP

A FULL YEAR HAS PAST SINCE THE ACCIDENT BUT IT STILL FEELS LIKE YESTERDAY...YOU WILL ALWAYS REMAIN A PART OF US.

MOTORMAN
FFX CO. PD.

Today was Memorial Day 2002.
I remembered you today.

Thank you.

Anonymous

I was a recruit at the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy when Capt. Bernal's tour of duty ended. I will never forget the show of support from officers, families and friends at his funeral. Rest in peace Captain and Thank You!

Anonymous

I first met CAPT.Bernal in 1997 when I started at the academy as a prehire.I was assigned to the academy doing jobs for the staff.I was told to see CAPT. Bernal because he needed some items picked up from D.C..I went into see him and he gave me a sticky note with what he needed picked up.We started talking about where I was from and what i used to do before coming to Virginia.I told him I was from N.Y.and I was a firemen.we then some how got into talking about motorcycles.That was it,,,after about an hour of talking about motorcycles i said I better get to D.C. to pick up his things he wanted. As I was getting ready to leave he started smiling and saying I already had 3 strikes against me starting the academy...1.I was from N.Y. 2.I was a firemen and 3.I ride a Honda. After I finished the academy and went to my duty assignment the CAPT got transferred to Traffic division and now was in charge of our Motor Squad.I kept in touch with CAPT. Bernal for the next couple of years and finally got my chance to go through the process for the Motor Squad.While in front of the board the CAPT.said that I already had 3 strikes against me for this positon...The CAPT.then told the board that I was from N.Y.,,I used to be a firemen and I ride a honda...CAPT.Bernal then just started laughing.A month later I was in our motor school and riding with CAPT.Bernal on the day he was killed in FrontRoyal VA. CAPT.TOMMY BERNAL was a inspiration to me and everybody he worked with..He will be missed but NEVER forgotten.I'm sure he is patroling heaven on his motor.

PFC C.J.WOLFERT
FFX COUNTY

In memory of Captain Tommy F. Bernal
Inspired by Officer Jeffrey Snodgrass
Written by a Dove

BEHIND THE SHIELD

Look, What did I see?
Listen, What did I hear?
Sniff, What did I smell?
Feel, What did I touch?
Taste, What is this taste?

I was a soldier always alert.
Most saw me as just one in a Blue shirt.
I lived with my senses extremely high.
Survival was the way for me to get by.

Not many saw the other side,
My life, my children, my lovely Bride.
My committment was steady,
and I stood at the ready.

I stood between good and evil, part of a line that is Blue.
Many did not see the second line with a red hue.
It drained from the Blue just like pouring rain.
It was the Blood of an Officer who had been slain.

There is but another wider line along side.
They are the tears of those I have left behind.
I died with honor as I willed it to be.
I made a difference...I hope there are some that can see.

It would have been easier if what I wore,
Were a soldier's fatiques and fought in a war.
But, the Blue and the Gray,
Were colors I had worn to say,

That my love for this country
Was shown by taking care of the fray.
Many didn't see the difference between me and the criminal,
And that what I represented was something much more than minimal.

Each day I drew my strength from within,
And from my Brothers and Sisters who shared in the Din
Of the fight against crime to be Icon and "Sir".
That balances the Warrior with the Peace Officer.

We are the Hawks patroling the asphalt skies.
Doves are protected by our vigilent eyes.
The Freedoms we have, caused us a blood sacrafice,
We willingly strove daily to maintain Freedom at this costly price.

All that We ask in return for giving in our way
Is the respect that we have earned at the end of our day.
When all is said and when there is a moment without clatter,
We want you to recognize that it was us and we mattered.

I see from the other side and through time's haze
You, my friends, now live in different days.
I wish I could be there serving beside You.
But destiny has called me to be a Guardian of Blue.

F.D.N.Y. were just letters before.
Now I can see to you that they mean much more.
Fight, Forever Defend, Never Yield.
That is the New Motto behind the Old Shield.

This has been quite a year
Since that day I left here,
Many are now joining the Guardians of Blue.
Our motto reflects the times just as you.

F.D.N.Y. were just letters before.
Now we stand with you as you fight your new war.
Fight, Forever Defend, Never Yield,
That is OUR motto behind Our New Shield.

Anonymous
Citizen