Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I think of you all the time. I miss you more and more. You would think that it would get better with time. But, time does not heal everything. I wish I could just feel your arms around me one more time. I wish I could see your smile, hear your laugh, or just feel your wormth as you lay next to me. Just one more day. I have been sick for awhile now, I am fighting to save my right Kidney and Bladder. I have something that is eating the linning of my Bladder. They say it is not Cancer, there is no cure and can be controlled by Meds and Diet. But know how I am about Meds.I know I will be O.K. I know that you, Dad, and Pops will be looking down here watching over me. ALL MY LOVE

August 28, 2006

I knew James when I was editor of the weekly paper in Corrigan, where he worked as a patrolman. I never will forget taking the photo of James with a little girl in his arms who had her hand stuck inside a pickup truck bed. James had the common sense to use detergent to get her hand out. He was smiling that smile as was the little girl. I worked in Waco while James was in Temple and saw him on TV a couple of times. I had intended to get in touch but I never did and I am sorry for that. He was a genuinely nice guy and great police officer. My condolences to those he left behind.

Richard Smith
Journalist

March 16, 2006

To the family of Ofc O'Brien...many of us still think of him and you often. God bless you.

cs
spd

December 23, 2005

Brother O'Brien,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables Law Enforcement Motorcycle

December 2, 2005

2 Years have come and gone so quickly. Yet it only seems as if I were just talking to you. I miss you so. If you only knew. I long to feel your touch, to hear your voice, to see your smile. A smile as big as TEXAS, and a Heart to match. I would give my last breath to see you just one more day. If ony I could. I will never get past you, hard as I try. Tawnee and Chase are growing up so fast. You would be proud. Amanda has turned out to be quite the young lady. She has become my keeper. She has taken over where you left off. We were up most of the night on the eve of your journey. We talked almost all night. We cried, we hugged, we laughed, we sat in silence, but most of all we were together alone with you. We vowed will never let you go, we will never let you be forgotten. All My Love

November 26, 2005

2 yrs my friend.............. you're still loved and missed.

s

November 21, 2005

Sunny days seem to hurt the most.
I wear the pain like a heavy coat.
I feel you everywhere I go.
I see your smile, I see your face,
I hear you laughin' in the rain.
I still can't believe you're gone....
It ain't fair: you died too young,
Like the story that had just begun,
But death tore the pages all away.
God knows how I miss you,
All the hell I've been through,
Just knowin' no-one could take your place...
An' sometimes I wonder,
Who'd you be today?
Sunny days seem to hurt the most.
I wear the pain like a heavy coat.
The only thing that gives me hope,
Is I know I'll see you again some day.

Amanda

November 7, 2005

TO MY DEAREST FAMILY, SOME THING I'D LIKE TO SAY...BUT FIRST OF ALL TO LET YOU KNOW, THAT I ARRIVED OKAY. I'M WRITING THIS FROM HEAVEN. HERE I DWELL WITH GOD OBOVE. HERE, THERE'S NO MORE TEARS OF SADNESS; JUST ETERNAL LOVE.

PLEASE DO NOT BE UNHAPPY JUST BECAUSE I'M OUT OF SIGHT. REMEMBER THAT I AM WITH YOU EVERY MORNING, NOON AND NIGHT. THAT DAY I HAD TO LEAVE YOU WHEN MY LIFE ON EARTH WAS THROUGH, GOD PICKED ME UP AND HUGGED ME AND SAID "I WELCOME YOU"

IT'S GOOD TO HAVE YOU BACK AGAIN; YOU WERE MISSED WHILE YOU WERE GONE. AS FOR YOUR DEAREST FAMILY, THEY'LL BE HERE LATER ON. I NEED YOU HERE BADLY; YOUR PART OF MY PLAN. THERE'S SO MUCH THAT WE HAVE TO DO, TO HELP OUR MORTAL MAN.

GOD GAVE ME A LIST OF THINGS,THAT HE WISHED FOR ME TO DO. AND FOREMOST ON THE LIST, WAS TO WATCH AND CARE FOR YOU. AND WHEN YOU LIE IN BED AT NIGHT, GOD AND I ARE CLOSEST TO YOU...IN THE MIDLE OF THE NIGHT.

WHEN YOU THINK OF MY LIFE ON EARTH, AND ALL THOSE LOVING YEARS. BECAUSE YOU ARE ONLY HUMAN, THEY ARE BOUND TO BRING YOU TEARS. BUT DO NOT BE AFRAID TO CRY; IT DOES RELEAVE THE PAIN. REMEMBER THERE WOULD BE NO FLOWERS, UNLESS THERE WAS SOME RAIN.

I WISH THAT I COULD TELL YOU ALL THAT GOD HAS PLANNED. BUT IF I WERE TO TELL YOU, YOU WOULD NOT UNDERSTAND. BUT ONE THING IS FOR CERTAIN, THOUGH MY LIFE ON EARTH O'ER. I'M CLOSER TO YOU NOW, THAT I EVER WAS BEFORE.

THERE ARE MANY ROCKY ROADS AHEAD OF YOU AND MANY HILLS TO CLIMB; BUT TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT, ONE DAY AT A TIME. IT WAS ALWAYS MY PHILOSOPHY AND I'D LIKE IT FOR YOU TOO...THAT AS YOU GIVE UNTO THE WORLD, THE WORLD WILL GIVE TO YOU.

IF YOU CAN HELP SOMEBODY WHO'S IN SORROW AND IN PAIN, THEN YOU CAN SAY TO GOD AT NIGHT..."MY DAY WAS NOT IN VAIN" AND NOW I AM CONTENTED... THAT MY LIFE HAS BEEN WORTHWHILE, KNOWING AS I PASSED ALONG THE WAY, I MADE SOMEBODY SMILE.

SO IF YOU MEET SOMEBODY WHO IS SAD AND FEELING LOW, JUST LEND A HAND TO PICK THEM UP, AS ON YOUR WAY YOU GO. WHEN YOU'RE WALKING DOWN THE STREET, AND YOU GOT ME ON YOUR MIND; I'M WALKING IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS ONLY HALF A STEP BEHIND.

AND WHEN IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO GO... FROM THAT BODY TO BE FREE, REMEMBER YOU'RE NOT GOING......YOU'RE COMING HOME TO ME.

Baby this is so you. I know that you are watchinhg over us. I know this because I hear your footsteps come to my bedside every night.
All My Love

September 5, 2005

I finaly found the strenght James. Its been almost 2 years and yet it still seems like yesterday for me, since they
came to my door and told me about the accident.You have taught me over the years, not to ever second guess Gods plans, and not to ever blame myself for something out of my control. I thought about going back to work, but dont know if I could stay out of trouble with out you there.( Even though you started most of it for me lol). I am so glad that I called in sick to go to your high-school reunion with you, you have really touched so many peoples lives. I remember one of the last conversations we had, was when you told me you would do anything to be with your dad again, just for one day...well baby you have it, I know the both of yall are up there smiling down on us. Tawnee is turning into a beautifal young women, and Chase looks more like you everyday! I thank God all the time, That I had the time that I did with you, and that I was Blessed to have the moments I did with you. James you were everything to me, and I am so happy that I was the one who made your life complete. ( The full circle..with Tawnee and Chase and Brooke and Taylor ) And I know that you knew you made mine Complete as well. You are greatly missed and always in my thoughts. Until me meet again, I love You James

Shelly

August 16, 2005

Daddy,
There is not a day that goes by that I dont think of you. I wish that you could be here right now watching me go into my junior year in high school, but I know that you are in heaven on Gods lap watching me with that great smile that no one will ever forget. I love you so much and I wish that you were here to clear everything up in my mind and my life. Things have been so complicated since you left, but I wont worry because I know that you and God will clear them up soon enough. You know what is going on down here and Im glad that you dont have to be a part of it anymore. And deep down in my heart I know that you left us all for a reason, of which we are not sure of right now but will all know in good time. There comes a time in everyones life that they lose someone special it just happened that you left all of your family while doing what you absolutley loved.

Your one and only princess,
Tawnee O'Brien

August 9, 2005

I miss you more and more every day. Why can't I get past you? I know that you will never come back. What do I do? Where do I turn? I wish that I could just talk to you one more time, so you could tell me that everything was going to be O.K. You told me you would always be here for me. Now what do I do without you? How do I go on? When my everything is you. I have nothing without you. I will forever LOVE you. You are my everything.
ALL MY LOVE

July 9, 2005

"Never Alone" by MercyMe

It's been one of those days,
When everything just feels so far away.
Don't be a stranger.
Won't you help me make it through today?

Then a voice comes calling out to me,
You're never alone cause I am with you,
And I will always be.
I will hold you cause you belong to me.
You're never alone cause I'll be with you,
For all eternity.

Someone tell me how I,
Stumble into doubting all the time.
Some days I'm all together,
And other days I stand here asking why.

Then a voice comes calling out to me,
You're never alone cause I am with you,
And I will always be.
I will hold you cause you belong to me.
You're never alone cause I'll be with you,
For all eternity.

June 29, 2005

Every time I sit back with Sherry, its apparent your love still radiates in and through her. Stories of ya'll's family life, both silly and serious, are ever present, and you will always hold that irreplacable place in her heart. She will never love another the same as she loved you.

Its equally apparent too that you made Amanda's life that much more meaningful by the man you were, coming into their lives when you did and loving Amanda as your own. She was your own. She is your own.

Melanie

June 29, 2005

The Family Of Officer O'Brien,

In the beginning, I wondered if I would ever make it through. There were periods of anger, sadness, pain, and grief, times when I wondered, "WHY ME"?. But one day, there was a glinmpse of light, and then another. The clouds began to break apart, and I started to see beyond them. The times when I felt happy and safe began to outnumber the times when I felt sad and frightened. New friendships were formed, feelings of trust and resolution began to replace past feelings of hopelessness and self-doubt. I seemed to emerge from the darkness into the light with a new sense of empowerment. I now realize that there are things about my past that I cannot change, but I can stop them from controlling my life and my happiness. I know that this part of my life will never go away entirely, but it has begun to take a less prominent place in my existence. I have begun to allow other thoughts to enter my mind, and I have a better understanding of myself. My Strengths and weaknesses. I'm not afraid to set limits. I've begun to enjoy life again and to think about the future. I can now look back on this time for what it was, a period of growth, self-discovery, and healing!!!! God Bless

Correctional Officer
California Department Of Corrections

June 16, 2005

Baby, Today is not one of my good days. What I would give to just be able to talk to you. God I miss you so. I can't get past you. Even in your death, you have such a hold on me. I can't explain it. I don't know why you had to be taken from me. No-one can ever Love me as you did. No-one can ever look at me like you did. When I put in the ground, you took my heart with you. I have nothing left to give. I get up each day and I make my day and I go home. I don't know what keeps me going. Or why? I just know that I miss you more and more every day.
All My Love

June 13, 2005

"When it rains it pours and opens doors
And floods the floors we thought would always keep us safe and dry
And in the midst of sailing ships we sink our lips into the ones we love
That have to say goodbye
And as I float along this ocean
I can feel you like a notion that won't seem to let me go
Cause when I look to the sky something tells me you're here with me
And you make everything alright
And when I feel like I'm lost something tells me you're here with me
And I can always find my way when you are here
And every word I didn't say that caught up in some busy day
And every dance on the kitchen floor we didn't have before
And every sunset that we'll miss I'll wrap them all up in a kiss
And pick you up in all of this when I sail away
And as I float along this ocean
I can feel you like a notion that I hope will never leave
Whether I am up or down or in or out or just plane overhead
Instead it just feels like it is impossible to fly
But with you I can spread my wings
to see me over everything that life may send me
When I am hoping it won't pass me by
And when I feel like there is no one that will ever know me
there you are to show me
Cause when I look to the sky something tells me you're here with me
And you make everything alright
And when I feel like I'm lost something tells me you're here with me
And I can always find my way when you are here"
Some days i'm so mad at you for leaving me. Today is one of those days. I just want one more ride with you on your bike or one more fishing trip, i would even settle for one more fight. I never got to say goodbye and tell you how much i love you. I just hope you knew!
Love,

Amanda Pyle

June 7, 2005

The credit belongs to the one who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if they fail, at least fails while daring greatly. So that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.

Terry Donovan
spouse of Amy Lynn Donovan Austin P.D. E.O.W. 31 Oct 2004
2005-05-10

Terry Donovan

June 5, 2005

"I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my said says 'There she goes!' Gone where? Gone from my sight... that is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of destination. Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says 'There she goes!' there are other eyes watching her coming and their voices ready to take up the glad shouts 'Here she comes'.
Always,

Amanda Pyle

May 17, 2005

dear james, i'm sorry it took me so long to write this;but you know how hard it is to do this.you were my best friend.when i needed you,you were always there for me. i miss you so much most of the time i can't hardly stand it.i swear if it wasn't for dillon and kelly i don't know if i would still be here. when i lost daddy and you so close together it was almost too much to deal with.i just want you to know my brother how much i loved you and miss you. well james i guess i better quit babbling.I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU your little brother jarrod.......

jarrod o'brien

May 13, 2005

Baby, I know that you are looking down and you are so filled with joy to see how much you were Honored at the Peace Officers Memorial. I said to many that I had been to many of these Memorials, but this year was not the same without you. I was told by many that you were there with me. I saw many of your fellow Brothers from Temple and we all had a nice visit. Bennard stood in for you. He was so Proud to do so. At the wall all of your Temple Brothers came and we took pictures. Know that you will never be forgotten. All My Love

May 8, 2005

What a beautiful and poignant memorial today. You would have been so honored, as you had been every other year before.

Melanie

May 2, 2005

Remembering you on you birthday...4-23

April 27, 2005

Happy Easter Darling, We miss you so much. I wish I could be with you. If only I could hold you one more time.
All My Love

March 27, 2005

THE POLICEMAN SQUARED his shoulders and said, "No Lord, I guess I ain't. Because those of us who cary badges can't always be a Saint. I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough, and sometimes I've been violent because the streets are awfully tough. But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep, though I worked alot of overtime when the bills just got to steep. And I never passed a cry for help, though times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept many unmanly tears. I know I don't deserve a place among the people here, they never wanted me around except to calm their fear. If you've a place for me Lord, it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had to much, but if you don't, I'll understand." There was a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod. As the policeman waited quietly, for the judgement of his God. "Step forward now, policeman, you've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets. you've done your time in hell." Baby, I can see you standing before your God and saying this to him. I know that he is proud to have you walk Heaven's Beat side by side with him. All My Love

February 21, 2005

THE POLICEMAN STOOD AND FACED HIS GOD, WHICH MUST ALWAYS COME TO PASS.HE HOPED HIS SHOES WERE SHINNING, JUST AS BRIGHTLY AS HIS BRASS,"STEP FORWARD NOW, POLICEMAN. HOW SHALL I DEAL WITH YOU? HAVE YOU ALWAYS TURNED THE OTHER CHECK? TO MY CHURCH HAVE YOU BEEN TRUE? THE POLICEMAN SQUARED

February 21, 2005