Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Bryan Scott Verkler

Mishawaka Police Department, Indiana

End of Watch Saturday, December 13, 2003

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Patrolman Bryan Scott Verkler

Bryan~

Thank you for visiting me last night in your dream. You told me that you were "waiting for me". Trust me, I can't wait to be reunited with you...no words can explain how much I miss you. It is true that time takes on a different measurement after becoming a widow or widower. I noticed that the other day. Time used to move along so quickly, and I always knew what day it was. Now, I find myself crossing every day off of the calendar thinking "one more day closer to seeing Bryan again :)". I don't know if its that time moves slower or if it just moves different. Perhaps it is a bit of both.

This week has been extremely emotional to say the least. I feel so full of sorrow and sadness for Scott and his family. Although I no longer live in Indiana, I have been following all of the news. I have felt so much sadness for Scott's family throughout the week. My brother and my uncle attended Scott's visitation. I would have gone if I still lived in state. Today is Scott's funeral. I think about how the days, weeks and months ahead will be so difficult for his family, friends and fellow officers. As the layers of grief begin to peel away, reality begins to come crashing down. I remember some of the events the week of your funeral, although a lot of it I only recall bits and pieces. How I wish I could make it all go away, to somehow make it better; but unfortuntately I know that I cannot.

As Scott's Final 10-42 is said today, I find my thoughts and prayers with Scott's family. While there are no "right" words to say, I know that there are so many police survivors and so many within the law enforcement family that will continually uphold the "Thin Blue Line". These people are the ones that will help Scott's family and lift them up throughout their darkest moments.

I know you and Scott are safe and happy in Heaven, proabably "hanging out". Right about now you are probably trying to get him to go fly-fishing with you...

May God's Grace continually be with Cpl. Severns family.


Love,
Your Wife

April 28, 2006

Bryan~

Thank you for visiting me last night in your dream. You told me that you were "waiting for me". Trust me, I can't wait to be reunited with you...no words can explain how much I miss you. It is true that time takes on a different measurement after becoming a widow or widower. I noticed that the other day. Time used to move along so quickly, and I always knew what day it was. Now, I find myself crossing every day off of the calendar thinking "one more day closer to seeing Bryan again :)". I don't know if its that time moves slower or if it just moves different. Perhaps it is a bit of both.

This week has been emotional to say the least. I feel so full of sorrow for Scott and his family. Although I no longer live in Indiana, I continue to follow all of the news. I have felt so much sadness for Scott's family throughout the week. My brother and my uncle attended Scott's visitation. I would have gone if I still lived in state. Today is Scott's funeral. I think about how the days, weeks and months ahead will be so difficult for his family, friends and fellow officers. As the layers of grief begin to peel away, reality begins to come crashing down. I remember some of the events the week of your funeral, although a lot of it I only recall bits and pieces. How I wish I could make it all go away, to somehow make it better; but unfortuntately I know that I cannot.

As Scott's Final 10-42 is said today, I find my thoughts and prayers with Scott's family. While there are no "right" words to say, I know that there are so many police survivors and many within law enforcement that will continually uphold the "Thin Blue Line". These people are the ones that will help Scott's family and lift them up throughout their darkest moments.

I know you and Scott are safe and happy in Heaven, proabably "hanging out". Right about now you are probably trying to get him to go fly-fishing with you...

May God's Grace continually be with Cpl. Severns family.


Love,

April 28, 2006

Another tragedy.... I saw Brett, Candace, Kendell, and your mom up at the Memorial for Severns. It saddens me knowing your family is re-living what happened nearly 3 years ago. Continue to watch over them all.

April 28, 2006

Bryan,

The funeral is today for Cpl. Scott Severns. It has brought back many memories of that horrible day in 2003 when you went to protect the streets of Heaven. You now have one more HERO to help you patrol the streets up there. You guys are the greatest and you will NEVER be forgotten. Just remember to keep watch over Julie and the rest of your family. I know you are doing the best that you can do. Wish you were still here!!

Walkerton Resident

April 28, 2006

They say you meet people for a reason and I had the priviledge and honor of meetting Officer Verkler. He is deeply missed and I will always remember the funny and sincere person that I met.

May God Bless the family and may my prayers and thoughts always be with them.

Marty Martin
Friend

April 27, 2006

The shooting of officer Severens brought it all back to me from when Bryan was shot. I was working that night and had to make that call to his father and brother. It was the worst night of my life. But Bryans father was wonderful to me when he came back from the hospital he stopped by to give me a hug. Julie I hope that you are healing. As time passes hopefully it will get better. My thoughts are with you. Mary

mary
walkerton police dept

April 27, 2006

Bryan,

Although I didn't personally know you, I am from Walkerton and had heard of you and your family.

I can still remember exactly what I was doing that awful day back in 2003 when I heard that two Mishawaka officers had been shot. I couldn't help but think about your wife and your other family and friends. To this day I still remember that cold day in December 2003 as I stood in front on Shady Lanes in Walkerton and watched as all the police cars filed through our small town to lay you to rest. That is a sight that I will never forget.

It breaks my heart to know that you weren't able to see your niece grow, but even worse, have kids of your own.

Your wife is a very strong person. I respect her for that.

Keep watching over everybody and policing the streets of Heaven with God as your Boss!!


You are WALKERTON AND MISHAWAKAS HERO!

Resident from Walkerton

April 26, 2006

B...

SBPD lost a good officer this past weekend. Having to deal with it only brings back the loss of you and Tom to all of the people here at the MPD. Watch over them this week as they attend the funeral. Keep your hand on Stanifer's shoulder and take care of Scott. We still miss you so very much.


MPD

April 25, 2006

Honey~

I am so sad to learn about what happened this weekend in Indiana. Another Brother in Blue was shot and killed. I knew him from when he used to bring prisoners into the ER. While I know that someday a Line of Duty death would eventually happen again, the events deeply sadden me.

Please be with all of Scott's family, SBPD, the community that he served and protected; and all of his friends throughout the next several days, weeks and months ahead.

Please take care of Scott and show him around the Other Side. I have no doubt that you, Tom, Marion, Paul and Randy were all there to greet him when he arrived.

I Love You,
J.

April 23, 2006

My Love,
I am getting much closer to accomplishing yet another new goal. What is strange is thinking about how I will feel when it is all said and done. In my heart I can feel how proud you are of me, but nothing will change the fact that I can't have you TELL me how much you love me, wrap your arms around me and tell me how proud you are. Nothing can explain the loss of not feeling "understood" like I was with you. I can never explain the days, minutes and seconds in which I miss you. Feeling the pain of losing you is more than I ever imagined that one could sustain in this life, and I definitely would never wish this on my most despised enemy. The feeling of aching and emptiness in my heart is something that no matter how much time elapses, will never go away. Those that say time heals all wounds didn't love like we did, nor did they experience true loss and grieving.

I have been thinking a lot about our upcoming wedding anniversary and how we never even got to celebrate one year of being married before you died. I can't believe that this would have been our 3 year wedding anniversary in May....it seems so hard to believe our wedding was 3 years ago. I feel completely robbed because we didn't even get to celebrate one year. (I'm glad that we ate the top of our wedding cake while we were still on our honeymoon, because we totally enjoyed it :)

As always, you are foremost in my heart, thoughts and Spirit.

I Love You
Your Wife

April 21, 2006

Honey~
Another holiday has come and gone. I really missed you this weekend and I thought a lot about when we were able to spend time together for Easter.

I love you and it seems like no matter how much time passes, my love for you still continues to grow.

I cannot wait for the time when my work here is done. I miss you and cannot wait to spend Eternity with you on the Other Side. Next time around, we will finally get to be together.

I love you my Dear Husband.

Your Wife

April 17, 2006



There will never be a "goodbye" from me,
you're just not in this world, you're in that place called eternity.

How could I say that word, so cruel and unkind,
I'd rather have my limbs tore off or even go blind.

If I thought I'd never see you again, I'd leave this earth right now and give up the fight,
but in the mystery of death I am forced to believe in God's promise that we will re-unite.

I'll just keep plodding on with others and not give up this hope in my soul,
To work on my faith and know in my heart I'll see you again is my only goal.


written by Alice Stephens

April 15, 2006

With Daily Thoughts of You


The ocean reminds us, of all the good times we had,
The tears still fall gently, and sometimes we are sad.

We feel you are with us, each and every day,
And know that you help, in a very special way.

Life goes on here, but it will never be the same,
We try and help others, and we do it in your name.

For if we try very hard, for the rest of our days on Earth,
Maybe we can come close, to what your life was worth.

Your smile still inspires, as folks read about your life,
A great nurse you would have been, an even better wife.

For you loved all kinds of people, we knew from the very start,
With babies and small children, being the closest to your heart.

We pray for strength and guidance, in all things that we do,
Then try our best in this world, with daily thoughts of you.

Written by Dan Bryl

April 13, 2006

A day does not go by that you are not fondly remebered for all of the lauaghter you brought to our lives.

April 13, 2006

BSV~

"I love you more than all the blossoms blooming in the Spring.

You are priceless and I love you more than anything."

-Wendy Silva


28 months ago life changed dramatically. You are always in my heart and my memories of you keep your Spirit alive forever.

I Love You,
Your Wife

April 13, 2006

I miss you more than I can express..

April 12, 2006

Eyes To Heaven

Eyes raised to Heaven
Searching for any signs of you.

Eyes raised to Heaven
Embracing you.

Eyes raised to Heaven
Communicating my love to you.

Eyes raised to Heaven
Remembering your love and gentleness.

Eyes raised to Heaven
Remembering your courage, strength and determination.

Eyes raised to Heaven
Remembering how you celebrated life.

Eyes raised to Heaven
Treasured memories of our time together here on earth.

Eyes raised to Heaven
Knowing you are safe, and happy....free of pain.
Forever!

Written by Joy S. Mixon


April 7, 2006

While it is true that we all know life goes on, the world CLEARLY isn't the same since you left.

We Miss You Verkules!

April 7, 2006

I Love You My Dear! I miss you and not a day goes by that I don't think of you.

April 7, 2006

Life must continue to go on but you are still truly missed. We love and miss you Bryan.

April 7, 2006

Hearing songs on the radio is definitely a lot more emotional than it ever used to be. You are connecting with me in so many different ways lately. You must know how much I need you. I long for so many of the little things that we shared together. I long for the things that 99.85 % of couples in the world take for granted. For instance I totally miss hearing your voice, your laughter, seeing you wink at me, giving me reassurance every step of the way that things would all work out someway, somehow.


It seems impossible that your death is inching towards the 3 year marker. Is that possible? Where did the past 3 years ago? How could I possibly live without you for all this time? It literally seems like time has totally changed its persona.


Somedays I wonder what would have been, other days I just do my very best to survive in a world full of anger, cruelty, hatred and pain.


It doesn't seem like the world is getting any better these days, only worse. The violence against so many continues, a cycle that is ongoing and perpetual. It is always nice to see a glimmer of hope, but there seems to be so much violence. Maybe I see the violence more now than ever because of the way you were killed.


What I wouldn't give to feel you in bed snoring beside me.


I love you my dear Husband, Now and Forever....

April 5, 2006

Juli, I read your reflections and just feel so sad. My husband is a police officer here in Florida and I have been asking him to leave the job and go into something else, he said if he can find something that pays enough he would. I feel guilty asking him but I'm so afraid of him being hurt or worse. He works in a pretty bad area. I wanted to ask you if you were me and read this site all the time would you have wanted Bryan to leave his job as an officer? I know my husband likes his job but he's not in-love with it. I can't stand the worry I go through and can't imagine the thought of losing him. We have 2 children and they think its just cool that the cop car sits in the driveway! Do you think I'm being selfish? God bless you and I pray for you!

worried wife in Florida

April 5, 2006

Talking to Heidi last night was great. It reminded of a lot of things I hadn't thought about and/or forgotton. I miss my old circle of friends sometimes. I miss you my Love...Life will never be the same since you died. I live my life, but I also live for the time when I can be with you again. No one or nothing can take away the memories that we had together.

In my heart, mind and Soul you remain my # 1, Forever ;)

April 2, 2006

SPRING MUST BE BEAUTIFUL IN HEAVEN! REST IN PEACE.

April 2, 2006

Wishing You Near
by Nick Alcantara

To realize
That time is so dear
When you are no
Longer here

I cling to memories,
Sweet memories
That bring you near

If only
I could touch you again
Without bringing back the pain
Feeling your presence
That you are not really
Very far away
That would us bring back
The aura and magic
Of being again
Together

I know you are
Just a whisper away

April 1, 2006

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