Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Just wanted to stop in and say thankyou to your wife for the reflection she left for my son Michael. I retired from law enforcement after 30 years without a scratch. Two of my three sons followed me in law enforcement. There are times now that I think if I would have been a plumber that they would have followed me in that career field and I would still have my youngest son here as he paid the ultimate sacrifice as you did Bryan. People ask, why do you want to work in a career that really doesn't pay money, you deal with vermon on a daily basis and have to do things that the normal citizen would never want to do. It's because it's in your heart and you want to help those that want the help and protect them. How soon they forget though when an officer loses his life in the line of duty. All the ceremonies, medals, plaques will not bring you back and its hard for the family to attend these functions but we do it for your memory as it is a way to keep your name alive. I salute you Officer Bryan Scott Verkler for your dedication to law enforcement and I consider you a hero that others in law enforcement should look up to. Keep watch on those still on patrol, say hi to my son Mike, I'm sure you know him already as he's the guy who will keep all of you laughing with his stories. Watch over your wife and protect her. There are no words that anyone can offer her as comfort, but my solace is that my son died doing something he loved so much as I know you did too - being cops. God be with you.

Bob Gordon, father of Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

September 1, 2005

Juli,

Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so sorry for your tragic loss. It's heartbreaking how many wives are left behind. Only someone who is going through the same thing can truly understand what it's like to lose the love of your life.
I look forward to meeting you next year. I'll be in touch.

Jo Ann Lasater
Wife of Officer Larry Lasater, EOW 4/24/05

August 30, 2005

I read the tragic incident that occurred on December 13th that has devastated your family forever. I wanted to leave a reflection to let you know that you will never be forgotten and that your are a true hero. Keep watch over your family and protect them and try and ease some of their suffering. God be with you.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer, Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired
Riverside PD, IL

August 26, 2005

"What Are Policemen Made Of"



Don't credit me with the mongrel prose: it has many parents-at least 420,000 of them: Policemen.

A Policeman is a composite of what all men are, mingling of a saint and sinner, dust and deity.

Gulled statistics wave the fan over the stinkers, underscore instances of dishonesty and brutality because they are "new". What they really mean is that they are exceptional, unusual, not commonplace.

Buried under the frost is the fact: Less than one-half of one percent of policemen misfit the uniform. That's a better average than you'd find among clergy!

What is a policeman made of? He, of all men, is once the most needed and the most unwanted. He's a strangely nameless creature who is "sir" to his face and "fuzz" to his back

He must be such a diplomat that he can settle differences between individuals so that each will think he won.

But...If the policeman is neat, he's conceited; if he's careless, he's a bum. If he's pleasant, he's flirting;if not, he's a grouch.

He must make an instant decision which would require months for a lawyer to make.

But...If he hurries, he's careless; if he's deliberate, he's lazy. He must be first to an accident and infallible with his diagnosis. He must be able to start breathing, stop bleeding, tie splints and, above all, be sure the victim goes home without a limp. Or expect to be sued.

The police officer must know every gun, draw on the run, and hit where it doesn't hurt.He must be able to whip two men twice his size and half his age without damaging his uniform and without being "brutal". If you hit him, he's a coward. If he hits you, he's a bully.

A policeman must know everything-and not tell. He must know where all the sin is and not partake.

A policeman must, from a single strand of hair, be able to describe the crime, the weapon and the criminal- and tell you where the criminal is hiding.

But...If he catches the criminal, he's lucky; if he doesn't, he's a dunce. If he gets promoted, he has political pull; if he doesn't, he's a dullard. The policeman must chase a bum lead to a dead-end, stake out ten nights to tag one witness who saw it happen-but refused to remember.

The policeman must be a minister, a social worker, a diplomat, a tough guy and a gentleman.

And, of course, he'd have to be genius....For he will have to feed a family on a policeman's salary.




By Paul Harvey

August 25, 2005

To the family and friends of Patrolman Bryan Verkler and his fellow officers in the Mishawaka Police Department:

I wanted to extend my deepest condolences to all of you for the grievous loss you suffered when Patrolman Verkler was so brutally murdered in December of 2003. His valor and bravery will be forever remembered. The loss of two brave officers in this one horrific crime must have been a devasatating blow to the department.

To his family, I know they will be embraced by a circle of love and support from the law enforcement community and other police survivors. Our family lost our beloved Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg, CA Police Department when he was fatally shot on April 23, 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers. Our family shares your agony and we grieve for you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Patrolman Verkler gave to his community and the citizens of Indiana, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made in the line of duty.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

August 24, 2005

Honey~
I just remembered this book today that one of my friends had sent me shortly after you died. They made it into a "made for TV" movie a few months ago. I think I am going to re-read this book after this class is over. It is such a great book and it reminds me of when we will be reunited in Heaven, for Eternity. I know I have to complete my life on the physical plane, but I get up every day knowing that I am one day closer to seeing you.
You will and forever will be,
My Love,
My Husband.


Excerpt taken from Mitch Albom's "The Five People You Meet in Heaven"

"You felt that it was snatched away, that I left you too soon."
He lowered himself slowly. Her lavendar dress was spread before him.
"You did leave too soon," he said.
"You were angry with me."
Her eyes flashed.
"Ok. Yes."
"There was a reason to it all," she said.
"What reason?" he said. "How could there be a reason? You were forty-seven. You were the best person any of us knew, and you died and you lost everything. And I lost everything. I lost the only woman I loved."
She took his hands. "No, you didn't. I was right here. And you loved me anyway."
"Lost love is still love, Eddie. It takes a different form, that's all. You can't see their smile or bring them food or tousle their hair or move them around a dance floor. But when those senses weaken, another heightens. Memory. Memory becomes your partner. You nurture it. You hold it. You dance with it.
"Life has to end," she said. "Love doesn't."
"I never wanted anyone else," he said quietly.
"I know," she said.
"I was still in love with you."
"I know." She nodded. "I felt it."
"Here?" he asked.
"Even here," she said, smiling. "That's how strong lost love can be."

I Love You
J.

August 24, 2005

"Never Let Go"
(feat. Deep Forest)

I can't understand it.
The search for an answer is met with a darker day.
And we've been handed these moments forever.
But I'm reassured there's another way.
You don't have to close your eyes.
There is room for love again.
Ease the pain to realize
All that love can be.
Forced apart by time and sand.
Take a step and take my hand.
And don't let it go.
Never let go.

Broken, once connected,
We were so strong and so blessed in a simple way.
So don't let me go it alone.
Turn your head up to the sky.
Nothing down below but me.
Face the truth to realize
All that we could be.
Torn apart by rage and fear.
Hold onto what brought you here.
Don't let it go.
Never let go.

Turn your head up to the sky.
Nothing down below.
Don't let go.

WORDS AND MUSIC BY JOSH GROBAN

August 24, 2005

Jules,
I still think of you daily. I'm glad to see that B is sending some great dreams your way. I know that you have to savor those moments!
I know that B is proud of you and for everything you have done since he's been gone. Don't forget to be proud of yourself!
Love, Jenn Waters

Jennifer Waters
Wife of Mike Waters, West Memphis PD, Arkansas EOW 9-11-03

August 21, 2005

B,
It was SO GOOD to see you last night in my dream. To reunite with you was so awesome! It was so great to see your face and have you hold me in your arms once again. I loved looking in your eyes and seeing the light, seeing the way that you always looked at me.
They say that Heaven is so far away, but thank you for making us close last night.

I Love You Baby!

Love,
Your Wife

August 18, 2005

I was just remembering that it has now been exactly 20 months ago today that you were shot and killed in the line of duty.

Things, people and time has changed so much and so many things.

May your memory and your love never be forgotton.

You are missed greatly.

A Concerned Citizen of Mishawaka

August 13, 2005

BSV~
Today I am reminded of the fact that you continue to help me in everyday life, just on another spiritual plane. I love you and I am thankful for the time that we did get to spend together on this Earth. I know that even if I have another 40 years to go, that you will be waiting for me in Heaven. (Thank you for the vision that you showed me of where we will be living when I get up there, I am so excited! :) To you, the time that we remain apart is as quick as the blink of an eye; as I know your Spirit never left me, just your body.
In the meantime, I will always continue to ask for your guidance, your wisdom and your strength. I know one of the reasons that I am here now is to help other police survivors' with the loss of their officers' and to carry on your honor.

I Love You!

Soul Mates Forever,
Your Wife

August 2, 2005

A HERO’S NAME
By R.A. Makley

We know their names from our history class
Leaders of soldiers from conflicts past
Hero’s they are and rightly so
They took their stand and faced our foe
From our first president and down through the ages
They won our wars and wrote history’s pages

But does anyone think about those they lead,
Those unnamed souls who fight and bleed
From Yorktown to Iraq and all through the years
Taking their stand, confronting our fears
It takes men and women of special breed
To step up and take on our nations needs

They are all Hero’s too numerous to name
Known to their families but not to fame
Their stories untold, their wounds concealed
The horror’s they saw on those killing fields
So many lives lost while standing tall
Ending up as lines on the memorial wall
And those who survive the fight for humanity
Face memories that struggle to steal their sanity

Here’s to those who have faced the strife
To those who have given so much for a way of life
The thanks of a nation will always be at hand
For the sacrifice you made, for taking that stand

August 1, 2005

If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to
have them live on is to never stop loving them.
Buildings burn. People die. But real love lives
forever.
-Quote taken from "The Crow"

July 27, 2005

It has been said that something as small as the flutter of a butterfly's wing can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around the world--
Chaos Theory

July 24, 2005

"Heaven"

Save me from this prison
Lord help me get away
Cause only you can save me now
From this misery
Cause I've been lost in my own place
And I'm getting' weary
How far is heaven
And I know I need to change
My ways of livin'
How far is heaven, Lord can you tell me
Cause I've been locked up way too long
In this crazy world, how far is heaven
I just keep on prayin' Lord
Just keep on livin', how far is heaven
Lord can you tell me, how far is heaven
I just got to know how far, how far is heaven
Lord can you tell me
(You that's in a higher place
Send me down a blessing)
Cause I know there's a better place
Than this place I'm livin', how far is heaven
And I just got to have some faith
And just keep on giving, how far is heaven
I just wanna know how far

Words and lyrics copyrighted by Los Lonely Boys

July 20, 2005

Bryan,
You are greatly missed still to this day.
Julie,
I want you to know that I think about you often you are in my heart and prayers.
Always,

Christine

July 20, 2005

B,
Once again it is the dreaded 13th. Some call this an anniversary date, but not I. To me, the anniversary date will always be 5/17. It has been 19 months since you were taken off this Earth. I am trying very hard to pick up the pieces of my life. I think that you would be extremely proud of the numerous changes I have made, and definitely of the progress. Sometimes, I ask myself, WHY am I doing this? Then reality crashes down and I think back to the fact that I am a widow, childless at age 32; that is why. I will never understand why you were taken, apparently I have to wait until I get to Heaven to ask The Lord that question. They say that some Spirits are able to do their work in a short amount of time and that is why they have to die young. Hmm..perhaps, but I doubt that I was born to suffer the pain of losing the love of my life. If there is another grand plan for me, at times I grow impatient in wondering what the schematics of that plan are. At times I feel no direction, as I walk this Earth without you. Then I ask, and you always answer. Thank you for your continued guidance. Even though I continue to have your guidance, my heart still feels incredibly empty, with a huge hole in it. In a way, I was shot that night too. All of our hopes, our dreams, our world; ended in a split second when he pulled the trigger. Still so hard to believe. I am trying to rebuild my life. People are so blind when they say "it's good that you are happy again." How could they be so blind? Happy was what I was with you. I know that I will not have that "feeling" that I had when you were alive. Perhaps that is the hardest thing to deal with right now. I miss the love that we had for one another. I miss looking across the room and seeing you wink and grin at me. I miss watching you scratch left arm and turning your left ankle as you are talking to someone. I always knew that they were talking too long and that it was time to go when you did that. :) Most of all, I miss the small things, the light in your eyes when you looked at me, your hands wrapped around mine, you saying "hey baby" when you walked in the door. What I wouldn't do to have you wrap your arms around me, for me to hear your heart beat as I laid my head on strong chest.
I wrote a letter to our next door neighbor yesterday. I was thinking about our home and how we had JUST gotton things the way we wanted them and then you were killed. Yet another unfair injustice. I know you were so proud of me following through with the home improvement projects that we had started together. That was one of the hardest things that I have done. Doing things alone that I know that we should have been doing together. I even took care of the lawn by myself all last summer. I did not ask for any help and I did all of the Scott's Steps that you wanted to do. Before I sold the house, the lawn was looking very green and lush. I know I did you proud, but at times I wonder again, WHY am I starting over? Oh yeah..reality check.
Sweetheart, I love you. I know that you know that but it feels so good to write it to you once again. Please help me do the work that I need to do. It is so hard without you but apparently I have a long time down here until I will be allowed to take my place next to you. I know you are saying "you can walk, you don't have to run." I will try my dear. I will try.

I Love You
Your Wife

July 13, 2005

Just a thought about courage as I read an excellent book.
A force of between 1.5 and 2 million Persian soldiers were marching in to invade Greece. At a small mountain pass in Greece called Thermopylae the Greeks made a stand. The Greeks sent 300 of their finest warriors and support troops to defend the pass. It was a suicide mission. The 300 warriors knew this. The pass was only wide enough for about 30 men to stand shoulder to shoulder. This negated the difference in numbers. The Persian king sent a messenger to the Greek king. The message was "throw down your weapons". The Greek king gave a two word answer "Molon labe" --- "Come and get them". The Greeks then sent a runner to spy on the Persian army. He came back and said "when the Persian archers fire their arrows, it blackens out the sun!" A Greek captain laughed and said "Good! Then we'll have our battle in the shade!"

Your courage Verk, will never be forgotten.

"Travis"
SJCPD

July 12, 2005

Bryan -

We never knew eachother but in some way we did. Thank you for allowing me to hear your life through Jules and for her constant encouragement everyday. I don't know why we met so randomly at Police Week the first year. All I remember is turning around and seeing Jules - I grabbed her hand and in some ways have never let go. She is so wonderful and on days when I am so unencouraged - helps me through the day. Thank you for sending her.

It is just the three "J's" now, as Jessi put it. Jules, GA Jess, and FL Jess sticking together and looking out for any "Muskrats" along the way. :) We were left suddenly - but we are sticking together and helping eachother through; day by day.

Thank you for all that you did to protect our streets and continue to watch over Jules. Send her loving thoughts as much as you can.

Thank you Bryan,
- Jessica

Daniel Starks Fiancee

July 10, 2005

bryan,

i talked to your precious jules tonight and i know just why you married her. she is always so encourgaging and just simply amazing to talk to. i know you are more proud of her than words can express. please help her through the rest of her life without you here physically by her side. but please send those reminders that you are never far away no matter how she may feel. oh and we've decided that we'll be the 3 j's...together forever... me, jules, and the florida jess... so you, cole, and dan better save our spots in heaven! thanks for sending jules my way thru jess. you boys be safe and keep a watchful eye on those of us you had to leave much too soon.

love,
jessi

July 9, 2005

Bryan,
Please watch over your precious Jules, she is doing such a great job of rebuilding her life and she is definitely helping a lot of other police survivors' by sharing her life experiences. We all know that the reason you married her is because she is and always be the mirror image of you, your strength, faith and love for others.

Together We Walk the Stepping Stones

Come, take my hand, the road is long.
We must travel by stepping stones,
No, you're not alone. I've been there,
Don't fear the darkness. I'll be with you,
We must take one step at a time,
But remember, we may have to stop awhile,
It's a long way to the other side.

We have many stones to cross,
Some are bigger than others,
Shock, denial and anger to start,
Then comes guilt ,despair and loneliness,
It's a hard road to travel, but it must be done,
It's the only way to reach the other side.

Come, slip your hand in mine,
What? Oh, yes it's strong,
I've held so many hands like yours,
Yes, mine was once small and weak like yours,
Once, you see, I had to take someone's hand,
In order to take the first step,
Ooops! You've stumbled. Go ahead and cry,
Don't be ashamed. I understand,
Let's wait here awhile so that you can get your breath,
When you're stronger, we'll go on, one step at a time,
There's no need to hurry.

Say, it's nice to hear you laugh,
Yes, I agree, the memories you shared are good,
Look, we're halfway there now,
I can see the other side,
It looks so warm and sunny,
Oh, have you noticed? We're nearing the last stone,
And you're standing alone,
And look, your hand, you've let go of mine,
We've reached the other side.

But wait, look back, someone is standing there,
They are alone and want to cross the stepping stones,
I'd better go. They need my help,
What? Are you sure?
Why, yes, go ahead, I'll wait,
You know the way,
You've been there,
Yes, I agree. It's your turn, my friend......
To help someone else cross the stepping stones.

Author Unknown

In Memory of
Deputy Sheriff Donald Kennedy Bond, Jr.
EOW: 9.06.01
And all those who have given their lives.

"In valor there is Hope"
NLEOMF Wall

July 7, 2005

"GRIEVE NOT FOR ME"

Grieve not for me for it has been ordained,
that my journey here be short.
Grieve not for me for my loyal presence
will ever remain in your heart.


I was sent to be a Guardian,
for the Guardians of Law in Blue.
A fearless, noble protector,
with a bond that few can construe.
With character unshakable,
and senses that are well heightened,
I was sent to be a defender,
so that your burden here would be lightened.


Grieve not for me for in heavenly blue,
our reunion day will come.
Grieve not for me for as partners again,
We will defend a greater Kingdom.



Author unknown

July 7, 2005

Until We Meet Again

Each morning when we awake
we know that you are gone.
And no one knows the heartache
As we try to carry on.

Our hearts still ache with sadness
and many tears still flow.
What it meant to lose you,
No one will ever know.

Our thoughts are always with you,
your place no one can fill.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we love you still.

There will always be a heartache,
and often a silent tear,
But always a precious memory
Of the days when you were here.

If tears could make a staircase,
And heartaches make a lane,
We'd walk the path to heaven
And bring you home again.

We hold you close within our hearts,
And there you will remain,
To walk with us throughout our lives
Until we meet again.

Our family chain is broken now,
And nothing will be the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.

July 7, 2005

Bryan,
Thank you for the awesome dream that you sent me last night. It was SO good to see you, hold you and love each other again. I am so thankful for all of the great memories, and I keep those close to my heart at all times to keep me going.

I Love You Forever
Your Wife

July 7, 2005

B~
Today I am thinking of all of our 4th of Julys that we spent together in the past. This was always a special holiday for us. You always enjoyed the parade so much. On the years that you had to work, we always did something later to make it feel special. Today, I am reflecting on the time that we brought the water guns to Grandma Rowleys and you were laughing so hard but you nailed me. I was so soaked that you had to find a different shirt for me to wear in the trunk of your car. That was our last 4th of July together.
As always, holidays have lost a lot of their meaning since you died. I will try my best to make it special, but it will never be the same in my heart without you here. I miss a lot of the smaller things that used to mean so much. But most of all, I miss the feeling in my heart when it was completed with your love, and the feeling of being understood and supported by my husband, my best friend.

I Love You and Miss You...

July 4, 2005