Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Bryan,
Thank you for your sacrifice. You and Cpl. Roberts could have easily walked away from the call and that would have been that. You however with the other officers chose to stay. By you choosing to stay: you chose to save my life, the lives of your fellow officers and the lives of the citizens of Mishawaka. By choosing to stay, you were not going to pass the buck to another. If that call was left unchecked, other officers could have fallen later. Bryan, you refused to let that happen. Thank you for your sacrifice, and God bless you. "Some Gave All"

Patrolman Craig Nowacki
Mishawaka Police Department

January 12, 2004

Bryan you are truly a hero, and will never be forgotten. The untimeliness of your death remains a mystery to all but GOD, but your absence will be felt forever.

Janel Arnold-Zarantonello

January 8, 2004

January 6th, 2003
Honey,
Today was your 28th birthday. I am so sad and angry that there have already been so many "firsts" without you. Christmas, New Years and now your b-day. I don't understand why this is even happening. You and I were just getting started in our married lives together, and 7 months was not long enough when we planned our lifetime together. I am so angry that I was not able to even try to start a family together. I know we had talked at length about this August, and I feel so robbed of so many different experiences that we were planning. Vacations not taken, canoe trips, visiting the Hotel del Coronado to commemorate our wedding anniversary. There are so many things that weren't able to be said or done. I feel so empty inside, like a hollow shell that is going through the motions. Although I can never forget our short time together or all of our wonderful memories, I am so sad about the fact that we were just getting started when you were taken from me. My Soulmate is gone and many days I am unsure how to function! I pray that Heaven is as beautiful as the Bible describes, as you deserve nothing less than the best. I often wonder if you are only allowed to visit this earth less frequently than other angels, as when you come to see me I am usually crying. I know that there is no pain in heaven, so I don't really know. Our love transcends death, and I do believe that you are here with me every day. Please know everyone of your Fellow Officers has been tremendous in this horrific time of providing support. You are so proud of each and everyone of Your "Brothas", and I love them all like brothers as well. Take care baby, I love you so much, more than mere words can express,
J.

Your Wife Jules

January 7, 2004

most people would tell you that law enforcement is a dangerous job. i never listened. I was always afriad when there was a domestic call or when i heard dispatch say use caution with someone. My husband was a little man but his size never mattered to him. He wanted to be a policeman, he wanted to make the small town we lived in a safe place for everyone. i never thought that directing traffic would be the worst thing that he could do. I just want to say to all the officers that read this "To be careful out there and watch out for other drivers and be careful so you can go home to your family" GOD BLESS

Wife of Officer Toby Dirickson
EOW 11-2-03

January 2, 2004

It was a privilege to know you Verk. Why God chose you will never be known, but accepted that you are now an angel watching over us. Thank you for your calm and professional manner on the radio that night. Thank you for taking the time to chat and bring drinks. The gatherings will continue in your honor because we know how much you wanted everyone to be together. From beers to tears I will never forget you.

My deepest sympathies to Juli and the Verkler family. I'm sorry we met during such trying times, but know that Bryan will be watching over you too. You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday.

Just a route call, the dispatcher heard every day,
And she always wondered, is that what they meant to say.
A routine call it should have been,
Shots fired is what was called in.
The next radio traffic was barely a sound,
Get me some help, I've been hit, I'm down!
The page went out, help on the way,
Oh, please God, can we take back this day!
Two calls advise status, there was no sound,
As this brave officer lay on the ground!
More calls advise status, again and again,
Another officer calls in, he's taken our friend!

Stephanie Dispatcher
Mishawaka Police Department

December 30, 2003

Juli,
It was an honor to meet you and stand with you in your pain. I will be here for you in any moment that you need. Please drop me an e-mail. You, your faimy,and Bryan's family will be in my thoughts and prayers as we enter into the Christmas week.

Susan Matteson
Survivor of Bradley Matteson, Fort Wayne PD, EOW 10-5-00

Susie Matteson

December 24, 2003

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

December 24, 2003

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Bryan did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Bryan be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Patrolman Verkler's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Bryan is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Bryan was well respected and well loved.

Thank you for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Drakesville, IA)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

Jocelyne Brar (Drakesville, IA)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

December 23, 2003

Ptrlmn Bryan Verkler, you paid the ultimate sacrifice and now you can stand watch over us all. Brother you did your job well, now it's time for you to rest, GOD will take care of you now. Mrs. Bryan Verkler and family members, Ptrlmn Bryan Verkler is a true hero, rest assured he will not be forgotten and you are among a loving family in law enforcement. Seek the LORD for comfort during these sad times. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. GOD BLESS.

DFC Vernon Brown
Orange County Sheriff's Office, Fl

December 23, 2003

Fallen but never forgotten. For those of us who wear the badge, your name and your legacy will carry on within each and every one of us. God speed friend......

Olivia Bays
Marion Co. Sheriff's Dept. In.

December 22, 2003

Brother may God bless you and your family. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Special Agent
FBI New York

December 22, 2003

A Brother Warrior has fell and died today in battle.

This Brother Warrior has made the ultimate sacrifice.

He has given his life for his Fellow Warriors, his family and friends too.

Brother Warrior, pass your sword to us, so we can keep your spirit alive.

You, my Brother Warrior will not be forgotten.

God Bless you, your family and your friends.

We honor and respect all of the Fallen Warriors who have gone before us.

We ask you, Brother Warriors to guide us, protect us and pray for us.

We will meet again my Brother Warriors.

For this time not to fight another battle, but to live in eternal peace.

God bless all of the Warriors, past, present and future.

Sgt.Chad McDaniel
Seminole County Sheriff's Office

December 22, 2003

Bryan and Tom were wonderful young men and exemplory officers. Bryan was a friend of my son and served with him on the St. Joseph County Police Department. He was much respected and will be greatly missed. I have never heard anything but praise for Tom although I didn't know him. The thoughts and prayers of our family are with the family, fellow officers and friends of these two fine officers.

Jan Banicki
mother of a police officer

December 21, 2003

As I think of Big Verk, I think about what bravery is...I once heard it described as "being afraid but going in anyways." This was fitting for Verk because he was willing to put himself in harm's way for the job he loved. Go easy big man, I'll see you on the other side...

Patrolman Vance Cole Jr
St. Joseph County Police

December 21, 2003

In everyones eyes you are a Hero---Thanks for a job well done!

Officer Julie Schmidt
Louisville Metro Police Dept. Louisville, KY

December 21, 2003

Our thoughts and prayers our with the family of this fallen hero. Our deepest sympathies

Anonymous
Scott County, TN

December 21, 2003

To Bryans' wife Julie, his family, Mishawaka Police Dept, and the Walkerton Police Dept...we all are praying for you and will continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers as the holiday season draws ever closer. I never had the honor of meeting you Bryan, but I can say without a doubt you will be missed. Your life has touched many, many more than I'm sure you would have ever dreamed of. I still cry to this day thinking about the cost you, your wife, family, and dept. has paid to keep your part of this world a little safer. It was a beautiful service, one that will always touch me. Take care walking a beat in the streets of Heaven. You were the ultimate fisher of men.

Thank you Bryan for watching over all of us still walking the Thin Blue Line.....

Patrolman TW Jester
Ft Wayne Police Dept.

December 20, 2003

Blue angel Bryan. Thank You for the laughs and the unconditional friendship. You will never be forgotten. Do not worry about a thing, I will help your family and take your calls. Its your time to rest and enjoy.

Anonymous

December 20, 2003

My thoughts and prayers to Thomas's family. May you always know that we are with you. Another hero gone.
" Less We Forget ".

Deputy Wm Mertig
Forest County Sheriff's Dept.

December 19, 2003

May God bless your family from your extended family of fellow brothers and sisters in blue. You have walked your beat on the streets and now it is time to walk your beat in heaven. Peace be with you my Blue Angel

Anonymous

December 19, 2003

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Officer Verkler's family
and Department for their loss. Rest in peace.

Officer T.J. Evans
Minneapolis Police Department

December 19, 2003

12 days before Christmas and someone took Bryan away. It's always heartbreaking when an Officer is killed in the line of duty but even worst when it's the holiday season. To Bryan's family, my thoughts and prayers are with you and I hope you have enough support around you to get you thru.
God bless you brother and rest in peace. Fallen heros are never forgotten.

Patrol Officer Andre Wassouf
Portsmouth NH Police Department

December 19, 2003

To Patrolman Verkler family and friends our hearst and prayers go out to you...

God Bless you

Terry Miyares, surviving spouse
Officer Emilio Miyares e/o/w 11/6/86, Hialeah PD, FL

December 19, 2003

Rest in Peace brother. God be with your family and co-workers. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Trooper
Michigan State Police

December 19, 2003

What is a HERO?

One Who Never Hesitates To Tackle The Most Difficult Problems..

One Who Is Always By Your Side..

One Who Knows Right From Wrong..

One Who Acts With Pride..

A Hero Touches Every One Of Us,

Whether It Be Word Or Deed..

Always Tending To Those Who Find Themselves In Need..

When A Hero Leaves This Earth, Yes, It's Sad, But True..

All Too Many Times, The Hero Is Dressed In Blue.

Deputy Arron R. Knisley
Wolcottville Police Dept. IN

December 18, 2003