Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I DIDNT KNOW YOU BUT I'M VERY SAD ABOUT YOUR LOSS AND IM GREATFUL FOR YOUR SERVICE TO PROTECT US ALL THANK-YOU GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND THE ENTIRE MPD
YOU ARE THE REAL HEROES THANK-YOU AND GOD BLESS
'' YOU'LL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN''
MIKE S
MISHAWAKA,INDIANA

December 18, 2003

When will it ever end? Why do the good guys have to die?

Box Elder Sheriff's Dept

December 18, 2003

A PART OF AMERICA DIED . . . .

TO THE FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS OF BOTH OFFICERS: ON BEHALF OF THE MEMBERS OF THE BRIDGMAN CITY (MI) POLICE DEPARTMENT OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.

YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.

Sr. Patrolman David McNeil
Bridgman City (MI) Police Department

December 18, 2003

They say that a man's wealth is not measured in money, but in the number of friend's he has. I see that you are one of the richest. May God Bless you and may he keep your family in his gentle embrace. I believe that there are angels among us and hope you will be watching over us from your heavenly beat. We'll take it from here. Rest easy brother

Detective Chuck Haley
SPokane Co (WA) Sheriff's Office

December 18, 2003

FALLEN BUT NOT FORGOTTEN REST WELL MY BROTHER AND THANK YOU FOR SERVING AND PROTECTING THE COMMUNITY WITH HONOR AND COURAGE.

Kevin -firefighter
louisville,ky

kevin firefighter

December 18, 2003

Officer Verkler-

You have done a fine job while patroling on earth. I am sure you have made your savior proud. I only wish that a coward had not killed you and your partner prior to him killing himself. Our wourld is funny like that. You work so hard to protect citizens, and then there is a select few who feel they can play God. I know, because I too am an officer. It is a horrible feeling to know that there is scum out there that can ruin lives like this. Unfortunately he felt he had no other way in life. I feel horrible for his family, because they are left with knowing what a selfish coward he was. At least your family can be proud of a job well done.

God speed-

December 18, 2003

Godspeed brother! You both did all you could, we'll take the streets from here.

Deputy Holthaus
Kootenai County Sheriff's Dept, CDA, ID.

December 18, 2003

I wanted to express my sympathy to Officer Verkler's family.
I want to thank him for protecting us and for that he made the extreme sacrifice. At the visitation on 12/16/03 at Bethel College, my 12 year old son said that he wanted to become a police officer and it impressed me that he realized that even in the midst of this tragedy, how important and vital the police are to and for us. My husband passed away in April, 2003 at the age of 44 and I can say from experience that the most important thing is all the memories and take one day at a time. much love and prayers debbi and kevin johnson

debbi johnson, lpn

December 17, 2003

To the families, friends and co-workers of Patrolman Verkler and Corporal Roberts, you are in my thoughts and in my prayers. I understand the shock, pain and anger that you are all experiencing right now. Words can not express the sadness I feel at losing two more brothers in blue. I am very sorry for your loss.

Det. Ron Spurgeon
Red Bluff, CA. Police Dept.

December 17, 2003

So sorry to hear of your loss. I am praying for the families left behind. Continue to keep watch up there guys. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. My condolences to the families of these fine young men.

Cpl. Lisa Satcher
Gainesville Florida P.D.

December 17, 2003

The urgent calling of nature longs to be tested, seeks to be challenged beyond itself. The warrior within us beseeches Mars, the god of War, to deliver us to that crucial battlefield that will redeem us into the terrifying immediacy of the moment. We want to face our Goliath so we may be reminded that the warrior David is alive, in us. We pray to the war gods to guide us to the walls of Jerrico so we may dare the steadfastness and strength of our trumpet call. We aspire to be defeated in battle by powers so much greater than ourselves, so that the defeat itself will have made us larger than when we arrived. We long for the encounter that will ultimately empower us with dignity and honor....Be not mistaken: the longing is there and it's terrible and beautiful and tragic. (by Richard Heckler)

Anonymous

December 17, 2003

Thank you for protecting and serving our community. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. I Hope God has saved an extra special place for you, we all know you deserve it. Rest in Peace Blue Angel...

Dawn
Mishawaka Resident

December 17, 2003

to the family of OFFICER VERKLER--
I AM SO SORRY FOR EVERYTHING THAT HAS HAPPENED. I HAVE HAD THE JOY AND KNOWLEDGE KNOWING THAT THIS MAN PROTECTED MY CHILDREN WHILE THEY WERE SLEEPING. KEEPING THE BAD GUYS OFF THE STREETS AS MY YOUNGEST WOULD SAY. NOW MY YOUNGEST SEEING EVERYTHING UNFOLD IN FRONT OF HIM, NOW WANTS TO BE A HERO LIKE OFFICER VERKLER. HE WILL BE MISSED SO MUCH. REFLECT ON ALL THE HAPPY MEMORIES AND HE SHALL BE THERE WITH YOU.

December 17, 2003

I am so sorry for your loss. I know words are not enough, but I just wanted to let you know that prayers work. We are praying for your family to have the strenghth to get through this horrible tragedy.

Anonymous

December 17, 2003

We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Officer Verkler and to the Mishawaka Police Department. Your loss is our loss. May you rest in peace.

Lt. Pat Rice and Officer Jon Tindal
Elwood Police Dept. Elwood, IN

December 17, 2003

Fallen but not frogotten

Patrolman
Terre Haute Police Department (IN)

December 16, 2003

Fly High Free Warrior - You have given the ultimate and GOD will take care of you now.

(Fellow Brother of Deputy Sherwood, EOW 09-OCt-03)

GOD BLESS

Officer John S. Wilson
Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police Department

December 16, 2003

God bless you and your family my brother.

Ofc. Steve Martinez
Omaha Police Dept.

December 16, 2003

Having lived in the area for many years, worked in the corrections field, knowing many officers personally and Officer Verkler by sight, I have had my share of personality conflicts with some. However, upon reading of the death of Officer Verkler, I was drawn up short, and forced to do much reflection. No matter who is in uniform, and particularly those that make the ultimate sacrifice for something they very much believe in, I say this: you are part of a very special group of people(emergency services workers) that willingly face adversity so that the general population does not have to face or is protected from. You were a gift from God, whom He has called home sooner than any of us were ready for. My prayers are with all of those that suffer because of the loss of you. Rest in peace

Carolyn Sutherland/past employee
DuComb Center of St Joseph County

December 16, 2003

I would like to extend my condolences to Patrolman Verkler's family and friends, and to the men and women of the Mishawaka Police Department. Rest in Peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Deputy Sheriff
Butte County Sheriff's Office

December 16, 2003

Thank you for serving our community. May the Lord grant you a special place in Heaven for your duty served. God Bless you & the family and friends left behind.

Rest In Peace, Officer Verkler.

Amy
Resident of Mishawaka

December 16, 2003

To the family and friends of Bryan Verkler:

We are sincerely sorry for your loss. We want each of you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please know that the community of Mishawaka stands behind you and grieves with you, for we have all suffered a tremendous loss. Although it is very likely our paths never crossed with Bryans, he died keeping our community a safe place to live. For this we are eternally grateful. May God be with all of you during this difficult time.

The Burgess Family
Mishawaka, IN

December 16, 2003

In the rising of the sun and in its going down,
We remember them;
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,
We remember them;
In the opening of bus and in the warmth of summer,
We remember them;
In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn,
We remember them;
In the beginning of the year and when it ends,
We remember them;
When we are weary and in need of strength,
We remember them;
When are lost and sick at heart,
We remember them;
When we have joys we yearn to share,
We remember them;
So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now part of us as
We remember them.

May the Lord bless you and keep you always.....we shall never forget!

Sgt. C. Nations
Greenville County DPS, Greenville, SC

December 16, 2003

Enjoy the ride home brother. I know your watching out for me now.

Anonymous

December 16, 2003

What a selfless sacrifice you made and for that you will always be remembered. Thank you for protecting us for as long as you did. God Bless You!

Anonymous

December 16, 2003