Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the wife, daughter and family of Officer Bryan Hurst,

I visit this site often since my husband's classmate tragically died last February. Today for the first time I came across Bryan's and cried with every reflection. You are living the nightmare that every officer's wife fears and even so soon are doing it with such bravery. I am in awe of the strength and courage that you and all of the surviving spouses demonstrate everyday as you continue on with your lives without your husbands. It is obvious from the reflections left by you Marissa as well as your family and Bryan's friends that he was an incredible person and I am so happy that you have such an incredible support system. I was so happy to see that like my husband, he too was a Steeler's fan. I so wish they could have won for him. My husband had been honored to have been asked to escort Bert's wife at National Police Week in Washington D.C. as Bert's name is added to the memorial. While I know that Bryan's name will not be added until next year, I will be thinking of you and him. May the love and memories that you and Bryan shared wrap around you and Malia and bring you strength and peace.

Wife of a NJ State Trooper

March 9, 2005

Gumper,

The Buckeyes just put a hurtin' on the #1 ranked team in the country. Illinois had a 29 game winning streak and OSU beat em on a 3 at the buzzer. We watched it at a benefit for you and Marissa at Dave and Busters. I got an autographed picture from Rocky Blier and a Rocky bobblehead.

We had a great turn out at Pininis last weekend. Wish you were there. Your boys from 5 Precinct got me a sweet Buckeye jersey signed by Spielman, Tressel, and Vrabel. It rocks. I know you would love it. The coolest thing is the guys on 5 thought to do it in your honor. The fact that it was really cool is secondary. It has your class #95 on it and your nickname on the back. We have some cool friends. We will never forget you.

Ariana got one of your T-shirts tonight. I think she really knows what is going on. The other day she asked me about you. She said, "Why is Gump in heaven." I said, "He got hurt at work and he is with God and his friends now." Ariana said, "I'm not going to heaven yet because I don't have to go to work like you." She might just realize that my job, our job, is dangerous and sometimes we don't make it home. Her early realization of how life can be may benefit her in the future. It was really sweet.

I have spoken with several of your Marine buddies from Hawaii. I wish we could have all hung out before. They seem like really great guys.

Marissa and I discussed finishing your basement tonight. I am going to do it after Memorial Week. We have some good ideas and it should be a great place for Malia to play. Malia went to WV with Aunt Joy for the week. I think Marissa appreciated the break.

I met your boy AJ Hawk and Bobby Carpenter last week at Pininis. I told AJ how you thought he was awesome and always wore his jersey #47 to all the games we went to together. His girlfriend was touched by the fact that we had AJ's jersey displayed at your viewing. I told them it was your favorite. They were really genuine and humble guys. I wish you could have met them.

Brandon and Mark made it in for the benefit tonight. It was great to see them. Brandon got a sweet tattoo of your badge number. I know you would love it. The Dispatch called me the other day wanting to do an article on the tattoo Greg, Tennis, and I had put on our arms. The tattoo is printed on all the T-shirts we had made.

Every day that goes by makes me realize just how much you meant to me. I miss you and you can never be replaced. You never will be. You will always be my best friend. I am just glad to know you had such a great supporting cast. I hope I am making you proud. My decisions and actions from this point on will always be guided by you. We will prevail together.

I Love You Man!

Donnie O

Sergeant Donnie Oliverio
Columbus Police Department

March 7, 2005

Bryan,

When I saw you, Marissa and Malia at your mother-in-laws on Christmas Day, it is still hard to believe what happened. Watching Marissa and Abbey grow up words cannot describe how wonderful it was. I remember mentioning to you that has been twenty-one years since my successful transplant. All those people you saved while working at Fifth Third Bank will remember you forever. The sacrifice you gave to protect and serve will also be remembered by those who received a part of you by being a donor. I know the life you gave to others will be carried on with the love and devotion that you gave your family and friends. I hope that everyone who receives a part of you will have the success that I was blessed with. You will never be forgotten and you will always be a hero to many in decades to come.

Rick Stein (old neighbor)
Raleigh, NC

March 7, 2005

Bryan,
I'm just devestated beyond belief to come to the realization every day that youre not here. I see the pain in Mark's eyes when your name is mentioned.And, tonight, at the Fund raiser at Dave and Busters, I actually saw you, in Malia's eyes. She's so incredibly beautiful. It crushes me to think she'll never get to see for herself what a wonderful man her dad was. Watch over us, and give us strength.

Kathy B

March 6, 2005

Dear Beloved Spouse, Beloved Daughter, Beloved Parents, Siblings and All Beloved Members of Honorable Police Officer Bryan Hurst's family,

Again my heart is grieving along with my spouse every time we hear of another tragic loss of a Peace Maker's life cut short by the opposing forces of Life in Our Creator...

There but for the grace of God go I, is a biblical phrase that really rings true to us.

There is no distance in time with God, Our Creator, and I know anyone who is Truly Our Loving, Brave, and Loving Peace Keeper Is The Greatest Hero of All Our Government Leaders, as Jesus said again "Greater Love Has No Man Than to Lay Down His Life for His friends...We across the nations, realize that This Love Is Shown To All of us on earth, when Beloved Peace Keepers as Police Officer Bryan Hurst Suffers for us to "Maintain Our Peace."

Love, Blessings and Peace of God Forevermore Extended from our hearts to Yours,

Vickie Ellen Oliver

RCMP spouse Vickie Oliver
Nova Scotia

March 6, 2005

Dear Hurst Family and Friends,
I was scrolling through the website today and visited Bryan's page. It breaks my heart to know what you all are going through. My husband was a Sergeant for Buncombe County in Asheville, NC. His end of watch was 04/04/04. 11 months have past and I regret to say...it has not gotten any easier. I wish no one ever had to experience this loss...but just know you are not alone. I'm sure Jeff was waiting on Bryan to enter the gates of Heaven. I'm sure they have a lot to talk about...both being Marine's. You are all in my prayers every day! May God continue to give you strength.

Tracie M. Hewitt

Tracie M. Hewitt
Wife of Sgt. Jeff Hewitt E.O.W. 04/04/04

March 5, 2005

Gump,
Yesterday, We had an extended roll call in your honor. Donnie was presented with an OSU jersey with your name on the back and some prominent OSU people signed it. I'll let Donnie tell you who they are. He will take great pride in that. It was hard for him to fight back the emotions, but he did like a champ. It was hard for us too! I want you to know brother, I ended my roll call with one word,"BROTHERHOOD" thats what it's about. We take care of each other and our families and when that time comes, we never falter! You will never be forgotten,Gump. There's been a tremendous ourpouring of support from the recent benefits held in you and Off. Foster's names. It's unfortunate that something bad had to happen to have the officer's came together like they have. I'm positive though from what I've seen in the last several months, that will no longer be case. I just thought you would like to know.
Your Friend,
Steve

Sergeant Steve Redding
Columbus Ohio Division of Police

March 3, 2005

God Bless you and your family.

wife of former officer
Douglasville, GA

March 1, 2005

Bryan We love you and miss you.Ithink about you everyday and it still seems like a bad dream. My only comfort is knowing you are with Grandma Monroe and Bev and they are taking good care of you.I got to spend some time with Malia,she is really an angel.I took her to Florida to spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa.We really enjoyed it and Malia had a good time at the beach and in the pool.Marissa is doing a wonderful job with her.Malia looks so much like you.It is so hard at times when I look at Marissa and Malia and think about how hard it must be for Marissa.Carolyn, Ted and I saw Malia doing new things and we cried watching her knowing that her Daddy wasn't there to see her.I can't imagine what Marissa must go through everyday.I want Marissa to know we will always be there for her and Malia.

Aunt Joy

March 1, 2005

Rest in peace Officer Hurst. You gave the supreme sacrifice and are greatly missed. May god watch over you and bless your family, friends and fellow brothers in blue. Godspeed

PSO Ryan Erwin
Watauga DPS, Watauga TX

February 27, 2005

Bryan,

The last scheduled fund raiser was held last night in honor of you and Foster. I spoke to Marissa and was pleased to find out that one of her co-workers, (a 10-year-veteran) gave up his first shift assignment with S/M off to take her 3rd shift T/W so she could be with Malia more. I dont even know his name, but I like himn already. The Pipes & Drums played, (God that was tough) but they were great!!!!!!!!!! It was a great night! There were Officer's from all over who attended! Nothing we do will ever take back what happened on that fatal day, but it really has helped the rest of us cope with the stress of what happened. We do want to publicly admit, but we all know it could be anyone of us at anytime! Do us a favor Marine...Watch over us with the rest of the angels! (Just explain to them why we are so complicated!haha) trouble!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We love you Bryan!


Danny Jones #2079
Z-5 Emw
95th Recruit Class

Ofc. Dan Jones #2079 (95th Recriut Class
Columbus Ohio Division of Police

February 27, 2005

Bryan,

We had a fundraiser last night for you and Melissa Foster. What a turn out! The Pipes and Drums Unit was playing in salute of you guys.. Man it sounded awsome! Well over 600 people came over a 2 hr period and thru the night. We raised alot of money for your families. Alot of our classmates came. Our 95th recruit class flag is in the process of being done. Our class decided to have maroon (for your service in the Marine Corp.) and red (for your love of the Buckeyes) as the colors. speaking of the Buckeyes, last night at the fundraiser Donnie and I got our picture with A.J. Hawk! The "BROTHERHOOD OF THIN BLUE LINE" was together last night in your honor! I got a big memorial banner (from Terry Stewart 93C he does banners on the side) we had it up last night. I'm going to take it out to the new academy and have it displayed so officers and visitors coming into the building will always remember your guys sacrifice for us! Alot of people miss you! I miss you!

I remember the last time I saw you it was just after New Years and we were at the County Jail, you were on OT on a late arrest and I was coming in after I just started my shift. I had a DUI driver under arrest. My guy was running his mouth and you looked over at me with that bright smile you always had. You saw he was a drunk driver and very intoxicated giving me grief. You came over towards me and looked at him saying "Hey Jim when we going out for a few beers!" setting him off even more! We laughed and talked that night before you left the jail..Well Buddy I wish we could have had those few beers together last night but instead I had them with alot of your friends! I miss you... Look over us and keep us safe!

Officer Jim Gilbert
Columbus Div. of Police

February 26, 2005

I HAVE A HERO....

I have a Hero,
This person is one who gets dressed for work each day just like everyone else
I have a Hero,
Who kisses their spouse and children before they leave for work not knowing if they will return at the end of the day to hold them once again
I have a Hero,
Who must confort the scared, console the troubled, and protect even the gulity
I have a Hero,
Who arrives to a situation where a child has been killed and must remember that the suspect has "rights"
I have a Hero,
That puts on a uniform each day with a vow to Serve and Protect
I have a Hero,
Who was killed in the Line of Duty today, and with him a part of America died
I have a Hero,
Who goes by the name of Police Officer....

May God Bless all of Our Fallen Brothers and Sisters in Blue. While we honor the lives of those no longer with us.-Your Brothers
Put-in-Bay Police
Ohio

Officer
Put-in-Bay Police

February 26, 2005

The officers of BPD send their prayers out to you and your family. May you rest in peace.

Sr.Officer Jay Lawson
Burlington PD, Burlington VT

Sr. Officer Jay Lawson
Burlington PD, Burlington VT

February 26, 2005

I can't stop thinking about the times we had in the Corps. I regret not keeping in touch with you and some of the other guys. My chance to do that with you is gone now, but it has made me start to look for everyone. Me and John are still close, and I've seen Rusty and Skidmore within the last few years. It's crazy to think how life has changed for all of us. We are all family men now, with our kids as our pride and joy. I know you were a great husband and father, by reading some of the things written about you. When ever I read what your wife writes to you I break down. I think of my wife, and the fact that one day that might be her talking to me. I don't fear for my life , but I fear for the lives I might leave behind. Maybe some day I will have the honor of meeting your wife and baby girl. Maybe some day I'll get to come see you and say good bye. Watch over your brothers Devil Dog! My family prays for your family!
Slusser

Matthew Slusser / Canine Enforcement Off
U.S. Customs and Border Protection San Diego CA

February 24, 2005

Rest in Peace Bryan, God speed.

NJ Officer
RPD

February 24, 2005

i am howard stevensons neice and i just wanted to say bryan you are greatly appreciated for the sacrafice you made! i am praying for your family i know what they are going though, god bless.

sovauhna ferguson

February 22, 2005

Bryan-

It's now been over six weeks since this happened. Every day is rough, with some better than others.

I've been looking at our wedding pictures constantly. Last night, I parked in the lot at the church where we were married and stared at the spot where all of the outside photos were taken. It is surreal to be there at the church, right where we were laughing and completely in love only two years ago. That was the day that we thought was the beginning of our life together. It's unbelievable how things change so quickly.

I love you,

Marissa

Marissa
DCSO

February 22, 2005

GOD BLESS OFFICER HURST AND HIS FAMILY.
BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS FOR THEY SHALL BE CALLED THE CHILDREN OF GOD.
REST IN PEACE BROTHER.

POLICE OFFICER
TAMPA POLICE DEPARTMENT

February 22, 2005

May God comfort the family and friends of Officer Bryan Hurst. His dedication to service and his passing will never be forgotten. He is in a much safer world now.

God bless

Patrol Officer R. Gomez
Village of Pinecrest Police Department

February 22, 2005

Bryan,
It still does not seem real to me that you are not here on earth...I watched the video of the celebration of your life and it was the saddest yet most awesome event I have ever witnessed. You are truly a great, great man! Your values, your beliefs, and your outstanding character were all made obvious by the words of those that love you. The love you and Marissa shared was so evident and real that it breaks my heart that she must carry on without you. Thankfully, she has part of you in Malia and this is what will help her through this time of sorrow. I cannot imagine what it must be like to be in her shoes. It's not fair...Your lives should not be going down this path. I can only find peace in hoping that God had a different plan for you that will someday be revealed to us and only then will it make sense. Until then I pray everyday that you and God are watching over Marissa and Malia and helping them to understand why this has happened and why they must go on without you. Know that your family and friends and even complete strangers will be there for them.
You are greatly missed Bryan...I only wish that I could have said "goodbye".

Lori Marzick

February 19, 2005

Matthew 5:1-11

February 16, 2005

We are all proud of you. You were put to the test, and exceeded what can be expected of any individual. I hope that I am as brave as you are. Your ultimate sacrifice is a testament to your charactor as well as your dedication to this invaluable service we provide. That is all any of us can hope for.

Police Officer
Melbourne Florida Police Department

February 16, 2005

BRYAN,

IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE TONY'S AND I ROAD TRIP TO OHIO AND OUR DAYS IN HI.
WE LOST CONTACT FOR YEARS AND NOW IT IS TO LATE TO EVER SAY THE THINGS THAT SHOULD OF BEEN SAID YEARS BEFORE.
YOU WERE A GREAT FRIEND AND A GREAT MARINE. I WILL PRAY EVERY DAY FOR THE SAFETY OF YOUR WIFE AND DAUGHTER. WE WILL MEET AGAIN AND UNTIL THEN TAKE CARE.

JOHN O'DONNELL
SGT U.S.M.C. 1989-1999

JOHN O'DONNELL

February 16, 2005

One might be able to kill a person enforcing the law, but one can never stop the supreme establisher of the law. Everything in this earth operates according to a law. Law and order will always exist rather we like it or not.

student police officer
detroit police department

February 16, 2005