Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We love you and miss you. Thank you for allowing me to have the opportunity to know you and work with you. You have a wonderful, strong family, who I know will get through this difficult time.

Officer Brian Lance
Columbus Police

January 29, 2005

Brian's departure is a harsh reminder to all of us in blue to cherish each moment. I never met Bryan, but as a parent my heart breaks thinking about his daughter. I hope Marrisa saves these messages so one day, Melia can read what others thought of the couragous acts of her daddy.

'At ease' Marine...you've passed your final inspection. Semper fi.

Chad Moll, Patrol Officer
Napoleon PD

January 28, 2005

Bryan-

Thank you so much for saving my life. You gave the ultimate gift to all of us that were in the bank that day. Although all of us have been scared since that day - we are still here. You were given a bigger job than you have ever had that day - A guardian Angel. Smile down on all you knew before the end of your tour. Send Angel hugs to Marissa and Malia and rest easy. You are a hero!

January 28, 2005

You will never be forgotten. You're with G-d and His angels now. Thank You for everything.....Shalom Aleichem

Kathleen

January 28, 2005

Bryan
Your death has left a huge void in our hearts. You are a true hero. Watch over us all......

Mark and Kathryn Bloch

January 28, 2005

Marrisa,
I cannot imagine the pain you are going through and part of me doesn't want to imagine it because it is of course every police officer's wife's nightmare. I want to thank you and Bryan for your sacrifice. Bryan is a true and obvious hero, he gave his life and saved others. You are also a hero, you gave up your husband. Not by choice, of course, but in the end PROUDLY.... because his sacrifice was inherent to the type of person that you married, and is why you had a wonderful and most special relationship. I have read every letter on this site, and am just sorry i never had the chance to meet Bryan, but through the letters, feel as if I do know a part of him. I'm sure that as Melia grows up she will appreciate reading all the stories and details about her dad.
Marrisa, I ache for you, cry for you, pray for you, and am so proud of you and Bryan. I am glad that you are receiving so much support. Just know that there are people out here you don't even know praying for you. We wont forget you, Bryan or Melia. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

a police officer's wife

January 27, 2005

Bryan,
I think about you every day. I am still disillusioned. After that day, I haven't been able to feel much of anything. During the day, on my drive to and from school, I always look for some kind of sign that you're still here. Then at night I wake up crying. It was just too weird for me to look at Jesse, because you looked just like him. My life is still going, even though I didn't want it to. I've just been going thru the motions and trying to keep myself distracted. It was just so nice seeing you right before Christmas. I loved your sense of humor. You were in such good spirits that day. You joked about how Marissa enjoyed carrying all the bags from the car, and playfully patted her. It was like 15 below that day. I just feel so guilty for leaving you there. I didn't want to. I know it was a good thing you did, but I still just wish you were here. Everyone says you're a hero, but I always thought of you as one. I was always very proud of you. I'm just so glad you had Marissa and Malia, because they made you happy.

Love,
Stacey

January 27, 2005

Hurst,

Well, it has been 3 weeks since you were taken from us. I still can't believe it.

Mark and I will be thinking about you tonight when we get together to drink a (few).

Tracy and I had lunch with Tommy yesterday and seeing him reminded me of the time the three of us went for a cruise on Lake Erie on our boat. I sure wish we could have done that more often. 120 miles is all that separates Toledo from Columbus. It now seems like a shame we didn't see each other as much as we could have. I'm sorry. 2 hours there, 2 hours back, I should have made time. Reminds me of the title to that 1980's Cinderella song: "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)."

It's cool seeing some of your Marine buddies from Kaneohe Bay writing in.

Semper Fi to them and Semper Fi to you.

Brandon

Brandon C. Walton
Toledo, OH

January 27, 2005

I am sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.

Investigator Jeff Baird
Quincy Illinois Police Department

January 27, 2005

I had the pleasure of meeting Hurst while living in Hawaii. He was my friend's room mate and he was the first person I met when I moved there. I remember his kindness. He was a good man. I sincerely pray for his family and friends to receive the comfort and support they need. May God bless you and keep you in this difficult time. May he comfort you to know you will see him again.
Semper Fi

Tammy Botelho

January 27, 2005

Bryan,
All the juvenile bureau sexual abuse detectives moved into the new Center for Child and Family Advocacy this week. And as things will happen, the person who was next in line for the job you would have been starting came to see his new work space today. In my mind I was screaming, "No, go away, that is Bryan's desk", but it was not to be. Everyone really misses you, Bryan. You would have made a great detective. Your bravery inspires me everyday to be a better person and a better police officer.

Rest easy, Bry! Love you!

Officer Jody Grube
Columbus, Ohio Police Department

January 26, 2005

SOMETIMES WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT OUR PURPOSE IS IN THIS WORLD. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT THOSE OF US THAT WEAR THE BADGE WERE BORN TO DO THIS JOB. SOME FORGET THAT WE TOO ARE HUMAN AND HAVE FAMILIES WITH NEEDS, THAT LOVE AND MISS US VERY MUCH WHEN WE ARE AWAY. WE SURELY DO NOT DO THIS FOR THE PAY BECAUSE WHO CAN PUT A VALUE ON A LIFE OR SAY, "THIS IS WHAT IT WILL COST" WHEN CONDUCTING BUSINESS AS WE DO FROM DAY TO DAY. WE ALL GO TO WORK WITH THE SAME THOUGHT IN MIND, JUST TO MAKE IT HOME AFTER OUR SHIFTS AND HOPE THAT NOTHING HAPPENS TO MAKE US HAVE TO WONDER IF THAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. WHAT OFFICER HURST DID WAS MORE THAN MOST CAN IMAGINE, HE WAS A TRUE HERO FOR THE ACT THAT HE DID, AN ACT IN WHICH HE THOUGHT OF OTHERS FIRST BEFORE HIS OWN SAFETY AND EVEN IN HIS LAST MOMENTS WAS ABLE TO ACOMPLISH THE GOAL OF PREVENTING THE ROBBERY BY DISABLING HIS KILLER, WHILE SUFFERING FROM WOUNDS HIMSELF. OFFICER HURST, I DID NOT KNOW YOU AND WE NEVER MET, BUT I AM PROUD TO HAVE SERVED IN THE BROTHERHOOD OF LAW ENFORCEMENT WITH YOU. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BY YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, FELLOW OFFICERS AND THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY. THANK-YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND AGAIN I AM PROUD TO BE IN THIS BROTHERHOOD WITH FELLOW OFFICERS LIKE YOU. GOD BLESS AS YOU WALK A BEAT IN GOD'S DOMAIN.

AUX.SGT. CLIFFORD R.BIGLER / A-13
WHITEHALL DIVISION OF POLICE

January 26, 2005

Hurst,

I got off work this morning at 0700, it was a long 24 hours...seemed like 48. It's especially hard working at one of the slowest stations in Toledo because that means I think about the situation all day long. The situation you dealt with and faced with tremendous bravery. And the situation we (your family and close friends) now have to deal with without you.

I miss you and it is so terrible you're not still with us. I remember the last time I saw you, we were talking about buying our Marine Corps time so we could retire early. I never expected something like this would happen to you. You would have retired 3 years before me or even the same year if you entered the DROP. We would have both been 51 and enjoying life. I finally got the paperwork from the Pension Fund...it makes me wonder though. Wonder what the future holds.

I'm looking at the Firefighter picture frame you and Marissa gave me at Bucca di Beppo's for your Rehearsal Dinner. I didn't know what picture to put in that frame until after your funeral. Yes it sat empty since March 14, 2003. But now it's full, full of a pleasant memory of you and I drinking a beer in the parking lot at Detroit Metro Airport. You were sporting a high-and-tight, wearing the red Marine Corps T-shirt, standing at parade rest while drinking a beer, celebrating my return from the war. I now have that picture in that frame on my computer desk instead of sitting empty on a shelf. So now I see it everyday.

I have decided that since I admired your badge so much, I'm getting your badge tattoo-d on my right arm. I'd rather see it in your wallet like the last day I saw you but now I'll see it everyday on my arm.

Well, it's midnight I'll see you at the computer desk tomorrow.

"At Ease" HERO.

Semper Fi,

Brandon

Brandon C. Walton
Toledo, OH

January 26, 2005

Bryan,

I can still remember your smiling face as I walked into the 5th 3rd Bank as your relief on a Monday in December. This was not my regular special duty job, I was just helping out a friend. I remember how the tellers joked with you about me being on time and "Rosser" showing up late. You were kind enough to show me where the needed paperwork was kept and we both said "See Ya Later".

If I only knew. You are truly a "Hero". You have touched so many lives in so many different ways. I will never forget you. Your smile will forever be in my heart.

Carrie Hollis
Columbus Police Officer

Police Officer Carrie Hollis
Columbus Division of Police

January 25, 2005

He stood tall and true, his color of blue,
Brave, respectful and true.
He protected us all, to serve was his call,
Never knowing he would take that fateful fall.
I will never forget the picture of your beautiful young face,
Dignity and respect for you will remain in place.
I just want to tell your Mom that I pray I never see the day,
When they take my CPD officer son away.
Officer Hurst, you are a true hero in all of our eyes,
May you rest in peace with Sweet Jesus up in the heavenly skies.

With much respect to you Brian and your family.

Linda Parker, Mother of a CPD officer

January 25, 2005

Gumper,

Over two weeks have passed and I am still struggling to understand how God could let this happen to you. I know we discussed "shootouts" in the past with a confidence that made us both believe we would prevail. I think deep down we both never believed we would be involved in one. You fought like a champ and we are all so proud of you and everything you stand for.

Marissa and I have been keeping busy together every day. I think staying busy helps me make it through the day. I keep thinking you are going to walk in my front door and tell me it's all a joke, but I think reality will soon set in. Maybe after football season it will. We're all getting together tomorrow to watch the Steeler game. Way to block those two kicks last week by the way. We may need a 12th man this weekend as well.

CPD is standing together in a way I have never witnessed in my 10 years. I hope it lasts for 10 more. The support and help has been OUTSTANDING for your family. We will make you proud. Marissa is very strong and continues to help me as much as I hope I am helping her.

Dude, you have a lot of friends!! It helps me a lot to read their reflections. Man I miss you and I can't wait to see you again. Your boys at the Pittsburgh PD took great care of us last weekend. I'll be wearing your Woodson jersey tomorrow for the game.

Stand a post at heaven's gates and I'll see you when I get there.

I love you man!

Sergeant Donnie Oliverio
Columbus, Ohio Police Department

January 23, 2005

Carolyn and family, the group that I was telling you about is on yahoo and is called officer down survivors. I would love to have your family join, it is a great help talking to others who have gone through what you have all been through. I would really like to talk to Brian's siblings also, please pass along my phone number to them or maybe they would like to join the board too.
Hope to hear from you soon,
Corrina Hetrick-Coffman
sibling of William Hetrick

Corrina Coffman
sibling survivor

January 22, 2005

I never met you but have friends who are Police officers.It saddens me every time I here about an Officer being Killed in the line of duty.The way you protected the civilians in the bank on that faitful day shows the kind of person you are.I pray for your wife Marissa and your daughter Malia.Tell my mother and sister I said hello.

Bill Gore

January 22, 2005

It was w/great sadness that I learned of Bryan's death when I receive the phone call from my brother, Brandon. Bryan was such a great person in so many ways. He really came along way from back in our junior high and high school days together. He turned into such a wonderful person! He and Brandon were great friends and we often hung out together. Bryan always accompanied me whenever I needed a date or if I needed him to 'threaten' a guy for me! :) ALthough I never formally met Marissa or Malia, I know they must have been well loved, as well as loved Bryan deeply. The world is going to miss a truly wonderful person, and I only hope everyone can go on with their lives holding onto the good memories of Bryan. Knowing he died to save others, and paying the ultimate sacrifice--there is no better feeling. Working for a financial institution myself, this really hit close to home in so many ways. Its people like Bryan, that give their lives for us, that make you thank the Lord everyday. Brandon, Marissa, Malia, Carol and Ted, Greg, Stacy and everyone else--my deepest sympathies.

Angie Walton
Friend of Bryan's

January 22, 2005

This is an extremely sad day for all law enforcement who still believe in the brotherhood,you never really know what kind of mark you leave until you are gone and obviously you were true blue. I work bank details 3 to 4 times a wk. and this same scenario always crosses my mind and the way you were able to fight back truly was heroic and saved lives. no one knows how you would act in that situation but you came thru for a lot of people. I play softball against you Dept. every year in Detroit and Dayton Ohio and I'm familiar with a lot of your guys. Good people who I'm sure are very proud of you, send my condolences to your whole family in this time. God Bless us all..

D/S B.West
Palm Bch. County Sheriff

January 22, 2005

My heart sank earlier today upon learning that Bryan had passed away. So many times I put off calling reasoning "I'll make the call next month". I regret not making the call. Bryan was a good Marine, a good police officer but more importantly, a good friend. The fact that he gave his life so that others may benefit came as no surprise. He was selfless and kept the entire K-9 group at Kaneohe Bay accountable and kept us all from taking ourselves too seriously.

My sincere regrets and prayers go out to the family.

Semper Fi

George Masraff
Houston, TX---(Served in USMC with Bryan)

January 22, 2005

Rest in peace my brother. You have paid the ultimate sacrifice for a career, we in law enforcement, were born to do. I pray for your wife and child. You will never be forgotten.

Narcotics Agent
Northern California

January 21, 2005

Hurst,

Well, it's been 2 weeks, seems like forever. I still think about you all day long. Everytime I see a gun or police officer on TV or on the news, or in the paper, it brings back the nightmare of when Donnie called me 2 hours after the shooting.

I just read Marissa's reflection to you and it just makes me cry. Her and Malia were so short-changed with their time on Earth with you.

I still can't believe you're gone BUT NEVER ever forgotten.

I read your reflections and other officer's memorials for about 2 hours a day. It is therapy for me in some way or another I can't explain, yet sorrowful when I read about other officers like yourself who were just married or left young children behind. One thing is for sure though, the courage and bravery you officers display are superhuman.

GOD Bless all the fine men and women in Blue.

Semper Fi,

Brandon

Brandon C. Walton, Toledo, OH
One of Bryan's Best Friends

January 20, 2005

Bryan,

Its funny how life changes over time. Although after the academy we kinda lost touch, I remember all of our daily conversations about life and your time in Hawaii while in the academy. I remember us both saying we wanted to be a CPD K9 Officers, at that time it seemed like an eternity. I regret not maintaining our friendship more in depth since the academy and now I will never have the chance to. Your death has taught me, just like "O" said at your service, to quit taking others for granted and value your relationships. Your death was tragic, but out of something bad, something good always seems to pop up. That being said the night of your funeral several hundred gathered at the "OC" in your remembrance. Your cousin asked me to help find a country dedication song for you. We picked Tim McGraw's, "Live like you were dying." You brought a lot of people closer together that night.....We will never forget you Bryan.........Your fellow 95th Recruit Class Member.......

Ofc. Daniel R. Jones #2079 (Fellow 95th
Columbus Ohio Division of Police

January 20, 2005

Bryan-

Today marks two weeks since your death. Today is also the day that reality has finally set in for me: you really are gone and are not coming home. Sometimes I feel angry for the reason you were at the bank in the first place. Sometimes I feel hatred towards your killer. But, more than anything, I just feel lost without you. I am devastated.

Freckles and Zoe have been posted by the front door for the past two weeks, waiting for you to come home. They jump or bark at every little noise, hoping that it might be you coming through the door.

I've been thinking about all of the things you won't be able to experience with Malia....first day of school, high school graduation, walking her down the aisle at her wedding. People have been telling me that God has a plan, and that this was his plan for you. I really want to believe that, but logically can't understand how it can make sense for a young man to die - a young man with a family and who still has so much to experience in this world.

I struggled with the decision at first, but I now know that I am going to return to work. At first, I thought "there is no way Malia is going to lose both her father AND mother to this job." BUT, the police community is such a family - the outpouring of love and support in the past two weeks has been unbelievable. The kind and appreciative words from citizens who didn't even know you have reaffirmed my belief in the absolute honor in being a police officer. I am so proud of you and what you did on
01-06-05. Your ability to fire rounds after being struck in the chest is incredible. You are stronger than I ever could have imagined.

Bryan - I will love you forever. I promise to raise Malia to be brave like her Daddy. We all miss you incredibly. We will all be cheering on the Steelers this weekend for you!

Love,
Marissa

Marissa

January 20, 2005