Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Maureen Tutino & family of Deputy Sheriff James Tutino,

My heartfelt condolences to you & your family on the 3rd anniversary of your loved ones passing. My heart is not repairable & never did I imagine my life without my husband & my kids without their father. I still can't believe it's true. One thing for sure, I have found (through ODMP & COPS) some of the "best friends I never wanted". I will be thinking of your family in the days & months to come as I know that a new year brings another round of remembrances, such as birthdays, anniversaries, & a long list of things he missed....all over again. Thank you for your thoughts on my husbands reflections & thinking of our family. It is (as you know all too well) greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Jo'Nee Cochran

Jo'Nee Cochran
Spouse of Det/Sgt Tom Cochran EOW 01-26-05

January 29, 2008

Thank-you for your service Deputy Tutino. It will never be forgotten.
I pray that your family may be comforted and blessed always as they have to live this life without you here physically.

Holley Orr
Wife Of Detective Kevin Orr EOW 11-22-06

January 26, 2008

Three years ago today turned into the worst day of my life when I got that awful phone call from Sheriff Baca. Nothing has been the same since then and never will be. We all miss you so much.I hope you would be proud of us for a lot of reasons..All the kids we have helped and continue to help,and your sons and your grandson who is so you and James...he looks a lot like your baby pictures..he's really beautiful. We all are grieving in different ways, but what we miss the most is your smile and the twinkle in your blue eyes that came from my Mom..Say hello to her for me and give her a big hug..I miss her too and while you are at it ...pass one of those hugs along to my bro Jeff.I hope along with Dad you are having a party together. There's a lot of people there that we know and loved and I pray you are with them all. Love ya

Maureen Tutino
Mom

January 25, 2008

God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not meant to be,
So he put his arms around you
and whispered "Come to Me".
With tearful eyes we mourn you,
the day you passed away.
Although we loved you deeply,
we could not make you stay.
Your Golden Heart stopped beating,
hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes the best.

Kristin Miller
Daughter

January 25, 2008

Your family, friends and fellow officers are in my thoughts and prayers today. On 1/26/05, you, as well as my family, lost a very special person. It is hard to believe on this day 3 years ago, they were here and in an instant, 24 hours later, they were taken from us. I think of you all often and I wanted you to know, especially on this day and tomorrow, you are very much in my thoughts and prayers. Take care of eachother. Deputy Tutino, you will never be forgotten.

Tomya Allen
daugher of fallen officer

January 25, 2008

For you TooT

My heart aches within from missing you,
My lips long for the feel of kissing you,
Right now all I need is to gently touch your skin,
To look into your eyes and see deep within,
Just one warm embrace,
Just to look upon your face,
Just one little touch,
From the one I Love so much,
If I could gaze upon your smile,
For just a little while,
To know that you miss me too,
As much as I am missing you,
To hear the sound of you breathe,
To wonder why you had to leave,
To see you walk up to me,
Then embrace you tenderly,
To just be with the one who sent my heart reeling,
And brought down this downpour of emotion and feeling,
I sit here alone in our room tonight,
And wonder if I will ever be alright,
I've told you many thoughts that weren't borrowed or bought,
And in a lifetime, who would have thought,
That I would find someone who was just meant for me,
I can't explain the magic or why it would be,
For I've seen an angel and I want you to know,
It wasn't my choice for you to have to go,
And though I cannot touch you and we are now apart,
My Love, you do dwell, so deep within my heart.
Your Wife Rita

RIP my love 3/6/57 1/26/05 E.O.W.

Rita Tutino
Wife

January 25, 2008

Daddy....I made it. i got my official hire date. i will be starting the academy in March and starting with the department in Feb. Im nervous, yet so excited to once and for all live my dream. I have HUGE shoes to fill, but i can promise i will be an amazing Deputy. I love you so much dad. I miss you even more. I look at your picture every night and just think of all the fun things we used to do. You were a man i looked up to. In fact, you are my hero. I love you dad. Tears fill my eyes cause i am about to embark on an adventure and i wish i could get your advice. I officially will get your badge number, and i only wish you were there to pin it on me. 3 years has flown by and it hurts knowing my heart has a piece missing. I finally met the girl of my dreams. Its funny how you used to tell me that you will meet the "one" and just know...Well you were right. Daddy, i hope im making you proud. I know your in Heaven smiling down on us. Thank you for being such a great role model for me. i love you i love you i love you.... miss you so much. Anyways, ill be seeing you tomorrow. im bringing some flowers for ya!!! Tell God thank you for giving me such an amazing father. 2658 forever.

Nick
Son, soon to be Deputy

January 24, 2008

So many times I've come to this site and wanted to say something, but the words just won't come out. I can't believe it's been three years since you left the world. I'm still in shock. You were always so kind to me, and you're advice still rings in my ears. Because of you I'm a better police officer in many ways. I worked with you at C.J. for four years. I remember one night you were working overtime and you came to visit. I was getting married soon, and you were giving me "fatherly" advice. I remember how you told me how much you loved your wife and family. You talked for nearly 20 minutes just about how wonderful your wife was, and how blessed you were to have her. You weren't just a great cop...you were a wonderful husband and father. I know you're watching over you family now, and I just want you to know you are missed by so many!!!

Melissa Miller
El Monte P.D.

January 23, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 22, 2008

Hey Jim just putting the kids to bed and was thinkin about you! Harley still wears his pjs you got for him the last christmas we seen you, he refuses to let me get rid of them. Sierra took your picture to school a couple of weeks ago to tell everyone about her papa she misses you like crazy too! I sure do wish you couldve been here to meet Kendall she is such a character! I sure do miss havin you around nothings quite been the same. Mom cant get over all of this thats been thrown her way. You were her knight in shining armor you were perfect for each other. She cant wrap her finger around the reason you were takin from all of us. We were given a chance to know an awesome man just not given enough time to enjoy you! When you came into our lives we needed you so much and you made everything so great it seemed surreal but that is who you were and we will never forget you....You are eternally in our hearts. Miss you lots...K...

Kristin Miller
Daughter

January 21, 2008

Someday Again
When days are sad and lonely, and everything goes wrong
We seem to hear you whisper, cheer up and carry on.
Everytime we see your picture, you smile and seem to say,
Don't cry ,I'm only sleeping ..We'll meet again some day.
God saw you and stood beside you , and whispered,
Come and rest.
You bade no one a last Farewell,nor even said Goodbye.
You were gone before we knew it
and only God knows why.
A million times we've missed you , a million tears we've cried.
If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died.
In life we loved you dearly ,
In death we love you still.
And in our hearts you hold a special place
no one can ever fill .
It broke all our hearts to lose you ..
but you didn't go alone....For part of us all went with you the morning God called you home.

From your loving family EOW 1/26/2005

Maureen Tutino
Mom

January 21, 2008

Hello Dad,
It has been almost 3 years from the day you left us all. I wish every day that I could have just 5 more minutes to tell you all that is going on and all that you have missed. We all miss you so much it hurts. We cry, we laugh, we dream and it is all to be close to you once again.....So many things have changed yet some things have stayed the same. I said it once before and I will say it again, people constantly seem to tell me that there is a reason for everything, or a purpose of why you were taken from all of us. But I have yet to find that meaning of why your life was taken. Every person you knew and every person you loved will never be the same again. You have changed the course of life for all of us. I will say this for all of us, that we thank you for all that you were and all the memories we shared. Now that I am all teared up, I wanted to just drop some things by you if you can hear me. I married Marie on your parents 50th Anniversary and we had a baby boy. His name is Connor James. He is all that I have ever wanted and could be my mini-me. You would be so proud Dad. Until next time, I love you and miss you each and every day.

James Tutino
Son

January 6, 2008

Well, another Christmas without you ...another family party without you on Saturday. We all miss you so very much...we know you are here in spirit..we just wish you were physically with us too.You have your own little tree with all the Steeler stuff on it,and the blue lights in front of the house, and oh yeah some nutcrackers under your tree. We have a lot of things coming up this year and we could use some intervention ...Nick getting through the academy, Tony passing his senior test, Jill getting moved back to Ca. ...Carrie is going to work for LASD also,
she's going through background as well. Lots of other things too. Hope you have a little influence up there to help with everything on our plates. Hope you and the Angels had a nice Christmas....We love you ..we will be together again one day...Smile

Maureen Tutino
Mom

December 26, 2007

Merry Christmas Sweetie! This is our 3rd without you..sure do miss you. You made Christmas special.
And what about them COWBOY'S !!! Steelers aren't doing to bad either.
I Love You..

Rita Tutino
Wife

December 24, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 29, 2007

hey old man..Well im officially getting through the process. I only have my Psyc left and im into the academy..Crazy to think that ill be living in your footsteps. I miss you so much. There isnt a day goes by that your name does not come out of my mouth. Please just bless our family from above. I wish you were here for me to vent to. I have so much to get off my chest, but i just tell you every night before bed anyways. Well dad, i hope you can see what an amazing father you were. Everyone is so proud of who you were. I love you and miss you..2658 forever.

nick tutino
Son

November 26, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving We miss you a lot.I think of you every day . Watch over us all please.I know you are smiling down on us ...Love always Mom

Maureen Tutino
Mom

November 21, 2007

Miss you ...


I love you.

Rita Tutino
Wife

November 21, 2007

Hey I was just talking to your son on xbox live he is a good man you should be very proud. I was truly sorry wene your son told me what happend. Your son is moving up in the world. Anyways I just wanted to say even though I did not know you i am shure you were a good man!

overkill454
Sons friend on xbox live

November 14, 2007

Hey I was just talking to your son on xbox live he is a good man you should be very proud. I was truly sorry wene your son told me what happend. Your son is moving up in the world. Anyways I just wanted to say even though I did not know you i am shure you were a good man!

overkill454
Sons friend on xbox live

November 14, 2007

Hi bro - just stopped by to say hi and let you know us 4 girls are doing ok. Carrie just got a job offer from LA County, Santa Clarita sheriff station. She is going through her background check and will hopefully start the end of the year as a non-sworn records tech. She hopes to start on her masters degree as well. Kelsey and Tiana are living in CA with mom and dad and going to college and working. I am still trying to sell the house in Naperville (could you help with that??) and get myself moved too. We miss you and think about you all the time - wondering how different our lives would be if you were still here.

Tony and I had an amazing experience giving the pep talk for the football team's homecoming game - I was proud to give up my flag to keep your spirit alive with the team and the coaches. We hope you continue to provide inspiration to those who need it.

Thanks for inspiring me to do "life" better!
Love Jill

Sister Jill
Sister

November 5, 2007

Hi Jim,

I didn't get to know you when you were alive but through your family I have come to learn so much about you. You were truely an amazing person and your family misses you greatly. I wish I could have known you and been able to learn from you. You have inspired me greatly from hearing and reading about your involvement with so many from football players to gang memebers. The more I learn about you the more I realize that everyone can make a difference if you take the time. Everyday you made peoples lives better and I hope one day people will be able to say the same thing about me.

Your family has become like a family to me, from your mom and dad being like grandparents, to your brother and siter in law being like parents and your sons like cousins. It was just a shame it happened after you left us. I wish I would have been blessed enough to have you in my life as many many other people were.

Helping out and participating in the casino fundraiser in your memory made me feel apart of something great. There were some good people that gathered to remember you. Your family worked so hard to get it together. It was quite hectic but in the end, it was a great event and turn out. I knew that you were watching over us and would help us out.

I know you watch over your family and see that they are still having a hard time coping with your death. You are truely missed everyday. I hope that you will be with Nick and help him through his backgrounds so that he can follow in your footsteps. He wants it so bad and it would be a great thing for him.

Please protect Tony while he's in uniform. He's trying so hard to do right by you by taking care of your boys. He's spends a lot of time with your boys and they talk about you often as I am sure you see and hear. That little Connor is just amazing, they say he is a spitting image of you. He will be just as lucky as I am to hear about his amazing grandfather. Your family will make sure you will be more then just a memory. With the way they talk about you, you will be apart of his life.

Well I just wanted to let you know that you have made a difference in my life and that I'm blessed to say that I'm apart of your family and you're in my thoughts everyday.

Jessica Rowe
friend of Family

October 23, 2007

Hey !! We had the annual fundraiser [ maybe the last ] and did pretty well.We managed to make some more money to help the kids get to college through the James Tutino Scholarship Fund. We had a lot of fun even though it was a lot of work. The Steelers weren't co-operative this year but the Chargers came through..Your Dad and I just got back from visiting long lost Tutinos in NY and the family resemblance was every where,as was the law enforcement ties
I miss you a lot, mostly your wonderful smile that you were born with. I hope you are watching over us all ,particularly Nick right now as he goes through this process.I'd love to send you the picture of our family from the Casino Night if I could. I am so proud of all of us, Tony and Jill both work their pants off doing this, and
come June, when we give out the scholarships , all the work is worth it .Your Dad says Hi every morning when he uses one of those silly golf cups you gave him. Me--you are always in your Mom's thoughts every day..We love you and miss you .Say hi to Rosey Hope you are together up there.We gave one of the flags to Simi High and Jill and Tony gave the guys a pep talk and they won the game where they were the underdogs.The guys touch the flag on their way out of the new locker rooms. Bob Alvarado's idea. the team thinks of you too. The game for the Tutino Cup is coming up ...could you give Simi the help they need to win it back? Love

Maureen Tutino
Mom

October 20, 2007

Dad!!!! Well the Steelers are 2-0 and off to amazing year. You would be proud of them..So, i am in backgrounds for LASD..you would be proud daddy. Every single Deputy i come accross knows you. Its sad, but yet im so proud to be your son. I am confident that i will someday make an amazing Deputy. Oh and they are giving me your badge number..cool huh...Just Please bless me and give me your smiles from above. I really want this and want to make you so proud of me. You are the best father ever. I miss you so much. I love you so much, but most of all...I miss your smile. I have been going through alot lately, and wish i could get your advice. I love you. Please watch over me. 2658 forever dad.

Nick Tutino
Son

September 18, 2007

So where do I begin..I miss you, I miss your smell, your smile, those beautiful blue eyes. I miss those masculine hands, I miss your crazy sayings, and the prank calls you used to make to me. I am trying to move on but it is so hard. We had finally found each other and you were taken so quick. But I treasure the 5 years we had. We made a lot of good memories. and thank goodness Tara loved taking pictures....oh baby I miss you so much. If I had known I would have never let you leave the house that day..but it is not for us to know. I love you so very much and always will. Remember when we got married you have me a heart diamond necklace and you said I am giving you my heart inside and out. I wear the necklace everyday.
hugs and kisses to you . I love you tootie.

Rita Tutino
Wife

August 1, 2007