Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Shawn,
You may be gone, but will never be forgotten. You made the ultimate sacrifice for what you believed in. Your family will never be alone as your fellow brothers and sisters will always take care of your family...Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9

Take Care Brother

Officer Henry Bearheart / K9 Koda
St Croix Tribal Police, Hertel WI

December 26, 2005

Jennifer-I know this day of celebrating our Savior's birth is not feeling like much of a celebration but Shawn is smiling down upon you and singing (no- belting it out!) with the choirs of angels "Joy to the World the Lord has come!" And He is with you always as are we in the best way we can be- with our prayers. I saw what you wrote about last night- that smile of Maddie's that was Shawn's. It was amazing and just warmed my heart. Thank you for that and God bless you my friend.

Cheryl

December 25, 2005

Shawn I know that you are looking down on us from heaven. I know that you are proud of your extremely strong wife, Children, brother, parents and anybody else that I might have missed. For all of you there on the scene last September I thank you.
For The Silvera family I thank you. This has been a difficult year for all of us that are so deeply affected by shawns death, but we all need to remember how he lived and model his actions on a daily basis. I never knew Shawn I a personal level, but I will never forget that day, or Shawn's sacrifice. I know because what I learned of Shawn That I will be better person and better servant to the people.
Merry Christmas Shawn , The Silvera Family, Friends, Lino Lakes Police, and In general Everyone else
With Much sincerity
Matthew Marson

Reserve Officer Marson
City Of Wyoming

December 25, 2005

Shawn,

Words cannot express how much we miss you. There isn't a day that goes by that Grandpa and I don't think and talk about you. We were always happy to have you come and we'd go and eat at the Pizza Ranch, which our niece, Lila, runs. Last time you were here you fixed our kitchen faucet and Grandpa was glad that you fixed it. And when I think of it, everytime our relatives got together and something was broke, they always said, "Shawn can fix it." We were very happy that you came in our family and we miss you and you will always be in our prayers.

Love,

Grandma and Grandpa Vander Poel

Grandma & Grandpa Vander Poel (in-lawa0

December 6, 2005

I'd like you to know that my heart, soul and prayers are with you and your family. It's obvious that you and Shawn had a very precious and special relationship. How very fortunate you've been to have found and experience what you did with Shawn. As an ex officer, I specialize in assistance those in public safety, in many ways, not just real estate. My committment to you and your family is that all you need to do is contact me and I'll assist you in any way I can, with whatever your need or concern is, or if you just need to talk to someone who is a bit removed from your situation, I'll be glad to lend an ear. God bless you and your family.

Charley Roemhild
Retired, Hennepin Parks

December 3, 2005

Jennifer--It was so nice to see you the other day at the PD. Keep the hugs coming, I hope they help you as much as they do me. The piece on Ch. 9 news was very nice, I know that others that tuned in that night will benefit from it. I hope that we see Jordan and Maddy often at the PD, and remember, if you ever need a sitter, Kathie and I are always available. I care for my grandson Dawson often, and LOVE it, so I'm even practiced at it.

I never told you this, with all that went on and everyone so busy, but on the day Shawn was killed, he was with me at about 3:30pm. I had made a late shift domestic assault arrest, and had transported the male back to the PD. Shawn was on "B" shift, and volunteered to transport the male to jail for me, as he was well aware of all the paperwork that goes with such an arrest. Shawn, as always, was very helpful to me in getting the required paperwork in order before the transport. He then took charge of the arrestee, and being the professional he was, was polite, courteous, and explained to the male the arrest and booking process. He treated the arrestee with respect and dignity, as he did everyone I had ever saw him deal with on calls we handled together.

I know you are proud of Shawn, and you are right to be so proud. He was a very good police officer, a great dad (w/ my desk right next to his, I heard him speak to Jordan many times on the telephone), and a very devoted husband. But I think Shawn's greatest assest was he was an exceptional person. I'm in my 27th year as a cop, and I've met a lot of different people and a lot of other cops, most who are also very good people and very good at their jobs, but knowing and working with Shawn made me a better person and a better cop, and I'm forever grateful for that.

Thank you Jennifer, for being part of our family at LLPD, and for allowing us to be part of your family.

God Bless you and the kids. Shawn is still very much missed by many, many people.
Tim Ross--LLPD

Police Officer Tim Ross
Lino Lakes Police Dept.

December 2, 2005

Jennifer,
I watched channel nine news on Monday, with someone special that I met at college. She and I were very touched. She realizes now why I dedicated my schooling to Shawn. I watched it with her, and I was glad too. I wouldn't have wanted to watch it with anyone else but her. She reminds me of you. We are both Christians too, and we understand. Times will be tough down the road, but if you have someone to help you out, you know that you can make it through.
God Bless you and your kids. I pray each and everyday for you and your family, and ask for Shawn to help me make it through the day, and thank him at night, for giving me a perfect day.

Ryan Voss
Lino Lakes PD-Explorer

December 2, 2005

My deepest sympathy to Officer Silvera's Family. Having retired from the NYSP after nearly 26 years I know what it's like to loose a brother. When the ceremonies are done, the relatives and friends gone and the front door closes, the silence that's left behind is like no other. It's then that you realize that no words can bring comfort or peace. What breaks this silence is the faith and knowledge, that you are not and never will be, alone. All my respects.

Inv. Paul R. Stoner
New York State Police (RET)

November 30, 2005

Jennifer- I watched Fox 9 last nighy. I thought it was incredible that through this story so many people will be affected and learn that most of relationships can be soo much stronger that they are now. You are such a strong woman and i admire you for going on to raise your two kids with the strength that you have! I just can't imagine going on without someone3 i love, that would be incredibly hard, you incouraged me to strengthen my relationship with my friends and God

~*~*~
~*~~*

November 30, 2005

Dear Jordan and Maddy-
I think of you two often! You kids brought so much joy to your father!Take care of your mommy! Give her lots of hugs and kisses, she needs it.
Dear Jennifer- I watched the story on Ch9 last night and I was "TOUCHED" I sat there in my living room holding my son in my arms and was in tears. I realized at that moment that the love that you and Shawn had is a "example" of what a relationship should be!!!I am sorry from the bottom of my heart that he is not here, but he WILL live on in your heart and in your children! I helped my dad with the "Memorial Blood Drive" and it was a good turn out! Shawn was an amazing man, kind hearted and funny!! You have so many people that love you and want to be there for you and your kids. Take care of yourself. And remember "Shawn will forever be in all of our hearts", as well as you, Jordan and Maddy.
xoxoxoxo Amy

Amy
[email protected]

November 29, 2005

Jennifer-I watched your story last night on channel 9 news. You are an incredibly strong woman and it shows why Shawn loved you so much. You were blessed to have one another even if it was a short while. Just by watching the story I realized you and you're children will get through this terrible tragedy because you have the love a wonderful man (an angel now) and your faith in our Lord above is so evidently strong. I continue to pray for you and may God bless you and comfort you and your family.
Debbie Cardinal

Debbie Cardinal mother of police officer
Stacy MN

November 29, 2005

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of a loved one in law enforcement. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support. As we personally know, sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Alissa Scott
Widow of Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-03

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

November 28, 2005

Jennifer,
I just watched the story on Ch 9. It was very touching and gave me tears in my eyes. You are so strong. Your husband was a hero. Wear that necklace with pride and let your children know how heroic their father is.

God Bless you and Thank you Officer Silvera for your service.

Police Officer
Central MN

November 28, 2005

Jennifer, there certainly are not the words to express my condolences for your loss of such a wonderful husband. For his short number of years on this planet, Officer Shawn left quite a remarkable mark.

I have family in the are that he protected, and for that I thank you for paying the ultimate sacrifice for his part in keeping our family safe.

My daughter and son-in-law are Police Officers also with young children, and I understand the risk and sacrifice Police Officers expose themselves to every time they put their uniform on.

You are in our prayers and thoughts.

If there is a fund to help send your kids to college, please let me know so that we can make a donation of thanks and remembrance in Shawn's memory?

At my Grandmother's funeral, something the minister said has stuck with me through several family losses since then. Our loved one is never gone from us as long as we keep them alive in hour hearts and memories. I shall do my part as it relates to Shawn and your family.

Thank you Jennifer, and God's blessings to you and your little ones, and the rest of your family and the 'family' of police officers.

Sandra

Sandra

November 28, 2005

Shawn, I'll never forget what I saw on that day in September. I miss ya buddy, god bless.. Tick

Officer Lance Beardsley
Wyoming, MN Police Dept

November 25, 2005

I have been thinking of you and Jennifer tonight as I toss and turn and try to sleep. But, now I am online reading Jennifer's reflections and visiting the officer down page. I am so saddened by the story of Sgt Neal (Texas)who was killed today accidentally during a training session. He was 31 years old and left behind a wife and child. It brings back the pain and sadness I felt the night I saw on the news that you were killed. It breaks my heart to think of that young mother in Texas not sleeping tonight because she has experienced the greatest loss of her life. And no amount of hope and praying will bring you or him back.

I visit the odmp site often and when I am moved by a memorial I now leave a reflection for that family. I do this in your honor. And in the hopes that the family will feel comforted that someone in Minnesota is thinking of them, praying for them and sharing in their loss. I only hope that I can touch the heart of someone who reads the reflections. Maybe this can be my small way of serving others.

Dana
friend of Jennifer and Shawn

November 23, 2005

On 09/18/05 Boston Police Academy RTG 42-05 remembered Officer Shawn Silvera and dedicated our training day to him.

You are not forgotten.

Boston Police Academy RTG 42-05
BPD

November 22, 2005

I found this poem, shared it with Jennifer, Shawn's wife, and she asked me to add it to his page.

In The Simple Performance Of Duty

In the simple performance of duty,
he pinned on a badge,
checked his gear with a practiced eye,
and kissed his loved ones good-bye.

In the simple performance of duty,
he reported for work,
joked with his buddies at roll call,
and made his last trip down the squad room hall.

In the simple performance of duty,
he answered the call
to help the helpless, to find the lost,
no matter the danger or how great the cost.

In the simple performance of duty,
he lay down his life,
for those in peril he tried to save,
our brave friend went to his grave.

In the simple performance of duty,
we honor his deed,
as we carry him to rest in a flag-draped casket,
long after the world has forgotten,
we shall never forget.

Never judge or regret, what he did,
In the simple performance of duty

Beth -- Civilian
Forest Lake, MN

November 21, 2005

Shawn is my good friend Mark's brother. I did not know Shawn as much as would have liked, but I really enjoyed seeing him and his wife, Jennifer at parties at Mark & Deanne's house. I was so sorry to see the hole his death left the Silvera family - it is still so inconceivable that this happened. That being said, how wonderful it is to see how his life lives on.

I have always had faith in life after death. After Shawn's departure from this planet I don’t need faith anymore - I know of life after death. I also know that Shawn is still alive and more with us than he ever was before.

I was amazed by all of the action taken after Shawn passed away. There was an event held at Millers on Main in Lino Lakes. Many people and businesses donated their time, their resources, and their expertise to create a beautiful and meaningful celebration of Shawn's life. It appeared to be quite profitable as well with all proceeds going to Shawn's wife and children. Shawn in action from heaven doing what he could and putting people into motion to continue to support his family and showing his family that he was indeed still with him.

Shawn's dad was from Jamaica. A contractor from Duluth who built a resort in Negrill Jamaica had heard about Shawn's death and decided to donate a weeks stay at his resort to the silent auction. Everyone just assumed there was a connection between this person and Shawn's father. None at all. This person had no idea of the relationship to Jamaica.

This was just one of many signs to me that Shawn is still alive and still with us. As my husband said to me at the event, "I don’t need to have faith, I just know". It is painful and my heart so aches for his family and we all lost a great person - but he continues to work and impact our life from heaven.

My goal is to help his brother Mark through this awful time and show him a sign that his brother is still with him. His siblings and mother are so hurting right now and I wish I could help them see what I do.

Rebecca Metz

November 18, 2005

Dear Jennifer and family,

I wrote this especially for you. I did have it the day of the funeral, but thought it was the wrong time to give it to you.

I too am a survivor. My father was a Ramsey Co. sheriff who died in the line of duty way back in 1958. I am still affected by his death to this day.

So I'll post it here and hope it will help in some way.

We live our lives from day to day, building dreams, planning for our future, never considering that something will ever happen to shatter those dreams. That always happens to the "other guy". Then one day it isn't the other guy, it happens to us and the life we thought was so safe is suddenly shattered and fallen apart. All the pieces of our dreams have scattered. The struggle to rebuild our lives, to somehow fill the void of the "missing piece" that was taken from us...becomes like the jigsaw puzzle, trying to find a way to bring it all together again and to search for that one missing piece, but what is that missing piece if it's gone from us?

We find the disbelief that this could ever happen to us so overwhelming. We walk through a fog, disoriented, unable to focus on much of anything because we're living a nightmare that should belong to someone else, not us. We're almost numb from the pain because the denial that it happened hasn't sunk in yet.
All the different pieces of our grieving; shock, numbness, denial, depression, confusion, fear, anger, bitterness, guilt, regret, which comes first? We hear the questions "What are the stages of grieving?" There is no pattern when it comes to human emotions.....we are all different. We all react differently because each of us lived different lives, different losses, so who is to say which piece of the puzzle comes first or second or last? How can you tell someone how to grieve when you don't know how they lived? We may not experience all the different stages of grieving.

Anger is a stage of grieving, but is it the same anger for each of us? Some of the anger is displaced anger. Anger towards the one who died and "abandoned" you. But is that anger real? No one wants to die, so how can we be angry at them for dying? There is anger towards the cause of the death or the person causing the death and that is justified anger. There is anger and jealousy that we struggle with because of people we see living their lives without our pain. How can they laugh when we're dying inside? How can they dare mention their spouses or children when ours are gone? Don't they know they are supposed to crawl into that pit of despair with us and know how we feel? Don't they know how cruel and cutting their remarks are when they tell us to "move on, get over it"? We feel so frustrated and guilty because we never felt these emotions of jealousy and anger before, and it's hard to not feel the bitterness. Sometimes to escape all this, we go into a depression and hide from all the emotions that are so tormenting to face. It's easier to just crawl into that hole and stay there then to face the world without them. But is that fair to the rest of your family and friends who also lost that person? Is it fair for them to lose you too? Is it fair for them to come to resent the person because their death took a part of you from them?

Letting ourselves become lost in the grief and losing that part of us that loved is a big piece of what was shattered in our lives and what is so hard to put back together. To learn that our pain is because of the love we felt and to let that love die with despair is not fair to anyone. Not you, not your family and friends and not the one who died. Instead of letting the love die with them, let the love keep you going. Let the love give you hope that one day all the pain and anger and despair will diminish with time.

Have you ever looked out the window of an airplane and seen scattered clusters of clouds below? As I looked down, I saw pieces of clouds, all different shapes and sizes, like pieces to a puzzle. But just below each cloud were the shadows of the clouds. I remember thinking, "I know those clouds are so high in the sky, but look at how they appear to be touching, as though spirits separated through death were so far apart, yet seemingly to be touching". Two parts of the same soul, separated but not separate. And I thought, "that one missing piece of the puzzle that we search for may never complete the puzzle as we want it to be completed, because that one missing piece has to be acceptance".

To accept that there is nothing we can do to bring them back to this world, but we accept that they will always be a part of us in separate worlds but always touching our spirits and our hearts and our memories of the love we have for them. For the love does not die when they die, it is eternal love in a different form, separate but always touching our lives. So when all the different pieces of the puzzle, the stages of grief, no matter what form they take, it all comes together finally when we know there is always going to be one missing piece but in place of it comes peace. Acceptance will bring you to that peace when you know finally in your heart that letting go of the pain is not letting go of the love and the memories. Only then will the shattered pieces of our lives come together.
How do we get to that peaceful acceptance? I think we have to go through the pain because of the earthly love we had for them.......when do you feel that peace? When we learn to love them in the spiritual form.....in a new and different way. Maybe that's the answer... It is my dream and the greatest part of that is to give everyone the hope that one day your lives will be filled with the peace of acceptance that there is nothing you can't do if your dreams are based on love and faith.

I wish each of you, a very peaceful time of acceptance of knowing that one day you will come to that quiet place of understanding that you have not lost them completely. That like those clouds, separated but not separate, their lives will always touch yours by the love that was theirs then, and the love that will always be.

Lawrence Johnson

November 18, 2005

Shawn,
No matter where I go or what I do, I always think of you and of Jennifer. Not a day goes by that I don't think of everyone's loss and sadness. I am still amazed by the impact you have had on so many people's lives. People who never knew you mourn your loss and pray for your family.

I was just on your website and looked at some of the pictures from Honduras. What an amazing photographer you were. And rereading your journal entries is like reading a novel. Your talents were endless.

This last summer you took my son's three year old photographs. I was so happy that you were going to be the photographer. I knew you and Jennifer would capture exactly what I wanted. And you did. And now, I will treasure those pictures forever. My son talks of you still. You made quite an impression on that three year old little boy. I still remember how impressed I was by your gentle, quiet presence and how you developed a trust and relationship with my son before you even snapped your first shot. You had such a way with children. You knew how to really connect. That is an amazing gift.

Thank you for those memories.
Thank you for loving my friend Jennifer.
Thank you for seeing the good in everyone.
Thank you for touching my life.
Thank you for making the world a better place.
Thank you for serving your country.
I will never forget you.
I promise to you to be there always for Jennifer and your children.

Dana Hennen
friend of Jennifer and Shawn

November 12, 2005

As I sit here, writing this reflection, I am surrounded by white, recently sheet-rocked walls in our home office. Although mundane sounding, these walls were put up by Shawn out of the goodness of his heart about 2 weeks before he was killed and will always serve as a reminder of Shawn's generosity. Walls also symbolize something, which is strength and structure. Before Shawn put them up, the room was lifeless, drab, cold, undefined, and empty. Now, ironically enough, they provide warmth, definition, completion, and livibility- things that I know he gave my family and me as well as to his wife, children, and all others who came in contact with him. I will never look at walls the same way as I do now, and I will never look at things the same way either: police, friendships, fathers, wives, humanity.

Shawn meant and STILL means numerous things to our family. Our living room is filled with photos and items from his funeral and memories flood back every time I see his face. It's strange, but Shawn meant more to me than I think he knew (but knows now) because he was a role model for how to live the life that God wants us to live. Saint Francis said "Preach the Gospel always...and sometimes speak." When I feel selfish or apathetic, Shawn's smile sort of says to me: "You can do it."

Shawn and I had a great time talking while putting up the sheet rock (I got the easy parts of the job like serving beer and fecthing other things!). We talked about our faith, insurance problems, kids, dentists, and other things that made the day fun.

I will miss him dearly, but I will move on with him in mind, asking for his intercession of prayers and that his family stay safe always.

Kelly Wing
Teacher and friend to family

November 12, 2005

Dear Shawn,
Your passing has been devastating for many, but we have also grown closer because of what you stood for and the memories we have of you.

We miss you very much Shawn. As I walk around the office I see pictures of you that people have put up on their desks. I see flowers and plants that were given in your memory, they all make me smile and remember the type of police officer you were.

Every day that I go into the office I see your desk, still proudly displaying pictures of Jennifer and the kids, I smile, remembering the type of man you were, a good husband and a proud father.

Often I think of the call I received on September 6th, and I mourn... I am quick to begin to smile again though when I see and hear about all of the lives you touched. I smile because every time I see your picture you're smiling, and I know that you’re looking down on us with that big smile waiting for us to meet again.

God bless you Officer Shawn Silvera for the sacrifice that you made to protect and serve, but also for the lives that you touched and the memory you leave behind.

Until we meet again...

William Owens
Lino Lakes Police Department

November 8, 2005

Dear Shawn, I was very honored to have went to college with you and to have known you. You were a great friend to all of your classmates. You are a hero and will be missed! You will not never be forgotten. Sincerely, Inv. Greg Reiter, Washington County Sheriff's Office, Stillwater, Minnesota.

Investigator Greg Reiter
Washington County Sheriff's Office, Stillwater, MN

November 8, 2005

The last memory I have of Shawn is him telling us how he would give Jordan a sip of his coffee each morning. Jordan was walking around the kitchen saying, "Sip! Coffee!! Dad!". Shawn smiled that wonderful smile of his at Jordan and placed his arm on Jennifer's back, as he always did, just to let her know that he was there.

I had not seen Shawn and Jen as much in the past couple of years as I would have liked, as I was not living in Minnesota. But, the memories I do have only further the countless stories that everyone is sharing on what an incredible husband and father Shawn was. He put his family first, a trait that has become a rarity in our busy society. Shawn always took the time to tend to his family to make sure they were taken care of, and loved. There was no question about the amount of love he had for Jen, Jordan and Madelynn. It was written all over his face.

Cindy Harloff

November 8, 2005