Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My heart and prayers go out to Officer Silvera's wife, kids, co-workers, and friends. He is a true hero! You will not be forgotten!

Sergeant Paul Hatle
Minneapolis Police Department

September 7, 2005

To the family and friends of Officer Shawn Silvera and officers of the Lino Lakes Police Department:

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Officer Silvera was so tragically killed.

How sad that this dedicated young officer died so young leaving a loving wife and small children. It is also infuriating that criminals would rather kill to evade arrest than face up to the consequences of their own stupid criminal conduct. What a senseless act.

May you all be comforted by the warm embrace of the circle of love and support you will get from the law enforcement community, and other police survivors.

Our family shares your agony as we lost our beloved Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg, Ca Police Dept. when he was fatally shot during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers. We grieve for you and with you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the seven years of dedicated service Shawn gave to his community and the citizens of Minnesota, and the supreme sacrifice which he and his family made on September 6, 2005.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

September 7, 2005

Rest in Peace our Brother in Blue.

Officer
Metro

September 7, 2005

We will think of you always Officer
Silvera. My heart is in pain for you and your family. I am the mother of a fallen Officer.

Karen Armstrong, mother of
Bridgeton Officer Scott Armstrong
EOW 1-12-05

September 7, 2005

IN YOUR MEMORY


Don't cry because you think I'm gone,
for I am with you still.
Don't seek reasons to explain
what is simply just God's will.


It's very hard to leave all of you
and everything I've known,
but my work on earth is done now.
Our Lord has called me home.


I know you will find comfort
Just let faith guide your way.
Cause, from the moment I was born,
I have been preparing for this day.


Remember me for the laughter,
that's the greatest gift we give.
Keep me in your heart and mind
because that's where I now live.


If ever you feel you need me,
you can close your eyes and see,
I'm still right here with you,
I'm alive in your memory.

P/O Dan Bailey (Ret)
Norristown Police, Pa.

September 7, 2005

To the wife, children, family, friends and coworkers of Officer Silvera my heart and prayers are with you all. May the children of this fine officer know always that their dad is a HERO and will not be forgotten. God bless you all.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02

September 7, 2005

While it is no consolation for your loss, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Officer Silvera.

While no member of our agency had the privilege to have known him personally, we are certain that he has found a place in heaven through his selfless service to those he swore to protect.

Rest in peace officer; those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin blue line.

Medicine Lodge Police Department
Medicine Lodge, KS

September 7, 2005

Again we mourn as another hero is taken from us. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Silvera. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.

Rest in peace for your watch here is over; walk in heavens beat and guide us to protect and serve others safely.

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service GA

September 7, 2005

Our thoughts are with Ofc Silvera's family, Lino PD, and all those officers, deputies, troopers, and other responders who were on the scene. Our agency had a scarily similar close call last winter. Please please please put a hard barrier (like overpass pillars) between you and the coming pursuit when deploying sticks or spikes (this is not meant to critisize what happened in any way). Bless you all.

Volunteer
nearby suburb

September 7, 2005

Rest easy Officer Silvera, we will take it from here. God bless you and your family.

Reserve Officer Chad Wiener
Wyoming MN Police Department

September 7, 2005

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

September 7, 2005

Another horrible tragedy has struck the hearts of law enforcement everywhere. You are a brave soul and your sacrifice will never be forgotten. God Bless You.

Georgia Officer

September 7, 2005

Rest in peace for we have have the watch now.

Offc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

September 7, 2005

Somebody killed a policeman today,
and a part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect,
will be buried with him at his side.
The suspect that shot him will stand up in court,
with counsel demanding his rights.
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids,
and spend many long, lonely nights.
The beat that he walked was a battle field too,
just as if he'd gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,
to his name they will add a gold star.
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,
in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
a cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
and he stands at each new rookie's side.
He answered the call, of himself gave his all,
and a part of America died.


"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God."

September 7, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. You will be missed, and your sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace brother.

Police Officer
Saint Paul Police Department

September 7, 2005

TO: The family; loved ones; friends and department members: A POLICE OFFICER’S PRAYER:--- O, gentle Lord ! Keep the day/night watch with me. As I begin my tour of duty, I ask your protection from all mental, physical and spiritual harm. Sustain me with the knowledge that I am doing your work, endeavoring to keep peace among your people. Help me to be just as I enforce the law without prejudice or favor to anyone. May I be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties. Let me respond to all calls with haste realizing that so many are dependent upon me for life and safety. Support me with your consoling power when I am tempted to think no one really cares and that I am taken for granted. Sustain in me the conviction that so many thousands do care and are grateful for my presence. Grant that I may be loyal to my partner and my fellow officers, and that I may back them up effectively when called upon for assistance. Lord, I ask that I may return safely, after my tour of duty, to my loved ones and those who love me. I pray that I may be a good and honorable police officer; and after my tour of duty is over here on earth, may I enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven that you have promised to those who serve you well. AMEN. *** REST IN PEACE ***

Chief ( retired ) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

September 7, 2005

May God be with your family and may you Rest In Peace. You served well, and for the short time I worked alongside you, you were an excellent mentor. It was an honor being a brother in blue with you.

Officer Carlson
Centennial Lakes PD

September 7, 2005

Therefore those skilled at the unorthodox are infinite as heaven and
earth, inexhaustible as the great rivers. When they come to an end,
they begin again, like the days and months, they die and are reborn,
like the four seasons.

Cpl Walters
Prince George's County Police

September 7, 2005

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

September 7, 2005

Thank you for your dedicated service to your community and your department. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May they never forget your faithful service to your community and department and the brave HERO that you were. To Mrs. Silvera, children, family, friends and co-workers, our heartfelt prayers and sympathies are with you. May God be with you all during this very sorrowful time. Words will never compensate the loss you have suffered. We pray that He now gives you all strength in your time of need. May you find peace in the thought, that we as friends, take this time to lift you up in prayer.

For your act of unselfish bravery and courage Officer Silvera, we salute you. Blessed are the peacekeepers.

Denise & Erin Hunter, Widow and Daughter
Sgt. Gregory L. Hunter, Grand Prairie, TX Police Dept., EOW 6-18-04

September 7, 2005

May you rest in peace Officer Silvera. May god get your wife, children, family, and police family through this horrible time.

Lynn Vick

September 7, 2005

“REMEMBER ME”
Law enforcement officers are, indeed, a special breed of people. Ask anyone on the street and they will tell you that they would not have our jobs for anything in the world. It takes something special to do what we do and at the same time be able to even contemplate retirement. We try to be optimists. Unfortunately, there are a few of us who will never make that date with retirement. By the very nature of our job, we are at risk everyday of losing our lives, either at the hand of some deranged individual or in some other situation that we, by virtue of our occupation, may be unable to avoid. Some people have recognized the hazardous duties we involve ourselves in, the risks we take, and the pride we take in accomplishing that job. There is National Law Enforcement Week, dedicated to us who gladly accept the responsibility of protecting the citizens in our respective jurisdictions. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day is dedicated to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. These are but a two examples of remembrances specifically for law enforcement personnel. Remembrances that come but once a year. We should remind fellow officers of another type of remembrance, one that will last a lifetime. Sooner or later, a doctor will pronounce us dead. It is inevitable. Regardless of whatever happens, death is the end we will all have to face.
“IT IS IN DEATH THAT WE CAN LIVE FOREVER”
Author Unknown

Jim Moore
New Orleans P.D., Retired

September 7, 2005

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Lino Lakes Police Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Officer Silvera deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. No greater love has a person than the will to give their life for another. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Silvera is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, NC

September 7, 2005

Rest in peace brother, you are a hero to us all.

Officer Shaun McCready
Greenfield Township (PA) Police Department

September 7, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Trooper
MSP

September 7, 2005