Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

May your sleep be sweet and may your loved ones be ever blessed by Him in whose care we all are.

September 6, 2007

Two years have passed and you have not been forgotten by those that love you. I know that they think of you every day and will continue to do so for as long as they walk this earth and they will always carry you in that special place in their hearts. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

September 5, 2007

Each day both enroute to work, and and then again on my way home I pass by the "Officer Shawn Silvera memorial highway" signs, and I remember you. I felt compelled to write on the reflections page for this reason. My thoughts and prayers are with your family as you were taken away from them much too soon. Shawn, you lived with honor and died a hero and I know your family is proud of the life you lived. You serve as a continued reminder to me that this is a dangerous job and to remain vigilant in my duties. I feel you are continuing to serve by reminding me to stay safe every day. Thank You for your service and sacrafice, rest well my friend.

Police Officer/EMT-P
Maplewood Police Department

August 5, 2007

I have seen a change in myself since that fateful day on the 6th of September in the year 2005, I have become experienced, weathered, hardened, maybe cold at times. I have aged 5 years on that day. I say this because even thought many bad things have come because of your death, I remember that life is totally worth living. Hearing stories or reading what your wife has said about you and your two innocent little angels you left here on this world, I led me to change my life. I cope, I live and I learn the mostly hard lessons of this world, and remember that you probably saved my life, and many others I am sure, and your way of living has inspired change. The nightmare have gone away, maybe it because they are not unexpected. This is and should be not about me, but about you. Shawn you are my hero, The world will never forget what you were, what you were about, and the things that you did. You will be missed, but never ever forgotten.

Anoymous M

July 6, 2007

Officer Silvera,

My youngest child has just finished the fifth grade at your grade school (Mississippi Elementary). Every time I have been in that building, the last couple of years, I have paused at the school's memorial in your honor. Thank you for your service Shawn.

God bless you.

June 28, 2007

I just wanted to know that we're thinking of you. I know that these past couple of weeks have probably been tough and just know we've never stopped praying for you all. You truly have been an inspiration to us whether you know it or not! It may have been by watching you on the news or just running the Daisy Dash with your kids! God has given you strength that you may not see but we do and it has changed us, so thank you and God Bless you always!

Cheryl R.

June 1, 2007

jennifer, i hope you find some way to be happy in all of this. you still have madelyyn and jordan.you also have your friends and relatives to comfort you when you need it.your kids are so cute .just try to keep the happy memories of shawn with you.

emilie r a freind of tara's

May 17, 2007

Shawn,

Today is May 15th-Law Enforcement Memorial Day. The Sheriff's Office where I am employed holds a memorial service every year to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. This year marks the eighth year I have attended the service. Last year and this year have been tougher than the last several years because your death has personally touched me.

I wish I could have known you better than that of the stories I would hear from Adam when he would work midnights with you. He always spoke of your strong character and your wealth of knowledge. He commented once that you enjoyed reading user manuals:) Please know that your legacy is still strong and you are especially in my thoughts today.

Sara Halverson
Washington County Sheriff's Office

May 15, 2007

i did not know shawn but when i was told about him i asked tara to stop talking becausee i was about tok cry.i think each night about what happenned and wish there was a way i could fix it for him.

a friend of tara o's

May 15, 2007

May 12, 2007
Today would be your seven year anniversary to Jennifer. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend the afternoon with her. As soon as our plans were made to meet, I knew that I would bring her white daisies. I know that I can never fill any part of the emptiness she has without you but I wanted to "step up" and fill in for you in one small way. I wanted her to know that you will not be forgotten and to allow her to have her own special memories of you and what you might have done today, your anniversary.

Today was a hard day for both of us in so many ways. We were also struggling with our sadness on the loss of a very dear friend, Mary Jo. I had season tickets to the theater with Mary Jo and today was the last play we were to see for the season. Jennifer is the only other person I would have wanted to go with and I'm so glad we shared the day. She helped make the day bearable and even enjoyable for me.

You already knew this, but your wife is an amazing woman. I admire her greatly and her strength and courage encourage me.

Dana Hennen
friend

May 12, 2007

It was a scene Ive never seen before, and one I hope I never see again. The day I had to find a fallen brother lost in the weeds after he had been assaulted in the worst way. It is hard to continue with this message as I have seen another fallen officer after he gave way to his self-inflicted injury shortly after I arrived to help him. All I wonder is why we move on during all of this hardship. I am still pushing on day to day--knowing that I am hopefully making a difference

Deputy
ACSO

March 28, 2007

Although I never knew you I will never forget the day when you were killed. My Brother in Law is a Officer and I am a future officer. I will always remember you and your sacrifice for this great state and all of the citizens of Lino Lakes when I am out patroling someday. You will always be in my prayers.

RIP Brother in Blue

Chris Cummings
Future Officer

March 18, 2007

Feliz Cumpleanos, Bobo! Tonight we celebrate your life.

We remember you like it was yesterday and miss you like it's been a hundred years.

Your son and godson make very handsome "officers", eager to write tickets to anyone in their path! But you already know this, don't you?

Deanne Silvera
Sister-In-Law

March 7, 2007

Come with me son, to Heaven I am leading

I opened my eyes to see my Savior,
He said, "Follow me, my son.
He will pay for his behavior,

For you have performed a job well done!

Officer Silvera, you are our hero!!

Patrol Officer
Howard Lake Police Department

February 15, 2007

Officer Silvera,

I have read over these reflections more times then I can count. It has been over a year now, and my memories of that afternoon have yet to fade. I spend time each day thinking of you and the sacrifice you made. Although we only knew eachother for a short time, I know that I will never forget you Shawn. You are a hero.

Police Officer
CLPD

December 23, 2006

Shawn,
As I sit on duty tonight more than a year after that tragic day I finally decided to leave something here, I will never forget that day, every time I look out my window overlooking that freeway, or everytime I drive that drive, that I drove that day. Just remeber, you will never be forgotten. BCR

FireFighter/ BCR
CFD

December 15, 2006

Shawn,
I am thinking of you today as always, and am thankful that you touched so many lives in so many ways. Because of you we will all count our blessings more closely.
Cindy

Cindy Harloff

November 21, 2006

I may not have know you but I want you to know that you are a part of my everyday life. I have been wearing your wrist band ever since the first day they came out. My Heart ached that day you were suddenly taken from this world. I want Jennifer and your family to know that to this day you and them our in my thoughts and prayers. I also want to say God Bless and Thank You.

Renee Miller

Renee Miller

November 12, 2006

Shawn;
I write this with tears in my eyes. Although we never met, I shook of fear when I learned of your death. I proudly wore the uniform of a Reserve Deputy so I could assist at, then attend your funeral. As I stood in the pouring rain among my other brothers and sisters who wore the uniform, certainly crying as god also wept with us. I saluted proudly, but sadly as your body was driven to your church, and you were brought in for your final worship among strangers, friends, loved ones, clergy and god. It was an honor to have been a part of paying final respects to someone who gave his life for all of us, and watch over you as you were laid to your final resting place. Make no mistake however. If I could go back to Sept. 6 2005 and stop this tragedy from happening, I would do it without hesitation.
I also shead a tear of joy knowing that your killer was recently sentenced, and given a lengthy term beind bars. Your killer will then walk my beat. If I meet him, I will treat him as any other inmate, do what I am sworn and obligated to do for all whom are incarcerated to my beat, as tough as it may be to do.
I hope you also know that on the day of your funeral, a business card was passed out to all attendees. On the one side, it reads "Shawn Silvera met God Personally September 6, 2005". One the other side reads the most important phrase I have ever read, and I live by it, even more now then ever in your honor, "Shawn died doing his duty. Do your duty daily". Thank you Shawn. Your sacrifice has made me a stronger person. You did not die in vein. Please watch over and protect us. God bless you, and all of us who put on the uniform every day.

Sgt. Michael Kunze
MN Dept. of Corrections

October 24, 2006

The policeman stood and faced his 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 badges
Can't always be a Saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my work 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,
I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills just got too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times 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 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 borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.

Police Officer

October 23, 2006

Officer Silvera,

Sometimes I wonder if a man in death is the same man as when he was alive.
During his lifetime,...his reach his finite, his influence is measured and his limitations are known.

In death, he is transformed into something he would never expect, leaving a legacy that defies borders.

In death, his reach is continuous, his influence is ever expanding, and there are no limitations on the good that can be done.

Would you be surprised at any of this? I have no way to know.

All we can do for you, or any other fallen officer, is the best we are able, to bring meaning from tragedy,...life from death,...good from evil.

"No hay mal que por bien no venga."


Rest in peace, 126.

paul g.
Brother, William P. Davis, EOW 11/03/2003

paul gertsen

October 23, 2006

Shawn, I can't believe you've been gone more than a year! I miss our breaks together at my home in the middle of the night, our discussions of politics, relationships, work, and our families. Our movie nights - dinner and a movie with Jen and Ladine. The way you would lovingly tease Jen when she would awake after the movie was over and you would have to explain to her what she missed! Your death has left a hole in my life that cannot be filled. I thank God for the ability to remember our friendship from our College days, to our Wedding days, to becoming fathers, and homeowners. Unfortunately, with becoming police officers came the crazy, scattered schedules that didn't always allow us the time to spend as much time together as we may have wanted. We made time when we could - like 3:00 a.m. breaks. You were a good friend and you will never be forgotten!


Rest in peace my friend.

Jon Krueger
CLPD

Police Officer
CLPD

October 17, 2006

"Successful is the person who has lived well, laughed often and loved much, who has gained the respect of children, who leaves the world better than they found it, who has never lacked appreciation for the earth's beauty, who never fails to look for the best in others or give the best of themselves."

If this is the standard for success... you were the most successful person I have ever met. The world is a darker place in your absence.

October 5, 2006

"Successful is the person who has lived well, laughed often and loved much, who has gained the respect of children, who leaves the world better than they found it, who has never lacked appreciation for the earth's beauty, who never fails to look for the best in others or give the best of themselves."

If this is the standard for success... you were the most successful person I have ever met. The world is a darker place in your absence.

October 5, 2006

I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)
I fear no fate (for you are my fate)
I want no world (for you are my world)
Here is the deepest secret nobody knows
I carry your heart (I carry it my heart)

-e.e. cummings

Jennifer Silvera
Shawn's Widow

September 15, 2006