Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Birco,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but also for our Country when you served in the USMC. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow former Marine;LEO

Anonymous

August 5, 2006

I'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUE SMILE WHEN YOU DROVE IN TO THE PARKING LOT, WHEN YOU "SHUFFLED" INTO THE LOCKER ROOM, (ALMOST LATE,BUT NEVER WERE!) WHEN I WAS ON A VEHICLE STOP BY MYSELF AND YOU BACKED ME UPPED, WHEN I WAS WRITING A REPORT AND YOU CAME UP BEHIND ME AND WOULD SAY, " WATCH' U GOT?" WHEN YOU'D WALK INTO THE ASSEMBLY ROOM AND THE PC WOULD CALL YOUR NAME AND WE'D TELL HIM YOU WE'RE GETTING DRESSED, BECAUSE YOU WERE.YOUR CLASSIC "BIRCO SCOLDINGS"! WE AT BAYVIEW MIDS KNOW WHAT THOSE WERE LIKE!I KNOW YOU'RE WATCHING US FROM ABOVE!LOVE YOU BROTHER! YOU SERVED YOUR TIME IN HELL. WE'LL TAKE IT FROM HERE.

OFFICER DAVID E. RODRIGUEZ #156
SAN FRANCISCO POLICE/ BAYVIEW

August 4, 2006

Hey Nick,
Today was difficult. WE all wore the shirts with your picture on it for step class. I can still see you jumping around the step and encouraging me to work harder. Your sister gave me shirts with your picture on it for the kids. I told her thanks and that it was such a "Nick" thing to do. You always thought of my kids. You always asked me how they were. On my way home I thought I heard my phone ring. You always called me after class. Your ceremony was beautiful. I just wish it wasn't for you. Thinking of you.

Claudia U.
friend

August 3, 2006

Hey Nick,
Today was difficult. WE all wore the shirts with your picture on it for step class. I can still see you jumping around the step and encouraging me to work harder. Your sister gave me shirts with your picture on it for the kids. I told her thanks and that it was such a "Nick" thing to do. You always thought of my kids. You always asked me how they were. On my way home I thought I heard my phone ring. You always called me after class. Your ceremony was beautiful. I just wish it wasn't for you. Thinking of you.

Claudia U.
friend

August 3, 2006

I always called you "Tomasito" or "Birco", something that would stand out, as you always did. I could hear you walk into a room and I would shout out your name. You would ask me how I knew it was you, it was your infamous shuffle step on your toes walk! I miss that... You put pineapple on your pizza's, and offered to pick the pineapple off for me because I didn't like it...you did anything to make someone happy. Our last night together was as partners, you told me that community policing was just as important as making arrests, the community deserves simple presence and conversation...you made a lasting impression performing all of the above. It hurts that I will never see your smile again, you will never look over my shoulder and talk to me while I'm typing a report, and we will never "argue" over who's buying dinner or drink. I miss you sooo much!!!

But, I am thankful that you are resting next to Zak at Holy Cross, I can only imagine your conversations. Love you both, Patty.

ofc. patty brown, usmc
bayview mids

August 3, 2006

May the memories of you and the legacy of the “Birco Smile,” live on and give comfort and peace to your family, your friends, and your brothers and sisters in blue. Rest in peace.

Sally Yeo
F.C.P.D

August 3, 2006

Nick , you are marching with the saints now.

uncle JOE

August 3, 2006

REST IN PEACE BROTHER MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.

SFPD

August 3, 2006

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. REST IN PEACE YOU ARE A REAL HERO

L.DeJesus
SFPD

August 3, 2006

Thank you for your service to the people of San Francisco. I grew up in the Mission District and always admired SFPD Officers.

Rest in peace and may God bless your family and your co-workers.

Senior Patrol Agent
US Border Patrol, Arizona

August 3, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with the fmaily of Office Birco. I am very sorry that you must suffer this indescribable pain because of such a senseless act. May you rest in peace, Officer Birco, in the loving arms of the One who created you and loves you for eternity.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

August 2, 2006

SEMPER FI!!!!!!!!!!! NOW YOU PATROL THE STREETS IN HEAVEN. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND THANK YOU!!!!!

Agent Michael Potter

August 2, 2006

It is with a heavy heart that I write this for fallen Officer, Nick Birco. I wish to express my gratitude to you for providing me with a blanket of security that my family, friends and I enjoyed and was able to live for daily. Your service to this city and country will never be forgotten, but will live in our hearts forever. This senseless tragedy weakened our city's hearts, but will serve as a benchmark to continuously strive for the safety of our residents. I know that you gave your life, heart and soul to your duties. I just wish there was something we could do with our justice system.

While we are grief-stricken by your untimely departure, look down on us here and continue to bless us with your good judgement and happiness. That we all live in the best city and that, as citizens, we all try to live in peace and harmony regardless of our race and religious convictions. I was so proud to see just about everyone in our city stand at the overpass, the Fire Department, fellow Police Officers, Muni employees, regular "joe's", hoping to see and bid you a final farewell, thanking you for your service and dedication in making sure that all is well in the streets of San Francisco.

To your family and friends, I wish you continued strength the rest of your lives. It will not be easy to put this behind you and forgive, but I hope you will remember to turn to each other for support. Always remember him in your conversations, reflections and jokes. It will make his memory alive, and your hearts a little lighter, if, for only a few moments. I know how proud you are of your son, friend and colleague - I sure am! Thank you for your gift to the city! God Bless you always and take comfort in the knowledge that your son will be there with you in spirit.

Carol O. Junsay
SF Resident

August 2, 2006

Hero's never die; They just take on a new assignment.

GOD Bless you and your family!

Officer Paladino
Colorado Springs PD

August 2, 2006

As our department remembered the one year anniversary of the murder of Officer Nels "Dan" Niemi we returned home with heavy hearts, only to watch the news to see that another local brother in blue had lost his life in the line of duty.

Nick ... may you join Dan on his beat in the heavens and continue to watch over us.

To your family I offer my deepest condolences. You will never forget but may you find comfort in his amazing smile and wonderful stories you can share.

To my fellow officers at San Francisco, time does help. I don't know how much time, because I still feel the pain of our loss daily, but it seems to get easier and the happy memories have begun to replace the sorrow of the event.
Continue to be strong and walk your beat in honor of Nick.

May you rest in peace Officer Nick Birco.

Jailer Thompson #1038
San Leandro Police Department

August 2, 2006

It's times like these that you want to go back and re-live the memories of childhood, wondering what would become of people that you spent time with in your life. I feel honored knowing a friend such as you. Those memories will remain forever and It was a pleasure knowing you Nick...
May God Bless You and your Family.
Rest in Peace my Friend.
-Victor

Victor Saldana
School Friend

August 2, 2006

Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called the CHILDREN OF GOD. (Matt. 5-9)

SFPD

August 2, 2006

To the Family of Officer Nick Birco:
Please accept our sincerest condolensces in the death of your son. We understand and are willing to do anything we we can at any time to offer support and assistance with the grieving process. We are the family of Officer Rich May, East Palo Alto, EOW January 7, 2006. We can be reached through the East Palo Alto Police Department. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and always.
Frank and Clarice Merrill and Family

Citizen

August 2, 2006

Rest in Peace Hero...thank you for your sacrifice. My prayers are with your family both at home and on the job.
Karen Perrucci
Sister of Officer Gary D. Pagano EOW 9-14-1982

August 2, 2006

The highest of distinctions is service to others. -King George VI

Officer Birco -- Your dedication to the good of your community will not be forgotten.

To all those touched by the loss of Officer Birco -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Association

August 2, 2006

May GOD bless your family and friends at this terrible time. Thank you for serving and protecting, Sir. Rest in peace.

Shirley Roberts
Aunt of Fallen Hero John Logan EOW-3-14-04

August 2, 2006

DEAR NICK..

ONE OF MY MOST VIVID MEMORIES OF HIGH SCHOOL WAS BEING AT ONE OF YOUR BIRTHDAY PARTIES. YOU MADE THE ROUNDS AND MADE SURE YOUR GUESTS WERE SET AND THEN YOU ATE DINNER ON BURTON'S DJ STAND WHILE YOU WERE DANCING...

THE LAST TIME I TALKED TO YOU, YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT GOING FULL TIME IN THE MARINES. I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE YOUR FACE ON THE NEWS BUT NOT SURPRISED YOU WOULD SERVE THE CITY AS A COP.

IT SOUNDS LIKE YOUR BEAT PARTNERS KNEW THE KIND OF GUY YOU WERE AND LOVED YOU FOR IT. WE WILL ALL MISS YOU BROTHER...

'THEY WILL FIND THE STREETS ARE GUARDED BY UNITED STATES MARINES' AND POLICEMEN...

SCOTT KIM
MILPITAS CA POLICE
SSFHS CLASS OF '85

POLICEMAN

August 2, 2006

Your smile will be missed dearly around the station Birco. I miss your smile already!

Officer Izaguirre
SFPD

August 2, 2006

Such a senseless and tragic chain of events that leads to an Officer's death is truly sorrowful. We put on that uniform each and everyday to protect and serve those we don't even know, and to put oneself in harms way to protect others shows how much of a caring man Officer Birco was. We will go to work everyday in pursuit of justice for you. May you be in peace and know that we are here to continue working the common goal of Peace and Justice in your Honor.

God Bless you and your family.

Officer Jerry goglas
Orlando Police Department

August 1, 2006

Please continue to watch over us Nick! We all miss you!

Abordo & Biteng Family
Relative

August 1, 2006