Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I long for the days spent with you and still wish for more... So many dreams and plans left unfulfilled... You are always in my heart... And I miss you everyday!

Cathy Jo
Wife

April 7, 2011

I will love you forever.... And that Love will transcend... Not even death can change it! It is the one constant....

Cathy Jo
Surviving Widow of Officer Clearman

February 5, 2011

12/10 passed by quietly with no one remembering but me and two of our and now my closest friend... A day that in 2000 changed my life forever... The day you walked into my life dressed in your leather jacket, blue jeans and cowboy boots, and changed my world forever... The greatest event that has effected my life for the best like no other day could or will ever do... Meeting you was the beat thing that ever happened to me... I love you with all my heart! My Honeyco, my love... Miss you so much!

Cathy ( your Keekers )
Your wife

December 11, 2010

Life has stopped... I feel like I'm still in the same place I was four years ago... The world continues to turn, people's lives continue to go on... I feel like I'm still waiting for you to come home... The lump in my throat I have learned how to manage better... I believe people expect me to be better, but I my heart was completely shattered when I lost you... It has healed, but is now hardened with scar tissue and at times continues to bleed... My life ended the day yours did... My energy is spent on showing people what they want to see... That I am strong and continue to live... But inside I feel half dead... I miss you every single day! And continue to remember the life we had and dreams we shared.... I wouldn't change a single thing unless it would bring you back to me...

Cathy
Wife

October 9, 2010

Hey Brent, you have a beautiful, newborn niece! I sure wish you were here to see her. Your sister and her hubby will be wonderful parents. I felt so privliged to be able to be there for the birth.
Love, Mom

Caroline Clearman
Mother

October 3, 2010

Dear Brother,

The kids and I went up to honor you on Friday. It was a lovely afternoon. So peaceful and quiet there on your hillside. It's hard to understand all of this, but like so many others you have touched, I am inspired by you continuously to keep doing whatever I am called to do to the best of my ability.

On my kitchen calendar on August 6 it says "Brent in Heaven 4 years", as if I really need a written reminder. I hope that however you exist now, you are able to feel a connection to us. I don't know if it's just the power of my wishing it, but I feel a connection to you. Someday, after my own last breath, I might unravel the mystery. Until then...

Tara
Sister

August 11, 2010

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this day. Continue to keep watch over all of them, protect them. I know that not a day has gone by since you were called away that they have not thought about you and they have carried your loving memories in their broken hearts. Thank you for your service to others and to your country. You have not been forgotten.

"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal." by Albert Pike

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

August 6, 2010

Hi Brent,
Today of all days, we attended the graveside service in Ilwaco for our friend Phyllis. I shed some tears, mostly for you. Four years ago you were taken from us so suddenly. So often I relive those awful days and it still feels like it is happening now. You are always in my heart and on my mind. I have a sympathy card that I bought to give away and then decided to keep for myself. It has a picture of a mountain and a rainbow with this saying: "I have passed the mountain peak and my soul is soaring in the fimament of complete and unbounded freedom; I am in comfort, I am in peace." by Kahlil Gibran It gives me solace to think of you this way.
Love forever, Mom

Caroline Clearman
Mother

August 6, 2010

On your EOW just to let you know that you are not forgotten.

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

Anonymous

August 6, 2010

I'm sitting here in the rain at the National Cemetary next to where we laid you to rest among other Hero's that fought for this country. At times it feels like I just lost you yesterday and the pain hits me hard. Mainly I feel like I'm in limbo between my past with you and the happiness I felt living life with you, and the future somewhere unkown ahead... It has been very difficult trying to take each step toward that future... But I'm learning that I must continue to live... Move toward my future and take with me all the good parts of our past...

We lost Ojo a couple weeks ago. It is so hard not having her here to comfort me. She went suddenly. She was our baby and I know she was just a dog, but she was part of both of us... I feel very alone in this world now. My only hope is that she found you. Don't lose her because I expect to see you both someday and Taz too in a much happier place.

I miss you but I am getting stronger everyday. I always remember our moto we had together: Quality over quantity.... I intend to live my life to the best Quality I can.... The way you lived yours. Reaching for the top and following my heart and my passions. Losing you, I felt like I lost the Fire you always told me I had... But I think I'm finding it again in the things I am learning to do... Thanks for giving me all the best parts of you, for believing in me and showing me how to believe in and push myself to that next challenge...

Love you Always!

Cathy Jo
Brent's Wife

April 6, 2010

Dear Brent,

I'm thinking of you on your birthday--you would be 37 today. You are in my thoughts and with me all the time. Around our house, we talk about what would Brent do and what would Brent think about certain events and things that are happening in the world today. I feel a little bit safer when I think of you and try to imagine all the things you've done and knowledge you had about preparedness in all ways. You're my role model, you know. Things are tough right now. We're getting by, but boy, could this country benefit from having you here. I have a feeling, though, you are with us in other ways. I love you and always will. Your mark on so many of us will last lifetimes.

Annie Uyematsu
Sister

January 29, 2010

It's amazing how big of an impact one life can make on so many... Happy Birthday Honeyco! I love you and Miss you... 37 years ago you came into this world and just by following your dreams, you served and protected, and you impacted thousands... I feel you have impacted my life more than any and continue to be one of my greatest influences... Thank you for choosing me to share your life with, and thank you for allowing me to share all of the amazing experiences we were able to have together... You lived your life protecting others and protecting me... Thank you for loving me, You are still with me everyday, you always will be! Miss You!

Cathy
Wife of Officer Clearman EOW 8-6-06

January 29, 2010

Hi Brent,
Thinking of you on your birthday. You will be "forever young" as the song says. You are also in my heart forever.
Mom

Caroline Clearman
mother

January 28, 2010

Officer Clearman, I passed by your dedication sign on the freeway this morning. Memories of your funneral came back. I wanted to thank you for you dedicated service to the Marine Corps and to the California Highway Patrol. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this holiday season. Thank you for keeping my community safe.

Bay Area Cop

December 4, 2009

Hi Brent: It's Veterans Day and I just wanted to let you know that I think of you and miss you constantly. When you came back from Iraq, I wanted to know how you were doing and how you felt about things, but never had the opportunity to talk to you about it. That's one of my regrets. I will always love you, my Son.
Mom

Caroline Clearman
Mother

November 11, 2009

Thinking about you today! We miss you

eryn
13447

November 10, 2009

The Marine Corps’ celebrated their 234th birthday today... I can’t help but wonder if I’d still have you with me in this life if you had stayed in the Corps... But you wanted more for us... I miss you... You are always in my thoughts and in my heart... It’s hard to know where to go in life now... All my dreams were intwined so tightly with yours... It just doesn’t make sense without you...

You were my anchor, the one that quieted my restless soul... A look, a touch, the sound of your voice could bring me a calm when things would get too chaotic... I feel very much adrift, and am having difficult finding my own solid ground...

Life has inevitably continued on...I have carried on with all the grace and strength that you would expect from me, but the pain still burns the pit of my stomach and the lump still has its place in my throat... I know eventually I will find my direction again... I will keep humping to the top of that mountain until I get there to ski down the other side... You taught me to always climb so that I wouldn’t lose any elevation, keep going up a little at a time... I’ve lost more than a little and I’m getting lost in the brush...

I’ll find my way, I have no choice in the matter... Thanks for leaving me with alot of loyal and good people that are helping me as much as they can... I have become a part of a larger family... CHP has kept a good watch, and kept their promise to never forget... You are my Warrior, My Hero, and My Husband... And you have been honored by many others for your loyal service to this country and to this State...

Thank you for loving me... thank you for choosing me to be your partner in life... thank you for being my best friend... I really wanted more time, but I am grateful for the time we had, and even if I had known the end result... I would have done it all over again!

Cathy Jo Clearman
Brent's Wife

November 10, 2009

Brent...was just sitting here talking about you to somebody and figured I'd drop in and let you know I was thinking about you. Pretty much all I gotta say. Really miss you bro...

Semper Fi

SGT Chris Bush
2/5 Sniper Platoon

November 8, 2009

Rest in Peace, Officer Clearman. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

I just heard the news of Brent's death, three years later. I met Brent at a week long sniper training where he was the instructor. It was a small close group and we got to know Brent and his assistant, Brandon LNU, good enough in that week that I can say he left a lasting positive impression on myself and others. I speak often of the great training we received and the dedication Brent had to us and our law enforcement mission. This is a great loss.

He will be greatly missed and it has sadened all of those I have spoken to that were at that training and got to know Brent. He was a dedicated American, to his country, the Marine Corp., all of those he trained, and the CHP.

It's really sad when the good ones leave us so early. My prayers go out to Cathy Jo and the rest of the Clearman family on this great loss.

Dennis Bergansky
Bedford (Ohio) P.D.

August 10, 2009

I am sending my love to all of you. Please know that I think of Brent & all of his family often.
May God watch over you and help you though these years without Brent.

Richie Grant
Surviving wife of Deputy Dave Grant

August 8, 2009

To Officer Brent William Clearman, his family and his fellow officers with the California Highway Patrol:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Officer Clearman’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Officer Clearman and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

August 6, 2009

This is the Speech I gave in memory of my Husband on May 7, 2009... It is for the Dedication of the Brent W. Clearman Tactical Training Facility located at the California Highway Patrol Academy.

To Brent: I love you and miss you each and everyday!

I want to thank everybody for coming here today, on this beautiful day. This morning we had the opportunity to pay respect to all of the fallen California Highway Patrol Officers that sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Every year we have the opportunity to reflect in reverence on those that served, to reaffirm to them, and to their families that we will never forget them. As we remember them, it’s important to keep in mind that each of them lived their lives. Each one of them I’m certain has left us with a remarkable story to tell. It’s as we’ve heard many times before… They are not heroes for how they died, but how they lived their lives.

I thank the Highway Patrol for giving My Husband this great honor…I couldn’t imagine a better way to pay tribute to the life of a great man. He spent this life becoming a better, stronger, smarter person, and he shared that knowledge and strength with those that were around him. He motivated many simply by his example. He worked hard at everything he was committed to without fail, he believed in giving nothing less than his very best. I knew after our first date that he was a gentleman, and it wasn’t long before he became my hero. Never before had I been more accepted for who I am and never had I been more encouraged to become who I wanted to be.

I think those of us that knew him all have our own stories we could tell. For me it was climbing mountains with him. I have countless stories and memories about those climbs we made together. I knew I was capable of doing anything with him beside me. While he is not physically here among us, he still is with each one of us. For those of us that had the privilege of training with him or learning from him, we know how he strived to teach the technique, “work smarter not harder”, “save your energy for when you need it most”, “practice it over and over and make it muscle memory”… “If you have enough energy to whine you have enough energy to work a little harder, run a little faster”… “Suck it up Buttercup”

He trained so he could win the fight against any enemy that may bring a fight to him. He lived and trained to protect what was most important to him. He did his best to prepare and give the necessary tools to the ones he taught. He spent countless hours out in the bush with his fellow Marines, and many more hours with the CHP Swat team. He wanted to be sure he taught them precisely all of the things they needed so that they could all return home safely to their families. He wanted everyone to be ready for whatever they may be up against, so he planned, he trained, he prepared. He made sure I was prepared as well…We would run through drills for a number of different scenarios that he wanted me to be ready for, until he was confident I knew exactly what to do and how to keep myself safe for those times that he may not be there for me. He has prepared me, he continues to motivate me, and it is because of him that I need to continue on this journey with as much determination that I can gather.

There are some special women here today, that have become close to me, I wish we could have met under different circumstances… but they all exude the strength and character of determination… they are survivors, not victims… they carry on the legacy left to them from their husbands, because as all of us remember them and hold those memories of what our husbands stood for, they will always remain with us… close to our hearts… we love sharing stories of them, because while they are held as heroes, to us they are more! It is because of them we go on to live life as best we can to honor their memories.

Each of us, have very personal ways of keeping their memories alive. I have chosen to gather those that knew Brent best and climb a mountain to mark the anniversary of his change in duty.
In 2007, exactly one year after his death, we climbed Mount Whitney, the mountain that him and I were supposed to climb together… he was there, he was by my side during the most challenging parts of the journey. His determination and strength is what got me to the top. At sunrise on the morning of August 6th, I was as close to heaven as I could get in the lower 48 states while still keeping my feet on solid ground. A little testament that the mountains we climb are steep, rugged and tough, but with the right preparedness, courage, passion, determination, motivation, strength and support from the right people, we can climb any mountain that is before us.

Brent’s Legacy continues on through the Clearman Foundation.
I could not have started that if it weren’t for the amazing support from friends to get it up and running and keep it going every year. The Range Officers that assist us during the shooting competition we hold in his honor, each know Brent personally and can attest to the meticulous way Brent would’ve run one of his own run and gun courses. They carry forward the challenging scenarios Brent would have used in his own training. It’s exactly what Brent wanted on a smaller scale, but with a greater purpose.

The example of the life Brent lived and the tremendous impact he had on many people is a testament that Brent is not a hero for how he died, he is a hero for how he lived… I think a good friend of Brent’s summed it up perfectly when he said, “If Brent was here to tell us what he would like his legacy to be, he would say to not settle for mediocrity but to be the very best at whatever we do. And as we learn and gain skills, remain humble and share what we’ve learned with others.”

Cathy Jo Clearman
Widow of Officer Clearman, EOW 8-6-06

May 9, 2009

My boys and I attended the 3rd annual Clearman Challenge yesterday and it was amazing. It was so great to see so many people there to support your wife as well as your memory. I am so proud of Cathy and what she has done with The Clearman Foundation. We are forever grateful for Cathy, her friendship as well as the selfless acts in taking my self and my boys to baseball games. Your wife is amazing! I feel that through Cathy I see you. I am sorry I never was able to get to know you.

Carrie Hudnall

Carrie Hudnall
Wife of William "Joe Hudnall EOW 11-14-06

April 20, 2009

We miss you everyday.

Eryn
friend

April 11, 2009