Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hi honey

Just a simple but sweet message to you.

Happy Valentine's Day Bryan

I'm sending a thousand Valentine hearts to you in heaven today. Keep an eye out for them!!!

I'm sorry I made you wear hearts on your t-shirt in first grade. I thought it was cute for Valentine's Day...but I did not know that older kids would tease you. I'm sorry.
Moms do make mistakes sometimes. It's a mistake I will regret always. I never wanted you to be hurt in life.

If I only knew what was ahead.....I would have kept you inside forever.

Loving you today and always

Sandy Tuvera
mother

February 14, 2008

Dear Bryan,
Something awoke me on this early Valentine's morning. It was a dream I had of you, Salina and I, at the house, discussing details for your big day. Salina and I were sitting on the couch, while you were happily sitting on the floor, Indian style, reviewing your new find for your collection. I think of that moment often because I know you were truly happy then. It's still dark outside, and I can’t help but think of how blessed we all are to have known an angel like you. I am so honored to have been a bridesmaid, on that glorious day when you and my dear friend Salina took your vows as husband and wife. You two complimented each other, and gave each other a love that most people dream of, but never find in their lifetime. You truly made Salina happy, and for that I am eternally grateful, my friend. Nothing will take away that empty feeling, your absence has left us all.
Every time I go home I remember that night you were unfairly taken away from us. I had just dropped off Christmas gifts earlier that evening to your house. On my way home, as I approached my street corner, I couldn't help but notice the large number of emergency vehicles, media, and lights flashing just one block over. Little did I know that was all for you. A few minutes later, I received the worst phone call of my life.
Dear Bryan, Please know that I will always be there for Salina and your family whenever they need me. I see the heartache Salina must face every day without her hero by her side. What a tragedy this has been. There is not one day that I don't think of you. The Holiday's are even harder to bear without you here with your loved ones. You are forever in my thoughts and prayers.
P.S. Thank you for the few feathers you left behind for me. Please continue raining them down for Salina. She lights up knowing you are there watching over her.
~Natalie~ 0335 hrs

Natalie
Family Friend

February 14, 2008

Hi honey

It's mom.....just thinking of you this morning, as I do every morning. You are always on my mind. Every day I want to pick up the phone, call you, hear your voice and share something with you...knowing that it would bring you to laugh.....but I can't. I no longer have a number to call you at. That breaks my heart.

I talk to you all the time, but I never get an answer back. I miss you so much that it hurts. I have a heavy pressure in my chest that never goes away. I thought losing daddy was hard....but I NEVER knew what hard really was until this happened to you. Hard is a mother not being able to see her child, hug her child, hold her child, touch her child, kiss her child, comfort her child, talk to her child, laugh with her child, watch her child grow older, watch him become a parent, watch the love grow between him and his new wife, and not being able to share life with a grandchild she should have been able to enjoy.

I actually thought about writing you a letter addressing it to you, in c/o HEAVEN....as I know that is where you are. I know you are in heaven with daddy...watching over us down here....and I am sure you are crying with us, knowing what you were supposed to experience and enjoy down here was taken away from you. I am sure you are crying not only because of your loss but also crying because you know the pain the rest of us down here are now forced to endure.

I am down here....but I am not living....I merely exist. Reality is....this is as good as it gets.

I cannot believe that this happy, honest, law abiding family has been forced to be in this position. Did I do something wrong? Lord knows you didn't.

Anyways....I just wanted to tell you I love you.

I'm sending you a BIG, GIANT hug this morning. I'm also singing you the famous "GOOD MORNING....GOOR MORNING" song.

Love and miss you always,
Your grieving mother

Sandy Tuvera
mother

February 13, 2008

Bryan:

I have so many stories that I want to share with you... stories that would let me hear you laughing out loud.

I miss not being able to share them with you.

Steve Leonard
Cousin

February 11, 2008

My dearest loving brother in law,

I love you. Simple as that. Sometimes it's just that simple and all that ever needs to be said.

I love you again, always!

Andrea
xoxoxo

Andrea
Sister In Law

February 4, 2008

Good morning sweetheart

I cannot believe that tomorrow is the two year mark for your second most important day in your life. It is the day you asked Salina for her hand in marriage. I remember that day so vividly. You went over your plans many many times, hoping that it would go perfectly. You surprised Salina when she got home from dinner at her mom's (which was the decoy for you to set up) with lit candles and scattered rose pedals. You had the lights off to make sure that she would be totally surprised. You got down on one knee and proposed. You were so very happy. The two of you should be spending this special day together, celebrating what was supposed to be a lifetime of happiness. Every day is heartwenching knowing your dreams were shattered at the hands of this vicious criminal.

I want you to know that there is not a single minute that I don't think of you. I cry every single day and I am sure that I always will.

Please hang out with Salina all day tomorrow. Give her a strong sign so she feels your presence.

I love you and miss you more than you will every know.

All my love
mom

Sandy Tuvera
mother

February 1, 2008

Hi honey

Just wanted to write you and say good morning. I love you and miss you more than you will EVER know. I had to go to LA for work last week so I stayed the weekend to spend time with Tracee, Grace and Jesse. Tracee got a new card game that I know you would have loved to play. It reminded me alot of speed only more difficult. You really have to use your brain.....I know.....that is sometimes hard for me to do.....and now...with you gone....it is REALLY hard for me to do.

Sorry to say....but your car went to auto heaven on xmas day. At least Jim got to use it for a year, which allowed him to save money to be able to buy a new car. I couldn't help but think that if you had been here, it would have prompted you to buy a new car.....which you always wanted to do...but never got a chance to. As you can see....every single event in our lives, no matter how small, reminds us of you.

Hope you and daddy are having fun riding around in your patrol car. Daddy always wanted to be a cop. He drove the police vans....so I am sure he is loving the actual police car.

I'll write you soon.

Hugs and kisses to my precious son

Love, mom

Sandy
mom

January 14, 2008

Bryan,

I am on this website a lot and have never quite summoned up the courage to leave a message on here, but for some reason, as I read some of the recent posts today, it just felt like the right time. You are always in my thoughts and prayers and your sudden, unexpected death has left a huge hole in my family's and everyone's hearts. Coming from a family that has many members in the police force, you brutally brought home the reality that the bad people out there can and do hurt the good people. I know you are always watching over your family, and are especially with Salina during her tough moments. You are and always will remain a hero in my eyes and will forever be in my heart.

Jennifer Williams
Family Friend

January 14, 2008

One year candlelight vigil speech by Jim Leonard:

It's been one year tonight, and I'm still at a loss for
words over Bryan being gone. I knew him since the day
he was born and like many of you I was at the hospital
the night he passed. The one thing that's strange to
me, is I didn't really know Bryan as a police officer.
The one and only time I saw him in uniform was at his
graduation. Our relationship revolved around family
and humor. For as long as I can remember, our families
celebrated Christmas Eve together. It was always my
favorite holiday and I couldn't wait for Aunt Sandy,
Uncle Butch and Bryan and Tracee to arrive. I have so
many great memories of us all spending time together.
Like most who knew him, Bryan made me laugh. He had
such a unique way of looking at things, but he
always had a pretty good and often entertaining point
of view. Everytime he came over (with comics in tow),
he would quietly sit down in the corner chair. It
wouldn't take long before he had an audience and the
stories would begin. Unfortunately for Tracee, about
95% of them were about her. Although Bryan joked with her constantly,
they were very close and we all knew he would do
anything for her. Family was everything to Bryan, he
had a huge heart and was always there when you needed
him. A few years ago I had surgery and found myself in
the hospital for a few days. Aside from my immediate
family, Bryan was the first one to visit me. I hadn't
even told him I was having surgery, he just showed up.
I'll never forget that. I think about Bryan often.
Whenever I receive a funny email, or hear a joke, I
can't help but think how much Bryan would've loved it.
I can still hear his laugh and it puts a smile on my
face. I miss you Bryan.

Jim Leonard
Cousin

January 13, 2008

Hi honey

Wanted to post Lt. Favetti'a candlelight vigil speech on your page. He did an awesome job and I wanted you to have a copy.

Love you much.....and miss you more as each day passes.
Love mom

One year - Candlelight vigil speech 12/22/07 by Lt. Favetti

I’d like to thank you all for being here tonight to mark the sad milestone of the first anniversary of the death in the line-of-duty of Officer Bryan Tuvera.

As everyone knows by now, Bryan was an avid fan of comic books, and one of his favorites was the Batman series. So I’d like to put my remarks in the context of that superhero, as a tribute to Bryan.

One year ago tonight, Officer Bryan Tuvera, our real-life superhero, was patrolling the streets of San Francisco in order to keep the good citizens safe from evil villains. Bryan heard the call of other officers when they spotted a horrible, despicable human being lurking near 25th & Lawton. The villain had escaped from California State Prison. Although he was incarcerated for committing a violent robbery of an armored car currier and was a repeat felon, he was allowed to participate in a low-security work detail outside of the prison walls with no outside perimeter fence. He merely had to walk away from that detail to be free.

He eventually returned to San Francisco, and was now suspected in a string of violent robberies in The Sunset.

When Bryan heard the call from the other officers, our superhero, sprang into action and joined the pursuit. Bryan saw the villain kick in a service door and enter the garage of a 2-story house on 25th Ave. In an act of selflessness, Bryan followed the man in order to bring him to justice, and protect the citizens of San Francisco from danger.

Gun fire erupted, and when the smoke cleared, our superhero lay mortally wounded on the garage floor. The villain, realizing he was now cornered, committed suicide and would never prey on the citizens of San Francisco again.

In the year since this incident, life has moved on, but it hasn’t been the same without Bryan. It wasn’t really how he died that made him a superhero, it was how he lived. He showed us what being a police officer is really all about. Why it important to be honorable, to put others before yourself, to have courage in the face of danger, and how to sacrifice everything for the good of man.

Bryan was a shining example of what it means to be a police officer. The pain and sadness of his death may fade, but the lessons learned by his heroism will live in the hearts of San Francisco Police Officers forever.

We will never forget.

The rest of us are here now to carry on, and we will. On Christmas Day, we will be there. On Halloween, and Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Eve, we will be on-duty and ready to serve. When that raccoon is running across your roof at midnight, and you think you hear a burglar, we will check it out for you. And if it is a burglar, we’ll take him to jail. And we will do this in the name of Bryan Tuvera.

We will never forget.

Every time we hear a “Code 33,” or a “10-25,” officer needs help, or the big one, “406,” we will remember him.
Every time we hear the sirens of a police officer pursuing a dangerous felon, we will remember him.

When good, honest people need to be protected from despicable evil-doers, we will act in his name.

We will never forget.

Lt. Michael J. Favetti #437

Sandy Tuvera
mother

January 7, 2008

God bless you and your family. Your a true hero in everyones eyes...

Nick Tutino, son of a fallen Deputy

January 7, 2008

Hi honey

Just wanted to say I love you

Below are the words to a song that Tracee wanted to play at your one year candleight memorial vigil. We were going to try to play it when we lit the candles, but we were not able to fit it in due to timing issues.

So....I wanted to post the words to your page because I feel they are very appropriate. I am sure this is what you would be saying.

The Promise (by Tracy Chapman)

If you wait for me
Then I'll come for you
Although I've traveled far
I always hold a place for you in my heart

If you think of me
If you miss me once in awhile
Then I'll return to you
I'll return and fill that space in your heart

Remembering
Your touch
Your kiss
Your warm embrace
I'll find my way
Back to you
Please say...you'll be waiting

If you dream of me
Like I dream of you
In a place that's warm and dark
In a place where I can feel the beating of your heart

Remembering
Your touch
Your kiss
Your warm embrace
I'll find my way
Back to you
Please say...you'll be waiting

Oh I've longed for you
And I have desired
To see your face, your smile
To be with you....wherever you are

Remembering
Your touch
Your kiss
Your warm embrace
I'll find my way
Back to you
Please say...you'll be waiting

Together again
It would feel so good
To be In your arms
Where all my journeys end

If you can make a promise
If it's one that you can keep
I vow to come for you
If you wait for me and say you'll hold
A place for me in your heart

A place for me in your heart

A place for me in your heart

A place for me in your heart


I miss you so much Bryan.....All my love....mom

Sandy
heartsick mom

January 3, 2008

Just a quick Happy New Year to you dearie (if I can even say that). Please keep watch over us all in this new year and always.

I love you and talk to you soon.

Andrea

P.S. Ghentyl and I want to see rainbows this week....=)

Andrea
Sister In Law

January 2, 2008

My dearest Bryan,

I wanted to post my one year candlelight vigil speech to your site for all to read. I miss you more as each day passes. I love you honey.

One year candlelight vigil speech by Sandy Tuvera (mom)

One year ago today, our lives were shattered forever. It is hard to comprehend how one troubled individual can destroy the lives of so many people in just a blink of an eye. With one shot, one bullet, one pull of the trigger, this escaped felon robbed Bryan of his basic right to live. That night he not only killed Bryan, but he killed me too. The person I was at that moment in time, no longer exists. That person died that night.

There has yet to be a single day that I have not cried.....and I can honestly say, there never will be. The days never get better....they only get worse. I miss him more as each day passes.

Losing a child is difficult, but losing a child in this manner, in the line of duty, causes the loss to be overwhelming. Some people say that time has a way of healing...but I assure you, there is no healing. Talk to any survivor who has walked this walk. You never heal; you merely survive. Getting through each day is a chore in itself. And the worst part is.....this is as good as it gets.

Each and every one of us lost a very special person in our lives that night. Whether we lost a husband, a son, a brother, a friend, a cousin, a comrade, or a co-worker, we all lost someone unique and special....and the world lost an honest and wonderful man.

Bryan was just a simple man who wanted nothing more out of life than what you, I, and everyone else in the world hope to obtain - a life of happiness and love with his wife, his soon to be born children, his dog, his family and his friends, along with all the wonderful memories that life would bestow upon him. Sadly, Bryan was robbed of that. What a terrible, terrible injustice this has been.

Salina, I can't even begin to express the true sorrow I feel for you. The two of you deserved a lifetime together. What can I possible say to my son's wife, knowing that she got engaged, married, and buried her husband, all in the same year. Saying I'm sorry is just not enough.

Tracee, I am so, so VERY sorry. I can't believe you have lost your father and now your brother...and to have them both die on the same date, twelve years apart is unimaginable. You should not have to go through this heartache. It is so unfair.

The worst injustice though has been to Bryan. He lost his life at the hands of someone else....someone who should never have been out on the street....He lost a life that he so much deserved to live.

But, no matter how sad we are tonight, this night is about Bryan, his life, his love and the wonderful memories he gave us. We were all blessed to be a part of Bryan's life and are better people as a result of knowing and loving him.

Bryan was lucky to have found his soul-mate, Salina. Some people live an entire lifetime without ever finding that. The happiest days of his life were those he shared with her. Their hearts became one the day they said "I do". I am so grateful that he had the opportunity to experience the special love that only a soul-mate can give, for a mother's love is different than that of a wife.

Bryan had a wonderful sense of humor and a magical laugh that easily made others laugh with him. He had a unique story telling ability that always managed to perk our interest and keep us intensely focused on his story. You often found Bryan standing with his arms folded across his chest, looking at you out of the corner of his eye. It was that mischievous look that always made me smile. I miss that look....I miss him....

Bryan was content with life as long as he was with his wife, his dog Bosco and a good comic book.

I ask each of you to hold Bryan close to your heart. Remember him for the wonderful man he was and for all the great laughs and memories he gave to us all.

The escaped felon was out to do major damage that night, having over 100 rounds of ammunition in his possession. If Bryan had hesitated for one moment and waited before entering that garage and following the suspect, I guarantee you that not only would the residents inside have been killed, but possibly other officers too.

We must NEVER forget Bryan or the ultimate sacrifice he made that night, preventing the suspect from harming the elderly couple in that house or from harming his fellow officers.

A very special San Francisco police dispatcher wrote us a letter that I would like to quote.

"Just like Superman, Bryan put himself in harms way that night. His body was not made of steel, but his determination and loyalty were. That night he truly became a member of the Justice League and all it stood for. It may only be a comic book adventure, but on the night of December 22, 2006, Bryan brought them all to life. Just like the Justice League, Bryan has given us hope that the Good Guys can win."

Bryan, your absence has left a gaping hole in our lives, but our shared memories will forever fill our hearts. You made your mother proud.

You, Isaac and Nick are now "Angles in Blue" patrolling the gates of heaven. I can't wait to see you again.

Sandy
mom

January 1, 2008

One year Candlelight vigil speech by Mike Machado

The last time I hung out with Bryan was a year and a day ago. I have missed him every day since. When we were kids, we grew up in the same town, shopped at the same comic book store, watched the same things on TV and often watched those shows together.

While growing up I spent as many weekends at his family's house as I spent at my own. I'd drop by to visit him and Tracee after they moved out and for a few years, Bryan, Tracee and I lived together. He's been intertwined throughout my life to the point where many of the things I remember from my past are inseparable from him.

I had anticipated the same closeness for our future. As adults we were supposed to have had the chance to talk about life, indulge in nostalgia, and raise kids who were as close to each other as we were, as we still are. We were supposed to have done all that and more. That future I had imagined is gone now. ALL THOSE EXPERIENCES THAT HAD YET TO BE BE LIVED, DIED WITH BRYAN.

This past year has been devastating, and painfully filled with grief and loss, and what's worse is that one day I realized, it's just the beginning.

Though each gathering without him was difficult, and each time wanting to call him and not being able to was a time of grief, I know that I've only lived through a small number of those times, relative to the number that will occur over the rest of my life.

Consider, 366 days in the span of a lifetime isn't so long. By my estimate, I have more than 18,000 days of missing him ahead of me. More than 98% of those times when you feel a pang of loss lie ahead. This past year has been just the beginning.

One might think the first year without someone would be the hardest. People might think the sudden loss, the newness of being without him, and the way memorials can cause you to relive the tragedy all would make it so. But I know it will get harder to have him absent from my life in subsequent years, not easier. And within Bryan's family and circle of close friends, I don't yhink this experience will be unique to me.

In considering what to say at his memorial today, I decided it was this perspective that I wanted to share with everyone. For me, and I think for all of us who were close to Bryan, losing him becomes more visible over time. We live through more events without him each day, each month each year. More times when we wanted to call him but couldn't, more times when we would have seen him but we don't, or more times when he would have cracked a joke or teased someone and doesn't. His absence grows bigger in our hearts and minds each time he is missed.

Some people will look at the news articles or the pictures and think that the day he passes away was the emotional height of this for everyone. others might think that it was the day of the funeral...since it was such a large, visible event. From my perspective though, each day brings a new emotional step for us. Living without his continued presence is like climbing a stairwell that never ends. There will never be a point when those who love him get to start climbing down that metaphorical stairwell of loss. There's only up. Only missing him more, never missing him less. Only one more missed opportunity, never one less.

This year has been hard and looking back on it, I know it's only the first of the many hard years we'll have to endure.

Mike Machado
cousin

January 1, 2008

Dear Bryan

I forgot to say..thanks for sending the man with the green lantern t-shirt to sit with Tracee at the airport when she was alone. We all felt it was a sign from you...and you were staying with her to protect her and keep her company since she had to be alone at the airport gate.

Please keep the signs coming. We need to feel your presence often.

Love mom

Sandy
mom

January 1, 2008

Hi honey

Happy New Year. Happy isn't really a word I use any longer, but I have to say what I would normally say to you today. Happy New Year honey. I love you very much.

Salina, Tracee and I went away for the xmas holiday, after the one year anniversary of the most aweful day of our lives. We got through the one year mark, holding a beautiful candlelight vigil for you. We know you were there. We left on xmas day. Salina thought it would be good for the three of us to get away, to go somewhere where it was warmer...so we would not think that it was the holiday season...and so we could try to get through the balance of the year. I tried not to cry in front of them, but cried when I was alone. There was not a moment during that trip that I did not think about you. I know that I should never have been taking a trip like that without you being right by our sides.

We heard songs that reminded us of you, like Salina's favorite, the Hawaiian version of "Over the Rainbow". You both played it on your wedding day...two months before this aweful tragedy.

The weather ended up being gloomy and we only saw the sun on my birthday (I am sure it came out that day thanks to you). I always wanted to take that trip as a family. I wanted you there to experience it with you too.

I am glad we went and am glad that Tracee and Salina were able to spend time together. That's important to me.

The trip was nice. However, the moment I walked in the door back home, I began to cry. Your absence has an overwhelming effect on me...on all of us. Life has not been fair to you....you of all people....

This week a tiger jumped out of his area at the SF zoo. The moment I heard Joe was there, I knew you would have been there too. That would have been your call and your run.

Anyways....I just wanted to talk to you day one of the new year...2008.

All my love honey. I miss you more and more as each day passes.

Sandy
mother

January 1, 2008

Dear Bryan,

Merry Christmas to you Angel. However today certainly did not feel like Christmas. It is no longer in my heart. Without you, everyday and especially holidays and other special events feel so incomplete. We are all trying, but it is so evident that a part of all of us has died right along with you; and our zest for holidays like today are simply non-existent.

I've been having so many flashbacks of preparing for last Christmas; at first picking out a jacket for you because I thought it was pretty cool and it was a great deal (sorry). I tried convincing myself that was the right gift for you because I was beginning to feel that I played out the whole dress shirts and sweaters gifts too many times already. Give me some credit--I was trying to be creative! Unfortunately when I brought it home so Salina could give me her stamp of approval she told me to take it right back (you gotta love Sal's brutal honesty!). She was right though. It wasn't what you would really want for Christmas.

A few days later Salina gave me the idea of buying you the 24 series on DVD (the collection that is). It was just released and my mission was to hit up every video store and come home with that baby. Luckily I was able to get my hands on a set and I remember paying for it and thinking how happy you were going to be. For you, I knew it was the little things that made you happy.

But what I enjoyed the most that holiday season was being able to finally walk into Hallmark and find a Christmas card that read, "Merry Christmas Brother in law." It would be my first holiday card to you as my brother and I was so excited about it. I was so excited that this was becoming a new tradiiton for me. I was happy that our family was growing. I was so happy to call you my brother.

Sadly, you never received either of those that Christmas.

The happiness in my heart died that night. And that is only one of the many reasons why the holidays just aren't the same. It is no longer fun when you can't be with and share it with the ones you love.

For what it's worth...Merry Christmas. I'll be missing and loving you this Christmas and Always.

Andrea

Andrea
Sister In Law

December 26, 2007

My dearest Bryan

I am heartsick and continue to cry each and every day.
It is so difficult to continue on without you. I feel like you are crying in heaven because you know our sadness and feel the same loss. This week has brought me back to that night in the hospital....that awful night of shock and trauma. It may only have been a year, but it seems like an eternity since I saw you. Each day becomes harder and harder. Every day there is something I want to share with you...wanting to pickup the phone and call you...but unable to reach you personally. I can only pray to you (which I do countless times each day) and hope that you hear me.

Today is xmas eve and I cannot believe you are not here. You loved xmas. The family was all here as we tried to occupy the day. As usual, I cried several times throughout the day.

I loved that Salina, Andrea, Ghentyl, Sandy, Lindsey and Bosco were here, along with Tracee, Grace, Jesse, Mike, Leslie, Dona, Denny, Steve, Fay, Alyssa (Bob as she is known to you), Amberlyn, Natalie, Jim, Renee, Grandpa and Grandpa. Bosco went in your room and jumped right on your bed. I never washed the sheets and never let anyone lay on your bed since this happened. I am sure he recognized your scent as he got excited and wagged his tail in your room.

It is not fair that you are not here tonight...and it is not fair that you are not here each and every day with us.

Every day I think about what should have been and imagine what the day would be like if this had not happened. I look at Salina and cry knowing that she would have been pregnant this xmas....and you both would have been glowing with pride.

Just know that I miss you every single moment of every single day. You were and still are the perfect son. I hope you and daddy are sitting on a cloud tonight in heaven telling jokes.

Kisses and hugs to both of you.

Love, mom

Sandy Tuvera
mother

December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas Eve, Bryan.

I love you and miss you. I will pray for you and our family tonight at Midnight Mass. You should be here.

Love,
Andrea

Andrea
Sister In Law

December 25, 2007

Bryan-

It's Willie just writing to say "Merry Christmas Bryee, Merry Christmas!" We just had a Christmas Eve gathering here at the house. I missed hearing your stories and your high-pitched laughter lol. It definitely was not the same without you. Keep sending those signs.

Tracee Tuvera
Sister

December 24, 2007

On the 1st anniversary of Officer Tuvera's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Officer Tuvera is not forgotten.

Agent Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

December 23, 2007

Bryan:

If there is one day I could wipe off the calendar, it would be December 23rd. Losing you and your dad on this day still baffles my mind. Know that I am thinking about you both today.

Here is my speech from your Memorial Service last night at the Taraval Station:

Example. Role Model. Hero. We are here this evening to remember Bryan Tuvera. One year ago tonight, he made the ultimate sacrfice to serve and protect the citizens of San Francisco. We miss him dearly.

One year ago tonight, we were making plans for Christmas. None of us had any idea that we would be attending Bryan's funeral over the holidays. We had no idea that we would see Bryan's name on the SFPD's Wall of Honor in March. We had no idea that we would be in Sacramento for the California Peace Officers Memorial or in Washington DC for National Police Officers week in May. We had no idea that we would be standing here today to honor our Hero. We just never know.

Through all of these memorials, I have learned things about Bryan that I never knew. I have had the pleasure of spending time with his family, friends and peers. We have all kept in touch via text messages, myspace comments and phone calls offering support, an ear for listening or a shoulder to cry on. All of them are strong, courageous people... it is no wonder Bryan was their common link.

This past year has been rough on his family. Salina, Sandy and Tracee have been put through the worst nightmare imaginable. As much respect as I have for Bryan, I have equal respect for the strength and class his family has displayed in dealing with this tragedy.

Bryan touched all of our lives. I loved watching him around my girls Alyssa and Amberlyn. It reminded me of the way his Dad was with my brother and me. I wish they had more time with him. I cried when I read Alyssa's homework assignment titled "I want to be a police office when I grow up". Amberlyn recently won an art contest for a picture she drew about "Saying no to drugs." He certainly has made an impression on both of them.

I think about Bryan everyday. I have a tracing of his name from the Police Officers Memorial in Washington DC on my headboard bookcase at home. His name is on a plaque here at the front of the station. Looks at his name and hero comes to mind. Look into his name and the following comes to mind:

Brilliant
Razor wit
Youthful
Able
Newlywed

Talented
Undaunted
Valiant
Efficient
Remembered
Always

PS... Just 3 days ago I asked you to do something to about the 49ers. Today they won! Any sign you can give me about the upcoming lotto numbers is much appreciated! ;-)

Steve Leonard
Cousin

December 23, 2007

Officer Tuvera,
Today is the one year anniversary since you were called home. I can see through your reflections that you were a loving husband, son, brother and a dedicated officer of the law...so many things to so many people. You leave behind a profound legacy, one to never be forgotten. Thank you for giving more than anyone should ever have to give.

Pennsylvania citizen

December 23, 2007

I MISS YOU BROTHER!!! Merry Christmas, I'll come by and see you, I have something for you to put on your gun belt.

Mike Z.

December 23, 2007