Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

A Christmas memory...There's a professional wrestler named Randy Savage, his nickname's the "Macho Man". A couple years ago he decided to branch out from wrestling and make a rap album. Like most professional wrestlers who venture into the world of music, the outcome was far from great...in fact, it was a complete disaster. While I'm not much of a wrestling fan myself, I must admit I do own this album and I have Bryan to thank for it. He thought it'd be hilarious to give it to me for Christmas one year...and as usual he was right (much to the Macho Man's chagrin). In honor of Bryan, this cd will forever remain the one and only eyesore of my music collection. Merry Christmas Bryan, I'm thinking about you!

Jim Leonard, Cousin

December 23, 2007

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones on this 1st anniversary of your EOW. I know the pain and the daily struggle your loved ones face each day, especially for your mother. People who have not lost a child have no conception that our lives have been changed forever and expect us to move on with our lives. We do move on and take one day at a time, but they must understand that our lives will never be the same as they were before. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and protect them from harm. Wrap your wings around them and help them with their grief. You will never be forgotten as heroes never die.

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

December 23, 2007

My dearest Bryan

Here it is, December 23rd, one year ago exactly from the day you took your last breath. At that same moment, my heart became hollowed forever. It may have been only a year ago, but it seems like an eternity. We used to talk every single day. A year of not hearing your voice has been heartbreaking. A miss you more than you will ever know.

Last night we held your one year candlelight vigil. The turnout was exceptional. That meant a lot to us. Your family, your peers, your friends and the sunset citizens came to pay tribute to you for a job well done. It was a very emotional night but it showed us all what an impact you made on everyone's life. You never knew it....but you did.

I love you very much, Bryan. Please rememeber that you will always be in my heart.

I'll write you soon.

Love mom

Sandy Tuvera
mother

December 23, 2007

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service. May God be with your family on this sad anniversary.

nc game warden

December 23, 2007

A year has passed since the terrible day that Officer Tuvera gave his life. Officer Tuvera will always be a great cop. As I celebrate my birthday today, I am also saddened that Bryan Tuvera can't be On-Duty in San Francisco, where I would usually be giving him a hard time, and a report to take care of.

I can know that if there are police patrolling in heaven, Bryan's among them, and if there is Satrbucks in Heaven, Bryan Tuvera found one, and is looking on all of us with a venti cup of joe.

"The Wicked Flee When No Man Pursueth, But The Righteous Are As Bold As A Lion" - Proverbs 28:1

"Never Let Go" by Bryan Adams

Can you lay your life down so a stranger can live?
Can you take what you need but take less than you give?
Can you close every day without the glory and fame?
Could you hold your head high when no one knows your name?

That's how legends are made, at least that's what they say.

We say goodbye, but never let go
We live we die, ´cause you can't save every soul.
Gotta take every chance to
show that you're the kinda man who
Will never look back, never look down,
and never let go.

Can you loose everything you ever had planned?
Can you sit down again, and play another hand?
Could you risk every thing, for the chance of being alone?
Under pressure find the grace, or would you come undone.

That's how legends are made, at least that's what they say.

We say goodbye, but never let go
We live we die, 'cause you can't save every soul.
Gotta take every chance to
show that you're the kinda man who
Will never look back, never look down,
and never let go

Never let gooooooooooooooo
Never let gooooooooooooooo
Never let gooooooooooooooo

Gotta take every chance to
show that you're the kinda man who
Will never look back, never look down,
and never let go

We say goodbye, but never let go
We live we die, cuz you can't save every soul.
Gotta take every chance to
show that you're the kinda man who
Will never look back, never look down,
and never let go
Will never look back, never look down
and never let go

Never let gooooooooooooooo

RIP Officer Bryan Tuvera

Andy Priest
Public Safety Officer

December 23, 2007

We pause today during this holiday season to say a prayer for your family and fellow offiers as they mourn the first anniversary of your death.
May God Bless them and provide solace to all during this difficult time.
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc

December 23, 2007

The Absent One

As we gather at the table and watch each smiling face
The heart fills with emotion to see the vacant place.
We may strive to hide our longing in the midst of
Mirth and fun
But we're thinking, thinking, thinking of the loved-
The Absent One.
When we gather 'round the fireside with merry
Laughter and jest
How we wish the absent dear one was here with
All the rest.
Still we join in all the frolic, but we wish the day was done
For we're thinking, thinking, thinking of the loved-
The Absent One.
Yet when the day is over and they all have gone to
Rest
We feel the Heavenly Father does all things for the
Best
So we cheer our drooping spirits with the rising
Of the sun
But we're thinking, thinking, thinking of the loved-
The Absent One. author unknown

Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

December 23, 2007

Salina~
Please know I am thinking about you and the rest of your a family today. I know you probably would like these next few days to just pass as quickly as possible. I wanted to come up for the memorial/vigil but my youngest daughter had a sporting event that we couldn't miss. Just know I am there in spirit. If you ever want to talk I'm always free. I am in the Bay area often for court, just waiting for a trial date.
I wish you and your family, Bryans mom the best, I know how difficult it can be to get through these days.
Take Care~
Diana May
Wife of Officer Rich May
East Palo Alto PD EOW 1/07/06

Diana May

December 22, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
Manchester, NH

December 22, 2007

Dear Bryan,

I can't believe it will almost be a year in a couple of hours. It seems as if you

just wished me a happy birthday over the phone a couple of days ago. We

miss you so much and not a day goes by where you are not in our thoughts. I

will always honor you and this day for it is a day when a Hero was taken from

our world. Thank You for being the Guardian Angel that continues to protect

all of us from the evil doers. Bosco wanted me to tell you that he loves you

and misses you very much. Love you and Miss you like a brother Bryan.

Much Love, Ghentyl Vasquez

Ghentyl Vasquez
Friend

December 22, 2007

Dear Bryan,

Today is the one year anniversary of your tragic, senseless death. I re-live that night over and over again. The sound of terror in Salina's voice when she called hysterical with the news that you were shot. The look of both your mom and Salina's faces when we met at the hospital. The sea of police officers with blank looks on their faces as they waited and prayed for their fellow brother. I could go on and on about that night, but I much rather remember the night before when we all had xmas dinner together at your mom's house. Your sister Tracee and your grandparents, and Michael were there and we all had so much fun, laughing and telling stories. I remember looking at you and Salina thinking how so much in love you both were and feeling so happy that my daughter had married such a wonderful young handsome man with a great loving family. Your mother and I have always agreed that our families were perfect for each other. From your mom and I having the same first name to Salina having the same birthday as your father, our families were meant to be.

I will always remember and hold dear to my heart all the dinner's we had together and the games we would play after dinner. Watching and listening to you laugh gave me so much pleasure. Your laugh was infectious. I knew my daughter was very lucky to have you as her husband and my biggest wish for you both was to have children. Yes, nothing would make me happier. But now that will never happen. You both lost so much.

I know you will look after all of us, especially Salina. Be her guardian angel and help her through this devastating life crisis.

Bryan, I talk to you all the time so I know you know everything I want to say. The bottom line is "I Love You."
I will never forget you and you will live on in our hearts forever.

Loving and missing you dearly,
Sandy
mother-in-law

Sandy
mother in law

December 22, 2007

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.

O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

My dearest Bryan,
On this one year anniversary of your death, please give all of us strength to get through reliving this painful tragedy that is forever burned in our memories and hearts. As I write you now, I can't help but think that at this very moment a year ago you were taking your last walk through this house, sharing talks with my sister as the two of you planned your future together (and the chidlren that were one day to call you "Daddy", Salina "Mommy" and me "Auntie." How robbed we are of those gifts....

I think about how you felt that day when you first opened your eyes the morning of December 22nd, awaking with hope for a safe return from your shift that night, cozying up to Salina in bed when you returned, and the excitement you must have felt with Christmas (your favorite holiday) only a few days away...

And then I think of what your last thoughts might have been when you fell that night...and then again laying there in the operating room as your heart stuggled to beat and the breaths you took grew softer and weaker...

I remember that night like it happened yesterday. Amazing how a year can go by and I feel like I am still stuck there at the apartment when I received the call (when literally 10 minutes before that Salina and I spoke on the phone and were in the beginning stages of planning a snow trip to Tahoe with you, Sal, Ghentyl, me and Bosco in the month of Feb.), frantic as I sat in Ghentyl's car as we rushed to the hospital, praying wth all my heart that God spare your life in the waiting room, falling into shock when I learned you were shot in the neck and head, then forced to say my goodbyes as you lay there on that table with a pair of the most beautiful eyes I had ever seen...lightly open with an ever so slightly twinkling glaze to them. I do believe you were crying; I knew you heard our cries as I begged you to come through. I rubbed your arm and reminded you of all the things you had to fight to live for....I reminded you that you and Salina were to become proud parents one day....

I feel like I am stll there, in all of those places all at the same time and feeling all of those same emotions, as if I never moved forward from that night. I am still in disbelief as I have been since that cold night you were pronounced dead a year ago today. How terrible for all of us to live without you. How terrible for all of us to mourn the loss of you... as we can no longer embrace you, nor see your smile nor hear your laughter. How terribly we all miss you being a part of our lives.

Give me strength dear Bryan for tonight (as we celebrate and remember you) it will be one of the hardest days of my life.

I WISH YOU WERE HERE. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY DEAREST BROTHER FOR ALL MY LIFE.

Andrea

Andrea
Sister In Law

December 22, 2007

Bryan:

One year ago today was the last time I saw you alive. It seems just like yesterday. I remember Fay an awful day and we were so close to calling you and Salina to see if we could reschedule dinner. I am so glad we didn't.

That night was the first time I had seen you both since your wedding. I can clearly remember each and everything we spoke about that night. We all left knowing that this was the start of many dinners and get togethers to come. And yet, just two days later, it was all taken away.

I finally watched your wedding video with my mom. It comforted us to see you at your happiest moment... to be able to hear your voice and laugh. It still doesn't seem real that this happened to you.

Tonight, Fay and I will toast to you and Salina, just like we did one year ago. Cheers.

PS... If you and your dad can work any magic up there to make the 49ers better, please do it quickly! ;-)

Steve Leonard
Cousin

December 20, 2007

My dearest Bryan,

As we approach the one year mark and your one year vigil, the pain has become unbearable. I feel like I am reliving every single moment of everything I did last year at this time as if it were happening again this year. I am struggling to get through each and every day.

Your absence has left a gaping hole in my heart that will forever remain open. A year ago today you and Salina had dinner with Steve (your bestman) and Fay - which was the first of what was supposed to be a once a quarter dinner after your wedding. I took Tracee to a mother/daughter day out to see Jersey Boys.

Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of our last dinner together......my god.....it's like the last supper....
That dinner was a wonderful evening shared with our family. I treasure the memories of that night. Tracee was up from southern California. You and Salina were off and brought Bosco, dressed in his reindeer ears and new shoes. Sandy and Lindsey joined us, along with Grandma, Grandpa, Teresa and Mike. I can't believe that it was the last day I got to see you and hug you. God how I miss you.

We exchanged our xmas presents because Tracee had to go home the next day and you and Salina had to go back to work the next day. That next day....I wish I could have wiped it off the calendar. That's the day you were shot by that troubled escaped felon who, by mistake, by a terrible, terrible mistake, was placed in a fire camp setting with no outside perimeter fence. That error cost you your life. A life you deserved to live. A life we all deserved to share in. That day robbed you and Salina of a lifetime of dreams fulfilled.

I miss you more than life itself but want you to know you made me proud. I cherish every waking moment I had with you. Every memory of our time together remains in a special place in my heart.

As others are planning their holiday celebration, we are forced to plan your one year vigil and re-live the day our lives were shattered forever.

I love your Bryan. Please help us get through this draining month.

PS - If that SFPD sticker on the floor of Macy's was a sign from you...thank you.....keep those signs coming. We need to feel your presence.

Love mom

Sandy Tuvera
mother

December 20, 2007

Bryan,

Its almost been a year since you were taken from family and friends. I wish them warm thoughts of you and strength during the holidays. You are not forgotten brother...semper fi.

Ofc. Patty Brown, USMC
SFPD, Bayview MIDS

December 20, 2007

Badge 1941

Lost in the line of duty does not mean lost in the mind set of appreciation and gratitude.

The slogan "to protect and serve" reflects off a badge of courage; it will never rust in the memories of fellow comrades.

Bryan may have loved comic book heroes but in reality he belongs in the big book of real heroes.

This life salutes you; may you rest in peace on the softer side of dedicated service.

You will be remembered by your brothers and sisters in blue.

You were a spark in the fire that burns and revolves the spirit of giving the utmost sacrifice.

Whatever creates let Bryan be promoted to Captain America; our unselfish hero while he was here and a brave messenger to serve in the hereafter.

Bless your good deeds for they were what you were.

Patrick C. Coonen
Brother of San Francisco Police Officer

December 20, 2007

Dear Bryan,

I cannot believe it has now been a year. I am so sad.......... I look at your photo that I have on my mantel every day and I wear your picture on my necklace next to my heart where I can keep you close to me always. I do not understand why and I somehow expect to wake up from this nightmare still to this day. Your death has affected me at an intensity far greater that any other. I am so sorry I cannot attend your memorial service and have asked Michael to record it for me so that I can participate to some extent. As the anniversary date approaches, I am experiencing a tremendous fear that something terrible is going to happen to another family member, most especially another one of our children - it is difficult to fall asleep at night. I feel like I have an empty hole in my heart, a physical aching sensation that can almost take my breath away at times. The best medicine seems to be to keep busy doing something, anything. Reading helps me.
I want you to know how proud I am to be your aunt. You are the perfect image of the perfect son, the all American image of the all American boy, every parent's dream. I have frequent memories of your mother when she was pregnant with you, how happy she was, how much you were loved from the moment of conception. I think back on so much your mother has had to deal with in her life and wonder at why life seems so unfair for her. If I had a wish for Christmas, it would be that you could somehow send me a clue as to how I can help your mother. I am so far away and I feel like if I call her out of the blue, it is just a reminder that takes the little energy she has left just to talk to me. I don't know what to do to help her, to let her know how much I care. I am at a complete loss. Your mother spent so much extra time with my children, giving from her heart, always there for them, I would like to send some of that love back to her, she really needs it now and I don't know how.
In closing, I want you to know how much I love you now and always. I am sending you the biggest hug I can imagine. I know you are at a special station in heaven. Please say hello to your father, my sister, my grandparents and your grandmother Tuvera.

Love,
Your Aunt,
Linda

Bryan's Aunt

December 18, 2007

Hi Salina,
Just wanted to let you know I am thinking about you today. I know and how difficult the holidays can be. It makes it even more difficult because the one year anniversary is coming soon. My husbands 2 year anniversary is just after Christmas, Jan. 7. I can't believe, 2 years already, sometimes it still seems like yesterday. You will make it through. Just know you aren't alone on this journey.
I will be up in your area on Dec. 12, in Redwood City for a court Hearing. Still no date for a trial.
Take Care,
Diana May
Wife of Fallen Officer
Rich May EOW 1/07/06
East Palo Alto, Ca

Diana May

December 10, 2007

Hi honey

I just had to write you to say how very much I missed you on Thanksgiving. I thought of you the entire weekend. This was my very first Thanksgiving without you. We got through the day but it definitely was not the same without you being here. Without a doubt, your absence was definitely felt by all of us.

I was thankful to Tracee who, at the last minute, decided to drive up on Wednesday to surprise us for Thanksgiving. That decision was definitely instrumental in helping me get through the day. I was also greatful to Salina's mom for cooking the dinner, which I know I never could have handled myself this first year. I was greatful to Salina (who looked beautiful I might add) for being so insistant that I spend the holiday with her and her family. She was right - it definitely was where you would have wanted us to be. I was greatful for being able to spend the holiday with Salina, Sandy, Lindsey, Andrea, Ghentyl and Tracee. I met Salina's aunt Darlene and Jean who also joined us for dinner.

I miss you more and more as each day passes. It seems like an eternity since I heard your voice and heard you laugh. You had a wonderful laugh that made others laugh too. I miss that. I also miss your wonderful sense of humor that was as sharp as they come.

Someone sent me a memorial frame with the below poem. I thought it was very appropriate, so here it is.

We'll Never Say Goodbye

I cannot see you with my eyes
Or hear you with my ears
But thoughts of you are always with me
And often dry my tears
I think of happy times we shared
And then I softly sigh
But this I know, we'll meet again
And never say goodbye

I love you with my whole heart Bryan. You made your mother very proud.

PS - I sure hope that you, daddy and Grandma Lola shared a wonderful Thanksgiving together. I know you weren't a turkey lover, but you sure enjoyed everything else.

All my love to you honey

Sandy
mother

November 26, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving Bryan! Although the holidays will never be the same
without you, I was glad to have spent time with your Mom and Tracee this
evening. I miss you more and more each day. I am thankful to have shared a wonderful life with you and I know the best is yet to come one day.

xoxo, Salina

Salina
Wife

November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving Bryan. We All Miss You and Love You So Much brother. I am

thankful and grateful for being able to meet a Hero in my lifetime and I will

never forget all of the good times that we all shared. Thank you for watching

over and protecting all of us. You are in my thoughts and prayers everday and

always.

Love You Brother, Ghentyl

Ghentyl Vasquez
Friend

November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving dear Bryan,

I woke up this morning and went straight to my sister's room to rub the part of you that remains here. It's not the same. But I wanted to let you know that you are being thought of this holiday and always.

Dinner was pleasant but not the same without you....especially seeing that a year ago I vividly recall you and Joe stopping by the house while on duty to sit and have a Thanksgiving dinner with our family. This Thanksgiving I am thankful for having the opportunity to have that meal with you. I miss you.

Loving you always,
Andrea

Andrea
Sister In Law

November 22, 2007

As we are preparing for the Holidays let us remember Officer Turvera and his Family. I cannot imagine what they are feeling. I pray that this will bring you all some comfort in knowing that although you didn't have him for nearly long enough,you had the very best there ever was. Your Son,Husband,Brother, Officer Tuvera is a true hero. Matthew 25:21 — “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

I am praying for you all.
OHIO
summit county

November 19, 2007

Sandy,

I don't usually leave reflections, but your recent poem and the reflections you have left in the past inspired me.

We have never met (nor did I have the privilege of meeting Bryan), but you remind me a lot of my mother - always worried that I'm safe, but happy I am doing the job I love to do. She makes me call her at the beginning and end of every shift, no matter what the hour is. I can tell Bryan and you were, and still are very close - as am I and my mother. I can't even begin to imagine what you have gone through. Being a mom of a police officer is the hardest job out there.

Although I do not know what you look like, I specifically remember seeing your family at the California Peace Officers' Memorial walking down the pathway to the memorial site. Everyone was very strong. Know that I, and many others think of Bryan often.

"For those who pledge to uphold it, Freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know"

California Police Officer

November 14, 2007

To the family of Officer TUVERA,

I am so sorry for the loss of Bryan. Although I am a Police Officer from a half a world away makes no difference, we all fight the good fight. Upon reading reading the reflections it is clear he is much loved and respected by his family, friends and work mates. I can only hope that the pain eases with time. All the best for the future.

Bryan - You are a true hero and I salute you. Rest in Peace mate.

Sergeant
Western Australia Police

November 7, 2007