Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hi honey

Just want you to know that I am thinking about you today, as I do every day. As you know, I wrote a poem for daddy when he died. I finally wrote one for you. Here it is. Hope I did you justice with it.

All my love, mom

Our Hero and His Badge

In Memory of Officer Bryan Tuvera #1941
San Francisco Police Dept
EOW 12/23/2006

He came to work to start his shift
Responded to calls unknown
He drove a marked patrol car
As “Policeman” he was known

He was paid by citizens’ taxes
To ensure safety on our streets
He walked and drove but did not mind
He wanted to protect his beat

He barely knew a holiday
Because police work’s all year round
So when the holidays did arrive
At home he was rarely found

He was assaulted and often cursed at
Called the one whose blood ran blue
And he rarely got a thank-you
For the work he had to do

His friends were often other cops
Because they could understand
That underneath his badge and gun
He was just another man

He knew the world was troubled
Because of drugs and crime
But still he went to work each day
For he wanted to do his time

The court system often frustrated him
Because the crooks were freed
No sentence for the crimes they did
So they continued with their greed

He fulfilled his “policeman” duties
To protect the city he served
He put himself in danger
Often shattering his nerves

Each day he left to go to work
He prayed to God above
Please keep me safe and bring me home
I must see the one I love

Salina brought him happiness
Their marriage had just begun
For two months she called him husband
And in turn, he called her “hon”

That night he left, he kissed goodbye
But never did he know
That kiss would be his final kiss
We wish it were not so

It happened the night when staffing was short
The night before Christmas Eve
Assigned as a solo to cover a beat
His sector forced to leave

He heard the transmission from a fellow cop
Request backup was the call
Stop the escapee on the run
Help save us one and all

He was the first to arrive that night
To aid the cop in blue
Catch the felon, capture the crook
He knew just what to do

The felon kicked in a garage side door
And entered the occupied home
Endangered the lives of the people inside
In a place he was not to roam

Bryan swore to protect and keep them safe
He could not stay outside
He went inside to save the folks
And for that, was forced to die

Inside the garage he scoped the scene
To find the dangerous crook
Don’t shoot your gun, just find the man
And follow by the book


The felon was cornered without an escape
In a secluded room he hid
Armed with over 100 rounds
An officer he would rid

The felon fired his gun at him
And shot him in the face
That beautiful face we loved to touch
How could this be the place?

The place he fell, the place he bled
The final place he stood
His heart was pure, his love was real
He lived his life so good

As he laid there bleeding on the ground
He thought about his wife
All our dreams are yet to be
God, please don’t take my life

Sad to say, it was much too late
For his sacrifice was made
God had other plans for him
His light was soon to fade

The felon knew there was no way out
Killing a cop was way too dumb
He turned the gun upon himself
And ended his life of scum

In the news they told the story
Of Bryan’s heroic deed
He saved the lives of others
We should follow with his lead

Don’t let the bad control the world
And danger the lives of all
Abide by the laws and live your life
So that others aren’t forced to fall

We cry in pain for the loss we feel
His absence runs so deep
He made us proud and gave us hope
His memories we will keep

Bryan, you cannot even imagine how difficult life has been without you. Your absence is heartbreaking. Our lives will remain shattered throughout eternity..

We love you and miss you more than you will ever know.

Love mom

Sandy
mom

November 2, 2007

Just the two of us wishing you a Happy Halloween. Hope you are feasting on all the candy your heart desires. Kisses and hugs always.

Love and miss you much,
Salina and Andrea
(the girls)

P.S. Bosco was a scarecrow this Halloween. He looked cute with his little straw hat!

P.S.S. Ghentyl is kicking a$$ in his studies...you would be proud.

Salina & Andrea
Wife and Sister In Law

October 31, 2007

We thought of you today
But that is nothing new.

We thought of you yesterday
and days before that too,

We think of you in silence,
We often speak your name.

All we have are memories
and your picture in a frame.

Your memory is our keepsake
with which we will never part.

God may have you in heaven
But you live inside our heart


Thinking of you today and every day honey. I miss you very much.

Love always, mom

Sandy
Bryan's mom

October 30, 2007

Hi honey

It's mom....

I love you. I just wanted to tell you that. I was looking at my previously sent text messages on my phone and found one I sent to you on 12/13....9 days before you were shot. Texting was nice but I always enjoyed talking to you live. I am so glad that we had our xmas dinner the night before. I am also so very glad that both Salina and I talked to you about 1/2 hour before this happened. I think Tracee talked to you that night too. I know you talked to Joe shortly before too. At least you knew you were loved.

Oh how I wish I could send you text messages now.

Writing on this site is the closest I can get to doing that, which is why I write so often.

John P traded in his mustang for a silver gray truck. I think it's a Chevy Commander, but I'm not sure.

Grandma is letting Grandpa drive his doodlebug. We all feel it is unsafe and don't know what she is thinking.

Michael sold his house in Sunnyvale (finally). I am sure he is happy about that.

Can't remember if I told you.....your partner Joe got a little dog. He's really cute...but he's NOT Bosco.

Salina and I went out to breakfast yesterday morning to Stacks. She told me that the two of you had been there several times. I think you probably ordered the all meat omelet. I ordered the crab omelet. Salina paid and I felt bad. Next time is on me!!!

I'm writing you a poem. I wrote one for daddy but never wrote one for you. I am almost finished with it and will post on this site when I am done.

Well, not much else new to tell you right now.

Please visit us often. We need to feel you with us.

Love mom

mom

October 29, 2007

Good morning Bryan,

I just wanted to send you an early note this morning to tell you how much "I Love You". You are my first thought each morning when I wake up. I miss you so VERY much.

I hope you won't be too upset with me but I decided not to pass out candy for Halloween this year. You used to tease me because I honestly spent $100 for Halloween candy. I had so many children that came to the house. I always ended up giving it all away.

I remember you used to ask if it was okay if you opened a few bags before Halloween. I always knew which were your favorite candy bars...as those were the bags that were opened.

Any year I do buy candy will make me cry when I realize none of the bags are open. Such a simple thing...but again, such a HUGE reminder that you are gone.

I love you and miss you. Please don't ever forget that.

Love always,
mom

mom

October 25, 2007

A Police Officer's Prayer

The policeman stood and faced 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 a badge
can't always be a saint."

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

And I never passed a cry for help,
though at time 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 a silence all around the throne
where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
for the judgment of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
you’ve born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
you’ve done your time in hell"

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers, thank you for your service and dedication to the law enforcement field, its men and women like you that make everyday a better place to live.

a friend
San Francisco

October 25, 2007

Hi honey

I was just thinking about this and wanted to send you a note. I remember how you used to say I lived in "Sandyland"....never aware of my surroundings...never having a worry in the world......You used to say I was a prime target.....I used to tease you that it was a great place to live....I would say....you should try coming here sometime....it's great.....well, you would be proud to know that is not the case anymore.

I don't live in Sandyland anymore
I don't look in people's eyes
I don't look up when I walk
Heck, I don't even venture out

Unfortunately, I guess I am safe now...but it was you I wanted to keep safe.

I miss you so much honey that I just want to scream.
I hope you come and visit soon. We all miss you very much

PS - Thought I would tell you, Tracee is living in smoke right now. There are 15 out of control fires in southern California. She started to pack up and was trying to figure out the priority items. You know what I told her was #1....EVERY single picture and video she has of you....and her camera which has digital pictures of you.

I love you honey and can't wait to go to heaven to see you (Gosh....I surely hope I go there because I know for sure you are there).

Love mom

Sandy Tuvera
mother

October 23, 2007

To the family of officer Tuvera
We citizens will never forget the sacrifice he made. Bless you all.

HE’S WALKING A BEAT IN HEAVEN,
WITH A NEW PARTNER TO HELP HIM ON,
UP BEFORE THE FIRST LIGHT OF MORNING,
WITH A SAD SMILE GREETING THE NEW DAWN.
HIS BADGE GLOWS BRIGHTLY WITH GLORY,
HIS BOOTS ARE STILL SHINY BLACK,
FOR THERE’S NOT MUCH DUST IN HEAVEN,
EXCEPT FOR SOME STARDUST ON HIS HAT.
THERE’S NOT MUCH TO DO,
FOR A COP IN BLUE,
ON HEAVEN’S LONELY BEAT.
DRY A LITTLE ONE’S TEARS,
SOOTHE AWAY SOME FEARS,
OR JUST WALK THE GOLDEN STREETS.
HEAVEN CAN BE,
A SAD PLACE TO BE,
FOR A COP WHO FELL MUCH TOO SOON.
WALKING THIS LONELY BEAT,
AMONG THE SUN’S FADING HEAT,
HE SMILES SADLY AT THE RISING NEW MOON.
ONCE IN A WHILE,
A STRAY TEAR WILL FALL,
EVEN THOUGH HEAVEN’S NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE PAIN.
THINKING ABOUT HIS WIFE
LEFT BEHIND,
HIS ARMS ACHE TO HOLD HER AGAIN.
HE’S WALKING A BEAT IN HEAVEN,
WITH OTHERS WHO FELT THE FALL,
BROTHERS TO ONE ANOTHER,
THEIR NAMES PROUDLY ON THE WALL

SF citizen
city of San Francisco

October 23, 2007

Hi honey,

I saw this today and thought of you. I decided to post it to your page

If tears could build a stairway
and memories build a lane
I'd walk right up to heaven
and bring you home again

Miss you Bryan
Love mom

Sandy Tuvera
mother

October 16, 2007

Dear Bryan

One year ago you married the love of your life, Salina. That day was the happiest day of your life. The wedding was beautiful and the love you shared was magical. Two months later, all your hopes and dreams for the future, including starting your family, buying your first home, and sharing a lifetime together with Salina were shattered. The pain and heartache is never ending.

I could not believe that we had to face your one year wedding anniversary without you being here. I know you were there in spirit, but it definitely was not the same. It was SO very sad.

The top to your wedding cake remains in Salina's freezer, unopened and never to be cut into. The tears flowed throughout the day. Instead of sending happy anniversary cards, we were forced to send "thinking of you" cards. Everyone wanted Salina to know their hearts were with her that day, but no one knew what to really say or do.

As the day progressed, we all found ourselves independently reviewing what we were doing at that exact moment the previous year on your wedding day......at this time last year......I drove Bryan to the hotel in preparation for the wedding....at this time last year.....Bryan and his groomsmen put on their tuxedos and looked stunning. You seemed so calm. I know it was because you were content and in love ...at this time last year....Tracee got dressed (looked georgeous) and went into Salina's room to help her....at this time last year....I saw Salina in her wedding gown. I got teary eyed when I saw how absolutely beautiful she looked......at this time last year....Salina came down in her wedding gown and your eyes met her's. Tracee cried. I remember Tracee's exact words. She said, "I cried beause at that moment, when I looked in Bryan's eyes, I saw that he was truly the happiest I have ever seen him".....at this time last year......the limo picked you up to take you to the park for the "wedding party" pictures....at this time last year......the wedding began and I cried with joy...at this time last year....the reception started. You had your first dance as husband and wife. I had my first ever mother/son dance with you...at this time last year......the wedding was over and the two of you were now man and wife......starting your new life as Mr. and Mrs. Tuvera. I remember you were concerned for the safety of your guests who had to drive home after the wedding. You even asked some of them to call you when they got home so you would know they were safe. That was so typical of your caring ways....wanting them to call you to confirm their safety on your wedding night.

Salina (and the rest of us) got through the day, but we don't really know how we did. The day was just a fog.

Some of us sent (and brought) her flowers. Her mom cooked her dinner. I spent a few hours with her because I knew that is where I needed to be. But...I do know that if the circumstances had been different, I would not have been there as the two of you would have shared your special day together, just the two of you, as it should have been. As Salina said....you would have been at the Marriott working on having a baby.

God knows you did not deserve what happened to you. None of us did. They say the good die young...and we all know how very, very good you were. Since the moment you were born I always called you an angel. I just never knew you would become a real one at such a young age.

I thought about putting in your wedding video on your one year wedding anniersary day, as I know that we all would have watched it that day if things had been different. However, I just could not bring myself to put it in the DVD player....I can't do that yet. I'm just not ready for that right now. I do need to do it soon though because I have to hear your voice. It has been 10 months since I heard your voice and heard you laugh. It seems like an eternity since I was able to give you a big motherly hug and kiss.

I miss you so much Bryan....you cannot even imagine. The absence of you has left such a HUGE void in our lives.

I want to thank you for all you gave us.....for being such a wonderful son...and for making me so very proud.

I love you with my whole heart. You are and always will be my hero.

Love you always
mom

Sandy Tuvera
mother

October 16, 2007

My dearest son Bryan

I cannot believe we had to celebrate your 29th birthday without you. I have never missed a single one of your birthdays. I remeber the day your were born as if it were yesterday. I was so happy. Happy is not anything I will ever feel again. There's such a heavy pressure on my chest that is there every single day. It's a pressure from intense heartache and pain.

This is what we did on your birthday:

We all met at the cemetery @ 2 pm, thinking it might make it somewhat easier, but I still cried a lot (before Salina arrived). Tracee flew up to be here with us. We brought balloons to the cemetery to release in your honor. Mike Z met us there. It was nice to see him. Even Bosco was present. We released batman, marvel comics, happy birthday...and the special "I love you" balloon. Salina put a balloon under Bosco's paw. He held on to it for awhile before he stepped away to release the balloon. I know you were smiling down on us. The weather was perfect which is what we needed for the release.

You got a musical batman card which reads inside...duty calls....duty certainly called that night and we are all so heartsick as a result of it.

We all wrote a note to you on a card and attached to each balloon we released.

We wrote on the back of one of your cards attached to the balloon...."to whomever finds this balloon, please take a moment of silence to remember our hero, San Francisco Police Officer Bryan Tuvera #1941, who was killed in the line of duty on December 23, 2006. Today would have been his 29th birthday".

On the night of your birthday we went to Amici's in San Mateo, your favorite pizza place, as we know that is where you would have wanted to go. Salina even made you a cake, your favorite kind. Joining us were Salina, Andrea (Ghentyl had school and unfortunately could not make it), Sandy, Lindsey, Tracee, me, Steve, Fay, Jim, Dona, Denny, Mike, Leslie. Mike Z and Joe had to work and could not join us, but were there in spirit.

Your station had a dinner and birthday cake for you. We met there at 9 pm. They wanted to do the cake when both the swing and midnight shift were present, so as many of the officers you worked with could be present. Your partner Joe met us there. Salina brought flowers and a balloon to the station earlier in the day for you. It was hard for me to see the words "Happy Birthday Bryan" on the cake. Happy is just not a word I say anymore...and certainly is not something I feel anymore.

They hung up the rest of your awards and plaques in your community room. They did a nice job.

This is a VERY difficfult week for us. I do not know how we will handle your one year wedding anniversary, which is in 6 days, without you. I still cannot believe that you and Salina only were able to share two months together as husband and wife. I don't understand how the two of you, two wonderful people who deserved a lifetime of happiness and a lifetime of fulfilling your dreams together, were forced to endure this terrible sadness and life of unfairness. I just don't get it.

I hope daddy gave you a good birthday up in heaven.

Always remember honey.....we love you and miss you more than you will ever know. I was blessed to have you as my son. I was the lucky one.

I can't wait until I see you again - to hug you and hold you and tell you how very much I love you.

All my love honey,
Love always, mom

Sandy Tuvera
mother

October 15, 2007

Remembering you and Salina's magical day one year ago. It really was the best day of our lives.

Wish you were here.

Andrea
Sister In-Law

October 14, 2007

Happy Anniversary Bryan. I think about you every day. I love you and miss you. You will always be my HUSBAND and my HERO!

Salina
Wife

October 14, 2007

Dearest Bryan,

This past month has been very difficult for me, initially by celebrating Salina's birthday without you and now the absence of you on your birthday. And now the upcoming weekend is a devastating one--you and Salina should be celebrating your one year wedding anniversary together.

Bryan, I am lost. I think of where we all were just a year ago at this very time and can only remember how excited we were, how happy we were with the thought of the two of you walking down the aisle as man and wife...marking only the beginning of your lives together. It is painfully hard for us this week, especially knowing that the days ahead will only grow darker and colder until we come face to face with that tragic night you were taken away from us a year later...a night that forever changed the lives of all those who knew and loved you. I don't want to relive those memories ever again....I'm scared of them.

God give us strength. And keep with Us in these nightmarish days to come.

YOU SHOULD STILL BE HERE WITH US. I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU SO MUCH BRYAN.

Andrea
Sister In Law

October 9, 2007

Happy Birthday Baby! I love you and I miss you so much! I think about you all the time. I can't wait to be with you again.

Salina
Wife

October 8, 2007

Happy Birthday dear Bryan. You are missed and loved everyday.

Andrea
Sister In-Law

October 8, 2007

Happy Birthday Bryan.

Steve Leonard
Cousin

October 8, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

September 20, 2007

On August 7th 2007, the SF Police Dept along with the SFPOA held a dedication ceremony renaming the Taraval station community room. The room is now called the “Bryan Tuvera” community room. A beautiful memorial plaque with a memorial medallion now resides outside the community room. It was unveiled during this ceremony. To anyone who has the opportunity to stop by, please do so in his memory to see the plaque and view the memorial items inside. Although this is a wonderful tribute to a true hero, nothing in this world can ever replace him or fill his void. There is not a minute of any day that I am not thinking about him. And there is not a single day that I don’t cry for not just my loss, but for the loss we all have suffered. His absence is overwhelmingly felt by all. What a GREAT man he was (and still is in my heart). I love you Bryan and miss you more than life itself. I so much wish it could have been me.

Connected to Bryan’s memorial plaque is a memorial pda medallion. The station has the cables to connect a pda or computer to view his detailed memorial. Below is the memorial that is available for “on screen” viewing and printing to anyone who connects their pda or computer to the memorial medallion at the station.

Here is Bryan’s story:



In Loving Memory of

Officer Bryan Tuvera #1941
SFPD
Killed in the line of duty - December 23, 2006

"No greater love hath a man than he who lay down his life so that others may live”


On October 8, 1978, a hero was born. Bryan Tuvera, the son of Sandy and Benny Tuvera and brother to Tracee Tuvera, grew up in South San Francisco, CA. Upon his graduation from South San Francisco High School in 1996, Bryan pursued his interest in law enforcement. He attended San Francisco State University, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice in 2001. Bryan entered the San Francisco Police Department on July 1, 2002, as a member of the 205th Police Academy Class. Bryan served his field training at Southern Station, transferred to Park Station for his probation and later moved to Taraval Station for his permanent assignment. He worked side by side with his partner, Officer Joe Chang, striving to make the city a safe place for all to enjoy. Bryan served his department with distinction. He won the respect of his peers and his superiors. He was a dedicated and devoted officer who received countless citizen and captains’ commendations.

In March 2005, Bryan met the love of his life, his future wife, Salina. Salina became Bryan’s best friend. She was his most cherished treasure. The two of them shared wonderful memories and looked forward to a full and rewarding life together. Bryan’s happiest day was October 14, 2006, the day he said “I do” to Salina. No happier couple will ever be found. Although their life together was cut short, the love they shared far exceeded what most will experience in a lifetime. At the tender age of 28,
Bryan had accomplished so much in life but still had a lifetime of dreams ahead of him.

On December 22, 2006 officers spotted an escaped convict on the streets of the Taraval district and set up a search perimeter to capture the escapee. The suspect kicked down a residential outside garage utility door. Officer Tuvera was the first responding officer on the scene and the first to enter the garage, protecting the elderly residents inside. Bryan was shot by the escaped felon and succumbed to his injuries @ 12:01 am, December 23, 2006, exactly twelve years to the day of his own father’s death, a unique calling home for a “father and son” team assignment.

Bryan’s passion was his love of comic books. His favorite series was the super heroes, as they depicted everything he believed in, fighting for justice. His favorite character was Batman. Bryan will be remembered for his amazing sense of humor and his sharp wit. He enjoyed playing practical jokes. Bryan was a kind and gentle man with a loving heart. He was a great friend to all. We were all blessed to have shared our lives with Bryan. He touched the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Bryan leaves behind his beautiful wife of two short months, Salina, a fellow S F police officer and their precious dog, Bosco. He is also survived by his mother Sandy, sister Tracee, in-laws Sandy and Lindsey Suslow, sister-in-law Andrea Labutan, his extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, the entire San Francisco Police department family, and an unbelievable number of friends.

Another “ANGEL IN BLUE” is now in heaven to watch and protect from above. Bryan made us proud every day. He will ALWAYS be OUR HERO.

Sandy Tuvera
mother

September 12, 2007

I was at the Memorial at St. Monicas yesterday, which was very moving, and his wife was sitting right across from me. I was very impressed, in all her grief she went to several of the people, me included, and said "Peace Be With You". Her husband made the supreme sacrifice and she and the city of San Francisco should always be proud of what he did for his family and our city of St Francis. May God be with her and her family, and may she always cherish his memories.

Martha C. Baker
[email protected]

Martha C. Baker Civillian
Not Related

September 10, 2007

To Bryans wife, Mother and friends, My heart aches for all of you, our family knows the pain. God be with you all and Bryan..Thank You for your scarafice... In memory of Gary Kidwell, e.o.w. 1-20 1991

August 4, 2007

Dear Police Mom,

I too have experienced the loss of a dear friend in the line of duty. I cannot imagine the loss of a son, but lean on your police family. That is what we are here for. You are now and will always be the most critical part of a police officers extended family. We need you. I cried when I read what you posted on this site, imagining grief at it's highest level. Continue to honor your son, a hero who gave all doing what he loved to do. Now get involved. Help with legislation to benefit police survivors, benefits to police families and laws keep violent offenders in jail.
Remember to reach out to his brothers and sisters in blue, may we never forget.
"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."

Lt. Jim Potter
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office
Little Rock, Arkansas

Lt. Jim Potter
Pulaski CO Sheriff, Little Rock, AR

July 31, 2007

Bryan:

Hard to believe that just a year ago we went to a Giants game for your bachelor party. How ironic it was that the Giants had police awareness night and honored the 2006 fallen officers last week, almost a year to the day that you, Jim, Papa and I were at the same ballpark talking about your upcoming wedding.

Everyone is coping in their own way. It is very comforting when we are all together, but your absence is still like a punch in the stomach.

We miss you.

Steve Leonard
Cousin

July 31, 2007

To my dearest son, Bryan - "my hero"

I miss you so very much. We all have such unbelieveable pain inside that never seems to subside. I never knew I could shed so many tears. I can't believe it has been almost 7 months since that senseless, tramatic night. It seems like it has been an eternity. I'll never be the person I was before. None of us will. I don't smile or laugh anymore. I find nothing in life worth smiling about without having you here. I look at your wedding video jacket every night, as I have it on top of the TV, but I just can't seem to bring myself to put it on. Two months of marriage is all the two of you got....what was that all about???? I know I will put it on someday, as I need to hear your voice and see you at your happiest.

I will be leaving tomorrow to go to LA for Grace's wedding. It will be emotional, as this is the first wedding since yours and the first wedding since you were taken away. You were supposed to be in the wedding party as a groomsman. I know they asked Jonathan to stand in your place. He'll do a great job, but it won't be you.

Salina and Andrea will come down on Friday and join us, to attend the wedding also.

We will be going to the SF Giants game (in your honor) on July 25th. It is law enforcement appreciation night, honoring the 12 CA officers killed in 2006, you being the last.

They also have scheduled the station dedication, in your memory, which is set for August 7th.

I want you to know that I would have laid down my life that night to have switched places with you. You truly deserved to live a full life with Salina, experiencing parenthood, buying a home and enjoying a loving marriage. I know how much you wanted to be a father. I also know how much you were looking forward to sharing your life and dreams with Salina and starting a family. Unfortunately, all God gave you was 2 months of a beautiful marriage to a beautiful girl. At least you got that. I do know, since you lost your father when you were a child, you never would have wanted your child to grow up without you.

I just wanted to write you this note to tell you how much I love you and how much I miss you. You are ALWAYS in my heart.

All my love to my precious son,
Love mom

Sandy Tuvera
mother

July 18, 2007

Bryan,

Sometimes when I think of you and how you are no longer here with us...and how much more there was to learn from you and share with you...it makes me want to scream. We all miss you so much, Bryan. There is so much I never had the chance to say and there is a heaviness in my chest because of it. We all try to move on because it is the right thing to do--because we are all trying to be strong for one another. But it can be devastatingly hard to pretend.

We need you. We'll always need you. May you and God help keep us strong.

I love you always.

Andrea
Sister in-law

July 17, 2007