Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey Bruce:

Just a short shout out to you to let you know you are not forgotten. I am here today because of another brother officer (Mike Briggs Manchester NH). The 1 yr anniversary of his murder brought me here where I felt compelled to write something to him. Because of that, I then thought of you and the ultimate sacrifice you gave.

As I think back to our academy days, I always remember looking up to the back of the class room to see if anyone was nodding off. For some unknown reason, you always stayed awake. Not really sure how you were so successful. Maybe the rest of us were just slackers. Anyway, the academy would not have been the same without your presence.

You are missed each and every day. Rest in peace Bruce... you deserve it. Say hello to Briggs, Charron and the rest of the Granite State representatives up there with you.

You will never be forgotten.

A fellow officer

Patrolman
Manchester NH

October 17, 2007

i have seen this clip about the officer and there is more to the story from what i have read i am sad that a officer have lost his life to serve the public R.I.P and hope the family will be ok ........

civilian jesper nystrup
private

October 16, 2007

I've been on this job a short time. I heard of this story through other Brother Officers and it troubled me. I researched the story on the internet to learn more. Everytime I dress in blue and walk to my patrol car, I think of you. I tell myself everyday that tragedy can happen to anyone, anywhere at anytime. It can happen to the best of us. Although I didn't know you in person, you help me get home everyday...I promise I'll never forget!

Patrolman
City of Warren Police Department

October 12, 2007

I am deeply saddened by this incident, I just wish that you were off duty that day, and that you could continue your life like i am. I am only 15 years old and am hoping to be a police officer within the next 5 years. Sometimes i cant understand why i want to, I couldn't imagine not knowing if i was going to return on any certain day, But i just think of all of the people that i could save, kind of like Corporal Bruce McKay did during his service. I hope that the individual that took his life realizes what he had done was wrong, and apologizes to Corporal McKay's family. An apology doesn't compare to a human life, but sometimes it provides comfort. I really want to thank you for your service Corporal McKay and may you remain an officer for the rest of eternity, in Gods hands.

R.I.P Corporal Bruce McKay

Mitchell Bruce Bender
Midsar SAR (Lancaster,PA)

October 11, 2007

Bruce's senseless killing was both uneeded and unnesecary.

RIP Bruce.

Detective
Seattle Police Department

October 10, 2007

Thirty years ago, long before he became a cop and got into the people-helping business full-time, Bruce McKay saved my butt.

We were high school classmates on Long Island, and one day after school we went to a bar. I got hammered. I lived 30 miles from school and made the stupid, stupid decision to try driving home, despite the fact I could barely walk.

Bruce asked me for a ride home -- he lived a lot closer. Once we were in the car he could see I was too drunk to drive. When we got to his house he turned to me and told me I could crash in his attic instead of going home. I declined. He offered again.

When I think back on that moment, I recall that Bruce put absolutely no pressure on me. He looked in my eyes and I saw only friendship, and concern. And I accepted. Thank God.

I spent a long night sobering up on a sleeping bag at the top of his house, in a room he had dotted with inspirational sayings and cartoons clipped from newspapers and magazines. I finaly fell asleep around dawn and woke up with the worst hangover of my life.

And I realized that I never would have made it home.

If I'd been lucky I would have been arrested. I could just as easily have ended up under the wheels of a semi.

Bruce spared me all that, and I have never forgotten his kindness.

I'm glad to say I learned my lesson and have never, ever gotten behind the wheel drunk since. Sometimes I still shudder over how stupid I was, and how lucky I was that Bruce McKay reached out to me that night. Even before he was an adult, he was a real man that way.

I found out about Bruce's murder today entirely by accident, while surfing the web. I feel like I've been slapped in the face.

We hadn't spoken since graduation and yet I've never forgotten him, or stopped counting myself lucky that he was my friend.

The picture above this window as I type breaks my heart. It shows a lot less hair than he had back in 1977 but the eyes are the same, even and strong and wide open.

So now I'm thinking about the camping trips we went on, and the boring classes we sat through, and how Bruce always seemed to get the prettiest girls.

And I'm thankful all over again our paths crossed.

My heart goes out to his friends and loved ones. Please know that Bruce touched the lives of people who will never stop being grateful to him.

Leron
A friend of old

October 5, 2007

I check this site from time to time and each and every time it pains me to see another one of us lose their life so senslessly! My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. You are a true hero officer McKay, you payed the ultimate sacrifice for us all!

Constable
Durham Regional Police Service

September 29, 2007

Bruce, I only met you a few times but could see that being an Officer was what you loved to do. You meant alot to alot of people and we will not forget.

R.I.P. Brother

Detective
New Hampshire PD

September 26, 2007

i have just randomly come accross this upsetting story as i surfed the web, it hit home as it makes oneself realise what some people are capable of. a completely innocent man doing a good job killed as some freak of nature trying to pass himself off as a human being took his life away. no words i can say will undo this wrong doing, but i hope the family of this great man can accept my deepest sympathy and try there best to carry on the lives they once led.....once again, the world has lost a great soul.

my heart to the family of this hero

daniel price (wales, united kingdom)

[email protected]

no rank, but names daniel price
just a person with heart sent regards

September 19, 2007

God Speed - thank you for your service

Officer
ANW Public Saftey

September 18, 2007

I just saw the video, my heart goes out to your family and friends.

Mike
Henderson Police

September 11, 2007

I have watched the video of your murder, its chilling, when I watch your car turn around to pursue the subject, all I can think about is you not knowing that was your last moments in life. Everytime I go to work at night I wll think to myself, will I be coming back, but I will still go out the door, knowing I can't let that stop me.I am sure you did too.Rest in Peace my friend, you will never be forgotten.

Ofc. D. Sports
SECURITY

September 11, 2007

Bruce it seems like yesterday we were working next to eachother. You have backed me up many times, as I you. I wish I could have been there that night. Sadness fills all of our hearts now. I will miss you. Franconia Notch is no longer a fun place for me. I find myself missing and remembering. Until we meet again, I expect you still have my back. Justin

conservation officer I
NH Fish and Game/Friend

September 11, 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

August 9, 2007

I watched the video of this officer being brutally murdered. it especially hits home since my own brother is in law enforcement.My condolances to the officers family and friends and fellow police officers

Brother of a Sherrifs Deputy
none

August 6, 2007

Best of luck to the officer's family in dealing with this tragedy...Let's hope that the courage showed by the citizens that helped the officer was not overlooked...They also went far beyond the call of duty.

Constable J Capener
Durham Regional Police - Canada

July 26, 2007

Police officers are our defenders. They are here to serve and protect. You did not deserve your brutal killing. Watch over us my friend. Amen

Sara
not an officer

July 24, 2007

You did more than your share, we will take it from here. Rest in peace brother.

Deputy Sheriff
Gaston County, N.C.

July 22, 2007

hearing about this for the first time today. My condolences go to his family and friends. Not everyone has the guts to do what Corporal McKay did. People can bash officers all they want, but in my eyes they do a great service to us. We deserve to give them the greatest respect, b.c its officers like McKay that put their life on the line everyday to make our world safe. My hat goes off to you Sir. You will be greatly missed by all.

Civilian

July 20, 2007

Im really sorry to have heard what happend, its sad to know that theres people out there that would do something like this. But this officer is just one of many that was willing to give his life to protect normal civilans like myself. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and freinds. God Bless. He was truly a hero.

Not an officer
None

July 15, 2007

I am so gratefule for the outpouring of love and support that continues to come in every day over these past 2 unbelievablly painful months since my brother was killed. He was my best friend, my only sibling and my shoulder to lean on. We were supposed to grow old together and watch out for each other and I am sad he is gone from this life. I know he is elsewhere doing great things and we will meet up again. For any officers who read this and are from Montgomery or Frederick County Maryland, please contact me so I can meet you in person to thank you one day

Peace and blessings,
Meggen

Meggen McKay Payerle
Bruce's Sister

July 13, 2007

Your watch may be over here on Earth, but your presence will be felt forever. Thank you for laying your life on the line. Watch over your Daughter and family now. We have the rest.
May God Bless Your Soul!

Detective
Metro Nashville Police Department

July 8, 2007

To the McKay faimily, fellow officers, and friends, we are so sorry about the loss of Corporal McKay.

Ret./Ofc. Dan Cacace and my Wife Amy

Prayer For Police Officers

Oh Almighty God,
Whose great power and eternal
Wisdom embraces the universe,
Watch over all policemen and
Law enforcement officers.
Protect them from harm
In the performance of their duty to stop
Crime, robberies, riots and violence.
We pray, help them keep our streets
And homes safe day and night.
We recommend them to your loving care
Because their duty is dangerous.
Grant them your unending strength and
Courage in their daily assignments.
Unite them safely with their families
After duty ends.

Amen

Ret. / Ofc Dan Cacace
Newtown Department of Police Services, Newtown CT

July 3, 2007

Corporal McKay-
I never knew you, but I saw your brutal killing on the news. It saddened me in the worst way. My boyfriend's uncle was a Deputy, and was also killed by gunfire this past October. Unfortunately for us, his car did not have a camera, and he did not have a partner, so his killer still remains at large. I'm thankful that yours is not. I have the utmost respect and pride for anyone, such as yourself, who put themselves in danger to protect us civilians. You will surely be missed, and know that I will keep you and your daughter in my prayers. Rest in Peace Sir; keep an eye on us from heaven.
Love,
Jessica

Jessica

July 3, 2007

I did not know you personally, but I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Corporal McKay's Family, Sister/Brother Officers and Friends.

I have been in Law Enforcement for over thirty years. It affects all of when a member of our Law Enforcement Community is murdered. I would like to entend a "well done" to the civilian & former US Marine who "got involved".

Bruce, may your soul and all the souls of our departed Sisters and Brothers Rest In Peace.

Fraternally,
Bob Hughes

State Investigator Bob Hughes
NJ - Office Of The Attorney General

July 2, 2007