Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Another year comes to a close and a new one begins......without you. How sad that is. We all miss you so much and wish you were here to make memories. Once again I am reminded of all that you have missed. All the memories you never had the chance to make with us. Countless events that have made up our lives......without you. At each of these events there has always been an air of sadness. An unspoken sadness each of us carry inside.
You will miss Mallorie's graduation from Texas State this May. I know how much she will miss your being there. I hope she knows how very proud of her you must be. She misses you terribly, I know. She is so much your daughter, so much like you. I often times tell people how grateful I am that she is 99% you and 1% me. I am just so sorry that she didn't have you to guide her along the way. But, who's to say, perhaps you have been her guide from where you are. I tend to believe that you have.
I miss you everyday.
Please always watch over the kids for me.
I love you...always, Sue

sue soboleski
wife

January 10, 2010

As we get closer to the holidays i want everyone to take time to remember our beloved officers and thier families alike. God bless the fallen and always make room for them in your hearts.
Grandpa, I love and miss you more than anything in this world.

Trevor Ernsbarger
Grandson

December 10, 2009

To all who remember my husband and take the time to leave reflections for him. The girls and I appreciate it more than you know. Bruno was a remarkable husband, father, friend. I can not say enough about him and there are no words to express just how much he is missed by us. We sincerely appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers. We hope he, as well as all the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, are never forgotten by the citizens of Houston.

Thank you,

Sue

Wife

Sue Soboleski
wife

December 8, 2009

To Officer Soboleski's family,
I continue to pray for you. However little comfort it may be, there are some of us out there that remember his ultimate sacrifice and continue to pray that God sends you strength and peace.

I thought of you today because I heard an officer mention his name and what a remarkable person he was. I thought it might be nice to let you know he is remebered.

Take care.

Anonymous
Citizen of Houston

December 6, 2009

Bruno. I have been missing you even more than usual these last few days. I have a haunting need to talk to you. Oh how I wish you were here. We all need you so much.
People say that this thing we call grief gets easier. Well, that may be true for most people. But as I have said many times before, most people didn't lose you. We did, the kids and I did. And, so sadly now, the grand kids. I think of you and miss you every day. So much so that it seems incredible even to me. But, you see, that's because you were so incredible. It only makes sense that you would be missed so much. I knew the moment of your death that I would never get over it. I knew nothing would ever be the same. I am eternally grateful for the eleven years we were given, but the last eighteen have been Hell.
Watch over the kids for me.
I love and miss you always,
Sue

Sue Soboleski
wife

November 14, 2009

Bruno - In looking at these reflections I cannot believe it has been two years since I have written anything for you. I know you know that doesn't mean you have left my heart or mind for one second. You are always close, but it seems as though the only things I can think about are all of the things you have missed. My boys need you so bad, even though they have a wonderful father, it is such a shame that they cannot experience your joy and wisdom. What I wouldn't give for one day that you could have with them. They are both awesome in their own unique ways - Kaeden with his endless love for school and baseball and Trevor being a teenager with normal teenage struggles could surely benefit from your wisdom as I did. How lucky I was to have you in my life - especially during those awful teenage years! Mom is doing ok and Mallorie seems to be truly happy these days. She has someone new in her life and they both seem to make each other very happy. (He is very good to her, and you would like him very much!) You would be proud of all she has accomplished and you would love listening to her plans for the future. I hope I was able to instill some of your life lessons in her and she has grown up to be a very responsible, caring adult. She has your love of travel and exploration in her and she has already seen so many wonderful things. Jason does his best to take care of Mom and help her out when she needs something. And between you and me, I think he really enjoys being there for her! We realize that we are all each other has, so if someone needs something we are all there with our love and support. The past 18 1/2 years have not been easy, so much has changed, but our love for you has remained the same. You are truly missed by all who knew you and even those who weren't lucky enough to. It seems at times my kids know you just because they have seen the love that Mom, Mal and I have for you and of course because of all of the wonderful stories and memories we share with them. Trevor cries for you sometimes because he knows what he has missed out on by not having the chance to know you and he feels/sees our pain of not having you with us. We have been given news on your two assailants in these past few months that has really strained our faith in the judicial system. We have received word that your second shooter will be release on parole early next year. And of course, there are so many things that are unfair about that. But I can tell you the fact that we all fought so hard and he will have spent 19 years of a 20 year sentence is almost unheard of. I am so proud of all of us and very thankful to everyone who supported our protests each and every year. Without the support of your fellow law enforcement officers and even perfect strangers who never knew you, but had heard of the life you led, he would have been released years ago. The amount of support and love that the citizens of Houston have shown for you each and every time we asked was truly overwhelming and we will be forever grateful. We would not have been able to accomplish so much without their suppport and their love for you. As for the other, we are still waiting news on how that will turn out. But know that I will continue to fight for justice in your name. I will never let your horrible death and the details of what happened that fateful night go unforgotten. Please keep watch over Mom, Mallorie and my boys, we all still need you sometimes now more than ever. I love you and miss you horribly that my heart just aches. This is something that we will never get over and there is no way you could ever be forgotten. You live on through Mallorie and your two wonderful Grandsons. Love, Stess

Stefanie Soboleski-Ernsbarger
Daughter

October 16, 2009

Bruno, I miss you so much. Every time thoughts of all that you have missed come creeping into my mind, I am overwhelmed with a great sadness. Mallorie growing up. Her great experience of her trip around the world she would love to have had the chance to share with you. The grand kids and all their wonder. I can sometimes imagine you scooping Kaeden up in your arms and laughing with him. And playing an endless game of ball with him. Teaching Trevor to drive. The many things you've missed, the normal everyday things you were deprived of are endless. There will never, ever be justice for that. Never. The great senselessness of it all just goes on and on for me.
There is so much going on with the justice system in this state I can barely tolerate it all. It seems the criminals are given second chances with little regard for the families left behind. The thing that really gets to me is as very sad as all of this is for me, I know it's somehow harder on the kids. And I am so sad for them. Mallorie never speaks of it, it's just so painful she can't. And Stess fights for justice every way she can. You would be so proud of both of them.
Please continue to watch over the kids for me.
I love you and miss you everyday.

Your Loving Wife,
Sue

Anonymous

October 13, 2009

I don't know what it is about you, or perhaps your family, but your death pushes me to be a better father, officer, and person overall. I did not know you, yet reading these reflections, I strive to be like you: loved, respected, cherished, missed. I am So distrusting of our government, and more so with our judicial system, that when I signed that petition 3 years ago, honestly, I felt as though I may have just wasted ink. Thankfully, someone read it, and agreed that justice needed to be served. Mrs. Soboleski and kids, some of us still care, still fight, still struggle to carry on the pursuit of justice, as corny as that may sound. Hopefully your lives have achieved some sense of normalcy, and the memories have become happy ones.

Anonymous

September 16, 2009

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten. Reading all of your refelctions, you must have been an incredible person. To this day it's obvious that you are loved and adored by your family even more as time goes by.

To the Soboleski Family: Rest assured that your husband/father is watching over you from heaven, his righteous resting place. And I am certain he is proud of each and every one of you. I'm also sure he has reserved a place for all of you so you can spend eternity together, where you belong!

Wisconsin L.E.O.

July 14, 2009

Somehow the last reflection I wrote was marked Anonymous. I am quite sure that by now the wonderful people who read these reflections know that Sue is your loving wife.

Sue Soboleski

May 18, 2009

My Dear Bruno, another year has passed since that fateful day you were taken from us. The usual things have once again taken place without you being here to enjoy with us. Trevor and Kaden, Mal and Stess and me, the ones who love you and miss you so very much. Trevor has just celebrated his sixteenth birthday and I know how much he needs you to be here to guide him in so many ways. Kaeden has heard so many stories of you that even at a very early age he was aware of what he has lost. You would be so happy to see him play baseball. Mallorie is doing well, but I know in her heart she is lost without you. It makes me so sad to see her hurting all these years later and to know there is nothing I can do to help her understand something I will never understand myself. Stess is also lost without you. She speaks of you often, always with such great sadness at the great loss. As for me, what can I say? I miss you today as I missed you eighteen years ago. As the saying goes, some things never change. I know I will always need you. I have done what I can for the kids over the years, always putting them first without regret all the while knowing that it is you they need most. But my heart is shattered by the loss of you. It will never be the same. I love you and I miss you. I have you in my heart always. You are never far from my thoughts. Watch over the kids for me, keep them safe and give them your wisdom and your stilling gracefulness.
Love always, Sue

Anonymous

May 11, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 18th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

To Bruno's family: Thanks for sharing your memories with us. From reading the reflections, I can see that Bruno was an amazing husband, father, officer and man who is missed and loved by so many, including his grandchildren.
I hold you in my heart's embrace today.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 12, 2009

How unfortunate that so many heroes are taken from us at the hands of others. You have left behind friends and a family that speaks so highly of you. I know that you must have exemplified the characteristics that we all strive for.

God bless you and your family. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Miranda
Daughter of a fallen officer.

December 9, 2008

Here we are, another year passed since you had to leave us. Another year of firsts and wonderful times that you have missed. Little Kaeden's first T-ball game, oh how you would enjoy that. And Mallorie's exciting stories of her around the world trip. You would be so proud of her and so excited about all the things she has seen and done. And Trevor just growing up and having questions that I know you would be so helpful in answering.
We all miss you so. We miss you like you only left us yesterday. But then sometimes it seems like a hundred years that you have been gone from us.
Please watch over the kids for me and keep them oh so safe.
I love you so very much. You are in my heart always.
Sue

April 14, 2008

"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

February 13, 2008

I was working radar overtime the night Bruno was shot. I was riding on the SO channel but when the dispatcher keyed the mike you could hear the grand juror who was riding with him screaming over the radio. It is one of the moments in my career that I will never forget.
Rest assured that the HPD family will never forget Sgt. Bruno soboleski.

Sgt. Randy Beaty, Clear Lake Division
Houston Police Department
[email protected]

Randy Beaty, Sergeant
Houston Police Dept

January 29, 2008

After about nine months of preparation, our Mallorie is on her way. She is on her way to travel around the world. Seeing her leave was very hard for Stess and the kids I know, but for me it was very surreal. I have never seen more of you in her in all of her life then I did that day as she waved goodbye with that huge smile on her face so much like yours. Independent and strong and absolutely fearless. And the thing I realized the most, grown up.
Watch over her as she travels the globe. Please bring her safely back to us.
We all love you and need you as always. Please watch over all the kids for me.
Love and miss you, Sue

January 27, 2008

My Dear Bruno, Here we are... another New Year. Another year of new things, of new hopes and dreams for my children. And another year of missing you. When I stop to think of all the times we have needed you over the years, my heart stops. Mallorie and Stess have needed you so much over the years and all they have had is me. Oh how they have been cheated. I can still remember telling the wonderful Dr. Red Duke that he must save you "because the kids could get along without me perhaps, but never you" But as it turned out, I'm all they were left with. I know you would approve of how both Stess and Mallorie have turned out. Stess is a wonderful daughter and she has helped so very much with Mallorie. She is very good to me and I have no idea what I would do without her. Mallorie is doing well. She is so much like you in that she is wise beyond her years. Later this month she will be leaving for a trip around the world, something I know you would be so very happy about. She has inherited your sense of adventure and travel you see. I know that you would be proud of both of our daughters. And the grandkids, oh how you would have enjoyed them. They are wonderful. And as little Kaeden begins T-Ball this year it is yet another milestone you will miss in a very long list of many. I am so sorry that you have missed so much. We all know how much you loved life and being with the kids. Teaching them all you could and giving all your time to us. Watch over us in the new year and keep the kids safe.
We love you and miss you always. We wish you were here with us.
All my love, Sue

January 1, 2008

Hi Sue and Family,
I know he must have been a wonderful man by seeing the love from his family. Any time I think of an officer, soldier or anyone who will risk their lives for me, someone they don't know, it amazes me and makes me feel so indebted to them. I will be forever in you and your family's debt for the ultimate sacrifice your family has made. You have so much to be proud of and I truly wish that he was still here to share special times and holidays with you. Anyone who knows me has heard about your husband. I am forever in your debt.
Although I never knew your husband, he is always in my heart and very special to me. I think of him and your family on special days; April, Christmas, etc. I have checked up on the status of the lowlife that murdered your husband.
If you ever need to contact me my email address is [email protected]. Feel free to at any time.
I hope that you and your family have a safe and wonderful Christmas.
Sincerely,
Brenda, Juror

December 12, 2007

To Brenda, Juror.
Thank you so very much for your reflection. It means so much to the girls and me to hear your thoughts. We appreciate your part at the trial and your caring thoughts now. I'm truly sorry that you couldn't have known my husband, he was a wonderful person and I know you would have liked him so much.
Bless you,
Sue

November 17, 2007

I don't know when it will come, I don't know where it comes from, I only know that it will come, this missing you. It comes like a fog off the ocean and surrounds me with a sadness I can't explain. I miss you so very much and I know that I will always. It has been seventeen years and I miss as I did the day I had to tell you good bye. Only it wasn't good bye, it will never be good bye. I need you so much. We all need you so much. I know you are watching over us and for that I am so greatful. I know that you will never really leave us. And having said that, I still need to talk to you sometimes. I need to see your smile, hold your hand. And Trevor, he needs your advice so much. But, Stess, she is the one who needs you and wants you here the most somehow. And I say that because I think she wants you here to take care of Mal and me and the kids. I know she worries about all of us, as I do. Stess takes very good care of us all. And Mal, she doesn't speak of it often, but I know she, too, is heart broken. I only hope she knows how proud you are of her.
Please rest knowing that we are okay. And always,always look over us.
I love you with a love very few know.
Always, Sue

November 17, 2007

Bruno,

You have been on my mind more than usual these past few days, I can only hope that you are somehow letting me know that you are watching over us. Especially Mom, Mal and the kids. Lately the pain of you being gone has just made my heart ache. The only way to describe it is that it feels as though something is just standing on my chest, although I know it is just my shattered heart. Trevor started high school this year and he is really turning out to be a wonderful young man. That is not to say that he is not dealing with the normal teenage issues. He has a great sense of humor, and huge heart. I always try to teach him everything you taught me. These are the times I miss all of the talks we used to have. I would give anything to just have you here with us. Even just for one more "life" talk. I need your advice. You taught me so much and I just want to be able to do the same with my children. So much time has passed, but yet it seems as though it wasn't that long ago you were here. I sometimes imagine the joy you would have had with the kids. They are really wonderful and I know you would have spent every spare moment with them.

I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you today and every day. Please look over Mom , Mal and my boys. We all need to know that you are still with us.

Love your daughter,
Stess

Stefanie Soboleski-Esrnbarger
Daughter

November 6, 2007

Dear Soboleski Family,
I think of your loved one very often although I never met him. I am so sorry for your unecessary loss. I think of the tragedy and how it has impacted your lives. I was one of the jurors on the capital murder trial. The defense attorney said that we would forget the defendent's name...I will never forget. I won't state it for the fact that he is not deserving of any space. Mrs. Soboleski, I want you to know that I still have the letter you wrote and want to tell you how much it means to me. Before receiving it I only knew of your husband's death. The letter helped me know what kind of wonderful person he was and how much of a tragedy it truly was. Thanks so much for that. After the trial the jurors had the option of talking with the defense attorneys and the media. We all agreed as a group not to because we did not want any chance of a mistrial. We did it out of respect for your family. Since Sergeant Soboleski gave his life to protect us, people he didn't even know, we owed it to him to sentence the murderer to death. Again, I am truly sorry for your loss and I will never forget any of you. He was and is a true hero.
Sincerely,
Brenda

Brenda
Juror

September 20, 2007

My Dear Bruno, I miss you so very much. I think of you every day. I want you here with us so much my heart hurts. I want you here with Mallorie, Stess and the grandkids more than I can say. I will want you always, I will need you always and I will love you always.
Watch over our kids for me, Sue

July 29, 2007

Thank you to the HPD Officer for the beautiful and thoughtful reflection. The girls and I appreciate it so very much. I am sorry that you did not know him. He was an exceptional man, husband, father and friend.
Yes, even after 17 years of missing him we are still saddened. The number of years has done nothing to change our sadness.
Thank you, Sue Soboleski

July 29, 2007