Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer O’Sullivan,
On today, the 5th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Sacramento. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

June 19, 2024

Tara, it broke my heart to hear of your passing. You gave your life protecting the people of Sacramento and doing the job you loved. I worked with Tara before she became an officer. I remember working as an officer for the Martinez Police Department and seeing you come in for the Explorer meetings. You were so happy in uniform as an Explorer for us. I wish ODMP would add that you were previously an Explorer for the Martinez Police Department.

Officer Jason Quan
Brisbane Police Department

January 17, 2024

R.I.P. brave one.

Sgt Scott Hyatt (Ret)
SSO

November 27, 2023

Poor young lady hope this guy got the death penalty. My heart goes out to her family

Lt.A.Curatola
FDNY-EMSC

June 19, 2022

So young, so sad and will be truly missed by your brothers and sisters in blue. May God bless you and bless your family. You are truly a hero and I want to thank you for your service. Rest In Peace

State Traffic Officer 7185.
California Highway Patrol & US Marine

June 19, 2022

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement family.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

June 19, 2021

Dear Officer O’Sullivan,

Thank you for your service. I remember seeing the videos on YouTube, and reading the news stories. An officer in my city had been gunned down trying to protect a woman from a violent piece of garbage.

Ma’am, after reading your story, I thought, “she gave her life serving our community, what’s my excuse? What have I done to help?”. It was the first time I’d ever considered a career in Law Enforcement.

I haven’t started the academy yet, but I am proud to say that I am on my way. I took my Pellet-B, and my oral exam. Have to retake my PAT (injured myself). You inspired me, Ma’am, and your story is one part of what keeps driving me to be a police officer.

Thank you. Rest In Peace. You are remembered even by those you never met.

Vince
Hopeful future SPD officer

January 11, 2021

Dear Officer O’Sullivan,

Thank you for your service. I remember seeing the videos on YouTube, and reading the news stories. An officer in my city had been gunned down trying to protect a woman from a violent piece of garbage.

Ma’am, after reading your story, I thought, “she gave her life serving our community, what’s my excuse? What have I done to help?”. It was the first time I’d ever considered a career in Law Enforcement.

I haven’t started the academy yet, but I am proud to say that I am on my way. I took my Pellet-B, and my oral exam. Have to retake my PAT (injured myself). You inspired me, Ma’am, and your story is one part of what keeps driving me to be a police officer.

Thank you. Rest In Peace. You are remembered even by those you never met.

Vince
Hopeful future SPD officer

January 11, 2021

So young and yet so brave!

Equipment Operator Retired Chuck Horne
Calif. State Dept. of Transportation

December 22, 2019

“The Badge"

She starts her shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
She drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer she is known.

She’s paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But she usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has her salary beat.

Now she doesn't know a holiday
'Cause she works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At her home she cannot be found.

She’s cursed and assaulted often,
The one whose blood runs blue.
She seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some she’s just a fool.

Her friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath her badge and gun,
She’s just another women.

She knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And she gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when she leaves for work,
She prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight she stops a speeding car,
She alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
She does it everyday.

Well, she walks up to the driver's window,
And her badge is shining bright.
She 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 she lay on the ground bleeding.
Her blood wasn't blue - Her blood was red.
And briefly she thought of her 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 her cried.

Well, they buried her in uniform
With her badge pinned on his chest.
She even had her revolver,
She died doing his best.

Back the Blue, Kate

November 15, 2019

I met her once while. She was helping with a welfare check on an elderly she was so sweet and actually willing to help and its sad cause with no disrespect but wen ur a female cop alot of times they are not as nice due to they have to prove themselves or so they think but they dont cause girls can do it just as good as guys but sullivan she was eager to help and pleasant about it i cried wen i heard this like as i knew her for years but only met her once i am sorry for ur loss i know im not a officer so im not sure if this will get to anyone

Jaime carter
Someone she helped out

September 26, 2019

Officer O'Sullivan Will never ever be forgotten. RIP.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired
New York State Police

September 19, 2019

This reflection feels more like a love letter because although my interaction with you was probably in passing when you were an Explorer in Martinez, everything I have read about you and heard about you from your friends, your family, and your mentors made me aware that while your time on earth was so brief, the impact you had on so many lives is lasting and you are loved and admired by so many. You were a warrior for justice, you had a spunky and sassy attitude, you were relentless, and you were simply FIERCE. You are our hometown hero, and as far as I know you and my son are the only two graduates of CPHS to be murdered in the line of duty.

To all of your family, fellow Sac P.D. officers, and all who call Tara beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support. I hope that same kind of support makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Officer Tara O'Sullivan gave to her community and the citizens of California, and for the supreme sacrifice she and her family made on June 19, 2019.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

September 7, 2019

It saddens me to see such a young person killed by a murdering idiot. Domestic disturbances are so dangerous. And they can go sideways so quickly. My heart goes out to your family and all your Department.

CO Ted Carr (ret), Colorado Dept. of Corrections, Texas Dept. of Corrections TDCJID

August 22, 2019

FROM JOE VENTURA JR, A FAMILY MEMBER OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AS YOU ALL MIGHT KNOW IM STILL HAVING A DAY TO DAY HARD TIME COPING WITH OUR LOSS IN OUR DEPT I LOST A BROTHER IN LAW SAC CO SHERIFF BACK IN 2016 CASE STILL NOT SOLVED. AS TO ANY OF MY OFFICERS WHO BECOME KILLED FOR NO REASON I THEN BECOME SUCH A MEAN STREAK. I WAS AT HER FUNERAL GRIEVING SO BADLY AND AGAIN DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO THINK OR SAY I WAS SO LOST THAT DAY. AS TO ALL MY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES YOU HAVE MY LOVE AND SUPPORT. IF THERE'S ANY I CAN DO PLEASE EMAIL ME. MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT MR VENTURA JR

JOE VENTUA JR
FAMILY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT

August 1, 2019

R.I.P Officer O'sullivan. YOU WILL BE MISSED, BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN, Sister.

SARGENT Scott Santos
Golden Valley Security

July 30, 2019

Gone but never forgotten. Rest easy

Lance Corporal Battle Victor J
USMC PROVOST MARSHALS OFFICE

July 12, 2019

I have a brother, well, considered brother, who is a police officer for Sacramento. I can't imagine the pain he, as well as your other brothers and sisters in blue must've felt upon losing you. To your family, I say these words: I am very sorry for your loss. To your fellow officers, this is my prayer: May you never die young. May you keep our streets, townships and neighborhoods safe, and may you always come home to your families and find a delicious home-cooked meal waiting for you on your table. RIP, Officer O'Sullivan, you will never be forgotten!

Leland Gildersleeve
so-called brother of Officer Robert K. Young

July 2, 2019

Officer O'Sullivan, you put your life on the line unselfishly so that others may be safe. Your reward in heaven will be abundant as all good deeds do not go unnoticed by our all-loving, all-generous God. May He immerse you and your loved ones in His Divine Mercy. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.

Jess Espinosa
Civilian

June 29, 2019

Rest in peace Ofc. O'Sullivan. My thoughts & prayers are with your family, friends, and the members of the SPD during this most difficult and tragic time.

Sgt. Scott Seitz
Plainsboro Township NJ Police Department

June 29, 2019

So loved and admired! Dedicated, loving beautiful hero that will never be forgotten. So so sad! Hearts forever broken, dreams vanish! You are loved and cherished!

B. Reyes
Mother of female Deputy Sheriff

June 28, 2019

On behalf of the Klamath County Sheriff's Office in Klamath Falls Oregon, we send our sincerest sympathy in the recent loss of your Officer, Tara Christina O'Sullivan, in the line of duty. It is always a huge loss when a fellow officer makes the ultimate sacrifice. Her bravery and courage to protect and serve your community has not gone unnoticed.

Sheriff Chris Kaber
Klamath County Sheriff's Office

June 28, 2019

Goodbye, sister-in-blue. I honor your sacrifice, while my heart hurts for your family. You will not be forgotten.

Rest In Peace, Officer O’Sullivan.

We have the watch.

JH72

June 28, 2019

Rest in sweet Peace, Officer O’Sullivan. May you walk with the Angels.

My prayers are with the family, personal and agency both, and friends.

Cerise Richardson

June 27, 2019

RIP Officer.

SFC William L Farrell
US Army Military Police, Ret

June 26, 2019