Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

On this anniversary of your untimely and heroic death, I reiterate all of my previous reflections and say that your law enforcement family will never forget you. God Bless and rest in peace sir.

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

May 13, 2024

I visited the site where you so bravely faced evil, and unselfishly scarificed your life. I felt you there, watching over us. As you rest in Heaven, know that your legacy lives on. I pray your story is shared, and your life is celebrated amongst those who now carry the torch.

Semper Fidelis.

Police Officer III+I
Los Angeles Police Department (Retired)

April 13, 2024

Oscar Joel Bryant

Never forgotten. I was a new rookie black officer and I looked up to you as my mentor and I have tried to always keep your pearls of wisdom with me each and every day.

You radioed that you were responding to a 211 (robbery) call at a dress shop on Western avenue. Because you had court that day, as your trainee, I was assigned to the jailer at the station. I heard the call and that you were responding to the location. I heard no fear in your communications with the dispatcher that day, you were always fearless. There was no immediate backup response because the day shift was waiting in the parking lot for the PM shift to relieve them. (Wasn't the first time being relieved late)

You arrived at the location and had everyone involved face the glass window. Sadly everything changed quickly and you lost your life, but not before shooting one of the suspects.

You gave your life that day to protect others. You will always be remembered and honored as a hero. You were always proud to wear the badge and you lived by the marine code of honor. As time sunsets on my life, I will always be thankful for the time you spent training me to be the best person and police officer possible.
Semper Fi

Joseph E. Barrett
Police officer retired

March 16, 2024

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always and may God Bless your family and loved ones.

To retired Officer Joseph Barrett, that was an absolute beautiful and heartfelt reflection you left for Officer Bryant. May God always bless you and your family and may you always take just a little solace knowing that Officer Bryant left us a hero.

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

May 13, 2021

May 13, 1968 is to me like today, Oscar left for court that morning and I was made to stay at the station and work with the jailer. When he returned at noon I begged the watch sergeant to go out on patrol with my FTO for the rest of the shift and again was told No. Would it have mattered?, to this day I will never know. I have long resigned that you cannot change fate.

Oscar taught that "Protect and Serve" meant a higher calling. We patrolled our area with pride, Tried hard to reach out and make a difference and when the gangs or black youth called us pigs or uncle toms, he would sternly tell me, we wear the uniform and we will represent them with respect and caring no matter what they call us or do. I can honestly say at the time, being a young black trainee officer I found it hard not to take it personally. Oscar was just that way, service above all else.

It was not easy being a officer of color representing both LAPD and the public back then. Oscar Bryant never saw his color as an issue, only as a way to better serve his community to the best of his ability. We only had a few months together before that fateful day, but I learned a lot about what a police officer met because of him. No one should go into being a police officer thinking it is easy or that their actions won't go unnoticed or not make a difference.

Oscar never sullied the badge, or used the badge as a weapon or hammer. He wore it with pride and did everything he could to show the public, black or white that as a police officer, he was there to always help and make their experience better after he left them.

We enjoyed our work, made a lot of arrest with good facts and evidence and even had the respect of those we arrested. That meant a lot to Oscar and he never let me forget it.

That is why it still hurts even today. He responded as he always did, never questioning whether back up was on it way. He was killed by a group of young black men and women who did not care what color he was, only that he stood between them and getting away. He was going to do his job no matter what, that was Oscar. I understand when people say black lives matter. Oscar was black and his life mattered, but he felt ALL LIVES mattered.

I honor Oscar and all who follow by being the best I can be. Oscar loved what he represented, "To Protect and Serve" were more than mere words printed on the side of the black and white unit. It was his belief in humanity, his belief he could make a difference one person at a time. He sacrificed for it, without hesitation. That was Oscar Bryant.

"Semper Fidellis" Never forgotten.

Joseph E Barrett
Retired

September 15, 2020

Thank you for your service and know that your sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

September 2, 2020

Rest in peace Policeman Bryant.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 16, 2020

Officer Oscar J. Bryant will never ever be forgotten. May his soul forever rest peacefully in Heaven.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired, NYSP

January 10, 2020

I am a recruit for the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department and I am here to pay my respects to an honorable officer, Officer Oscar J. Bryant. Yesterday, while we were on the grinder, I was staring at the memorial wall at Biscailuz Center. Officer Oscar J. Bryant's plaque on the wall stood out to me as if it was the only plaque that was shining. I do not know why his plaque drew me in, but I felt this feeling as I needed to write something to commemorate him. As I was reading through other reflections about your heroism, courage, and honor, I stared to understand why your plaque was the only one standing out to me yesterday.
In our academy we are currently learning about the true meaning of what it means to be a law enforcement officer. Our class has been taught that this job is very unforgiving and that we need to respect it and understand that coming home to our families is never a guarantee. I cannot thank you enough for giving the greatest sacrifice to serve in protect. Although I do not know you, you have already impacted my life in a positive way. As I look to graduate and receive my badge, I will alway carry your memory in the back of my head. I am still learning of the true sacrifices this job entails, but I know that by implementing the traits that you possessed, I can hopefully perform greatly as a law enforcement officer. I give my greatest condolences to you and your family and may you rest in peace. Thank you for your service to Los Angeles County and to our nation.

Annonymous
LASD

April 4, 2019

We were seated alphabetical in the LAPD Police Academy Class 10/26/1964 & assigned our Serial Numbers the same way. You were in the front row & I was in the next to the last row Your Serial Number was "12111" & mine was "12172", yet we became friends on the training field & became Partners after our first assignment was finished by going to Traffic Division & worked 12T77, then we went to University Division morning watch together working 3A21. You were fresh out of the Marines & I had just returned from my 6 months active duty with the California Army National Guard. A spit shine was second nature for us! I know our Military Training helped us in the Academy & helped forge our friendship! We had such a great time together as Traffic & Patrol Partners! Oscar I think of you often & this Tuesday I visited the LAPD Fallen Officer Memorial in your Honor! RIP Partner!

Police Officer/ Firefighter - William Ri
LAPD Class 10/26/1964, LAFD Class 05/16/1970

December 20, 2018

Officer Bryant,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO/former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 13, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 50th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

May 13, 2018

May 13, 2018 will be celebrated by most as being Mother’s Day 2018.

However, as a Retired United States Marine, as well as A Retired Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) patrol supervisor, I will be thinking of Fellow US Marine and LAPD Oscar Joel Bryant (OJB), who apparently has no known living relatives.

Rest-In-Peace, Devil-Dawg.

Semper Fi,
“Major Pain”

Michael B. Parlor

May 13, 2018

I was just a little boy when Oscar was gunned down and had no idea some 30 years later that I would walk in his foot steps as a Los Angeles Police Officer. As an African American I am proud to share the dubious distinction of being a member of the Los Angeles Police Department and to proudly serve the citizens of Los Angeles. Oscars courage and heroism is a testament to the men and women who serve and are willing to give their life to PROTECT AND TO SERVE.

Lawrence F. Henderson Police Officer
Los Angeles Police Department

May 9, 2018

Dear Oscar,

Fifty years have gone by yet it seems just like the other day that we were in the Police Academy together, then working 77th Traffic & then on to University Division together! I loved being your Patrol Partner & Friend & will always remember the Good times & laughs we shared together! We made a great team & made some really good Burglary Arrests gleamed from our street contacts! I will never forget our Friendship & know that if you were alive today we would still be seeing each other to reminisce!

RIP MY BROTHER OFFICER & FRIEND!

Policeman William L Riechel
LAPD # 12172 10/26/1964

May 5, 2018

Short and to the point: I was working the LAPD 77th Division on the day that Oscar was gunned down, I was one year on the job out and about as a one-man report unit when the radio calls of Oscar’s situation started coming out. First was the notice that a 211 (robbery) was in progress, then the RTO (Radio Telephone Operator) indicated that an LAPD unit (Oscar) was at the location, and with each subsequent radio transmission it became apparent that the situation had become very serious and citizens were reporting that Oscar was down. I recall jamming down on the accelerator to get to the scene as quickly as I could but daytime traffic was holding me back even though I took "liberties" at red light intersections. It soon became apparent that every other LAPD unit in the area was also responding because the RTO came back on the radio and indicated that enough units were on scene and rest of us should remain in our respective areas. The feelings I had during and immediately after this incident had an enormous affect on me on a number of levels.

Here's the deal, I didn't find out until later that Oscar was a Marine, as I was, and after our enlistments we both transitioned over to law enforcement and we both stepped up to join the LAPD. The gravity of his actions and the way he jumped into action (without a backup!) to do his duty is something that resonates with me even after all these years. After-action opinions re tactics and how a street cop should handle certain situations will always be a subject of discussion, but I will say this: Oscar went in boldly where others may not have, and I’m sure he felt it was his duty to take action albeit he was working alone. Even to this day (50 years later) I sometimes think about how the situation may have turned out if some of us responding had arrived at his location sooner, but in the end we are left with just one reality: no matter the risks involved it can be said that Oscar stepped up and did what good cops do… they put themselves in harm's way to protect the citizens they serve. RIP brother and semper fi, I will continue to come to your resting place as long as I have breath.

P-3 Fred Romero
LAPD, 67-87

April 19, 2018

May 19, 2018 will be the 50th Anniversary for LAPD Officer Oscar Joe Bryant (OJB). The Memorial will be held at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills at 11:00. This May 19th, will be the 50th year since Oscar laid down his life for his friends, family, and community. This will be the first time since his passing that we will have family in attendances. Some of his family members have followed his path into law enforcement. We will honor Oscar for the 50th time and hope you will join us.

Sergeant Fred Starkey
Los Angeles Police Department

April 18, 2018

Oscar "Pepper",

I have so many fond memories of you. I was your sister-in-law for many years and named my son after you. Recently I made copies of events in your life and gave them to your brother (Joe) and the rest of our children. I would love to introduce your only child to the family. Lynette, if you see this, please contact me via my email [email protected]

Chief Deputy Eva Talley-Sanders
Marion County Sheriff's Department

August 30, 2017

TODAY I WILL GO BY 67TH/WESTERN TO PAY MY RESPECTS FOR OFFICER BRYANT. YOU DIED AS A HERO, AND YOU WILL BE REMEMBERED AS A HERO. JOHN 3:16.

POLICE OFFICER II TORRES,N
LAPD

May 13, 2017

Next week will be the 49th year of Oscar's death. Many friends, classmates and fellow Officers have mentioned him in their reflections. For those that want to attend a memorial service, there will be the 49th annual memorial service on Saturday May 13, 2017 at 1100 hours, Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 6300 Forest lawn Dr., Los Angeles CA. Oscar will not be forgotten and his memory will be eternal.
John E Miller #13738 LAPD Retired

Retired Detective

May 1, 2017

Annual “Oscar Joel Bryant LAPD-USMC Memorial Ceremony” - Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills, California
_________________________

I shall neither confirm nor deny that on May 13, 2016, some US Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran and some US Marine Corps Lazy Surfing Beach Bum, added US Marine Corps stickers to that headstone…….jajajajaja

Michael B. Parlor

May 14, 2016

I remember Oscar as Sgt. Bryant, MB NAD Lualualei, Oahu, Hawaii. Most evenings when not on duty he would stop by and say let's go lift some weights. He always had a smile and a take charge attitude to go with it. He was certain that police work was in his future. Most squared away Marine I ever knew.

D.J. Gano
Friend

October 9, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 13, 2015

Oscar and I were academy classmates and we both working University Division. On the day that he was killed, my private vehicle was stolen from my apartment. I located my vehicle and the suspect,a few blocks away and call the police. When the two offices arrived, they remained at their vehicle apparently listing to the police radio. I walked over to the police vehicle and learned that an officer had been shot. We abandoned the stolen vehicle call, returned to my apartment, called the station and learned that Oscar was the officer that had been shot.

Each year since his death, there is a memorial at his gravesite. I was there for the past several years and will be there this year(2015)

Cmdr Sam Dacus
Retired LAPD and LASD

February 13, 2015

Oscar, I was your trainee and we were supposed to work that fateful day. You had court that day and when you hurried and got back before noon, I was looking forward to going out as a two man patrol unit with my FTO.
You were a hard and fair FTO who demanded my best and to your credit you excepted nothing less. I was upset when the watch sergeant refused to let us go together. I stayed helping the jailer and I couldn't understand why. I to this day blame myself for not being there. It has messed and defined my life.I remember the call, you being alone on that call. I have never forgotten. You worked me hard but treated like a little brother. I have tired to live up to your ethics and standards. You were six months from getting married and that was all you could think about. I hope I have made you proud, I wish you were still here. The person who shot you never got what he deserved, but I know God had greater plans for you. Take care FTO and I hope to be your partner again. As I have struggled with with life but knowing your expectations has always pulled me through.You were my mentor and the best.You didn't deserve to be alone. I wish I had been there with you. Just know you're always there in spirit.
Thank you for helping make me who I am.

Joe B
law enforcement

January 19, 2015