Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Det. O'Brien,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Oxnard. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 2, 2023

My cousin and I had mirrored our profession as police officers and he gave the Latinate sacrifice. I getting ready to retire after 40+ years and I wish he was joining me.live you cuz. RIP

Sheriff Nick Hoke
CrWford Ciunty Sheriff’s Office PA

December 2, 2019

Rest in peace Detective O' Brien.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 2, 2019

Jimmie, today Sunday, November 25, 2018, the Ventura County STAR newspaper ran an article about the lasting impacts victims, family, friends and community live with for a lifetime following these tragic shootings. Unfortunately, Ventura County had to live through another mass shooting on November 8, 2018 in Thousand Oaks at the Borderline Bar with the loss of 13; including brother law enforcement officer Ventura County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Ron Helus. Both of you made all of law enforcement proud by your heroic actions.

On December 2, 2018, it will be 25 years since your passing. I am going to contact as many of our fellow Academy Class 80-3 classmates for a reunion in your honor. Listed below are the names and agencies we represented upon graduation in December 1980.

Ventura County Sheriff's Office: Jim O'Brien, Steve Rhods, Mark Volpei, Harold Laubacher, Robert McGill & Bruce Macedo.

Oxnard Police Department: Fred Sedillos (Class Sergeant), John Loredo, Dennis McMaster, Donald Methlie, Jeff Shelton and Roger Sonsini.

Port Hueneme Police Department: Robert Briner.

Simi Valley Police Department: Jeff Malgren.

Santa Paula Police Department: James Wilburn.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office: Cecilia Pezzati

Santa Barbara Police Department: Al Avila, Drew Bessinger, Gregory Glenn, Jerald Olmo & John Corre.

Carpenteria Police Department: William Darden.

Bruce A. Macedo (Captain, Ret)
Ventura County Sheriff's Office

November 25, 2018

I have always thought a street sign was an inadequate memorial for your sacrifice. Someday we will find a more fitting tribute Jim

Fred Sedillos, Sergeant, OPD, (Retired)
Oxnard Police Department

September 2, 2018

I often pass the sign erected by your comrades on Victoria, returning from Channel Islands Harbor. Thank you for your service.

Tim Liddell
CA Hwy Patrol (retired)

May 29, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother. You are honored and remembered today the 24th anniversary of your E.O.W. Thank you Hero and your family for your service and sacrifice.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

December 2, 2017

Hey Jim, I was devastated when I heard of your death off duty. You were a great beat partner. In the evenings, you were in beat 6 and I was in 3. You backed me up quite a bit. You were so helpful during those difficult calls. Your smile could light up the squad briefing room. I was so devastated at your funeral. I couldn't hold back the tears. You are a true HERO! You gave chase to a dangerous man heading up to the EDD Ventura Office after he just shot up the Oxnard Office. You saved all their lives in Ventura. I wonder if they realize it, that they could have easily ended up like the workers in Oxnard office with 3 dead & 4 wounded. In fact, it could have been worse up there if you hadn't given chase. Rest in Peace Bro. I will never forget you nor Jim Jensen.

Debbie Gorzycki
Oxnard P.D. Retired

July 5, 2017

Both my husband and I have great memories of detective James E. O'Brien. My husband worked with him at OPD, and I knew him since the early 80's (when he worked at PHPD). Jim, or "O.B." as we called him, was always smiling and laughing. He was a joker, and loved to add levity to the tense, stressful and unknown environment which is all police work. I also knew him as a loving husband to Leslie, and an extremely devoted and dedicated father to both Katie and Sean. He cherished his children and role as "daddy", and loved every moment he shared with them. He would offer me regular updates on Katie when she was just a newborn, and then fill in the other achievements and milestones as the years slowly passed by. He was loved and respected much more than he ever knew. He was a wonderful Law Enforcement Officer, and wore his badge with honor, integrity and pride. He was impartial yet fair, and always extended the benefit of the doubt to those he serviced while in uniform. He was a genuine "cops-cop", and loved the never-ending action on the street. He was proud of his Irish heritage, and never missed an opportunity to mention it when fitting. Yet, as much as he loved his career, he loved his family even more. His favorite time of day was leaving work, to go home to his "real life & world" as he called it. To his wife and children eagerly awaiting their beloved soldier in blue. It was such a pleasure to know Jim on both a work & personal level. We think of him often, and always keep his children and family in our intentions. "We are all such things that dreams are made of, all rounded out with a little sleep."

Greg & Lisa Jehle/
Ret. Sgt. BPD/KCDA CID

July 14, 2015

Brian was a great guy, a tough but sensitive person I was reminded of him when I read of the San Jose Officer that was killed recently. R.I.P. Brother.

Sgt. Gary Marshall (retired)
Santa Paula Police Dept.

March 27, 2015

A Hero now in Heaven. Always remembered and Never forgotten.

Kim Weigand - PA C.O.P.S.
Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand E.O.W. 9/14/2008

December 2, 2014

Somebody killed a policeman today,
and a part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect,
will be buried with him at his side.
The suspect who shot him will stand up in court,
with counsel demanding his rights,
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids,
and spend alone many long nights.
The beat that he walked was a battlefield too,
just as if he'd gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,
to his name they will add a gold star.
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,
It Happened in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
a cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
and he stands at each new rookie's side.
He answered the call, and gave us his all,
and a part of America died.

The poem is written by Deputy Sheriff Harry Koch, Maricopa AZ County Sheriff.

Shawn Hoke
Second Cousin

December 2, 2014

Your loved one's loss of life has impacted my life to this very day and for the rest of my life. It has taken me this long to open this wound. You see I was about 4 cars from the signal at Victoria and Gonzales on that Thursday. I became panicked when we weren't moving.
Cop cars were coming in every direction.
Your father and husband, Jim O'Brien, passed me in his unmarked car on the right shoulder. That memory is forever burned in my brain.
Once all the police traffic cleared we proceeded. Immediately after passing the signal I saw his car stopped and the activity. We were turned around. I later learned what happened.
I saw our/your hero in the last minutes of his life...doing as another said, rushing to the scene.
I carry him in my heart to this day. My life was impacted by him and will always be. I suffer PTSD as a result.
I pray somehow sharing this comforts you. Maybe it can help me.
I am thankful I am able to learn of your family.
I am so sorry for your loss.
May our almighty God continue to bless and comfort you, his family and loved ones.
I look forward to meeting your Hero ~ James O'Brien....you will forever be a part of me.
Thank you for your service to protect and serve. Family, thank you for your sacrifice. THANK YOU!!!

Sept. 3, 2013

Taryn Burns

September 3, 2013

Thank you Jim for your sacrifice. I was just talking with my step-dad who worked for VPD and was on scene when your killer was shot and killed by Ernie Orozco. We still talk about you and remember you.

PO II
Oxnard PD

April 13, 2013

I was 11 when Jim died and his daughter was my best friend. We went to preschool together, birthday parties, and I remember Jim playing with us when we were kids. I have many memories of him and I remember the day that he died my dad told me not to turn on the t.v. until he got home, so he can sit down with me and explain what happened. Jim I still think of you and all the memories there were and playing with Katie and Sean. God Bless and RIP. We all love you and will never forget you <3

Amanda Crombach
Friend

May 11, 2012

Rest in Peace, Detective O'Brien. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 19, 2012

Officer James O'Brien was a family friend, he was my uncles FTO and was a very brave man. I was only 2 when he was killed but every year my family and I make sure we visit his memorial at Christmas time and a proud to see how he has not been forgotten. Every year we see that there are men and women who take the time to decorate his memorial and leave things for him. It was hard on my family and it still is. I know he is in a much happier place and looks down on his family and friends on a daily basis. You will NEVER be forgotten, Sir. Thank you for making sure that our streets were safe. God Bless you Officer James Edward O'Brien

Jason Evans

January 4, 2012

Very sad. Just over 17 years now. His brother taught me in school and sister-in-law is a good family friend. I think about this event every time I drive down Victoria Ave. It is nice to see the sign bearing his name still up.

Sean McFarland
Acquaintance

December 5, 2011

Dear lil' bro...Another year without you.
Your children have grown up to be such fine adults. They have your wicked sense of humor. Sean has your gut laugh. Sometimes the way he says something; along with his facial expressions and I have to catch my breath,as I think its you standing there. You are missed. Keep watching over us until we meet again.

Trish
Sister

December 2, 2011

I didn't know you...but don't have to say "HERO!"

Anonymous

March 15, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 16th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you, especially your children. The pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 2, 2009

I was there with you that day. You were in the Briefing Room with us while we received the call to respond, and saw you go down. I was among the Officers that took him down. We responded as brave men, we left as heros. I never have, nor will ever forget.

Bobby Vizcarra. Retired Policeman
Oxnard Police Dept.

December 2, 2009

Jim

It's been a long time since you told me on my first ride along as a reserve Police Officer in Port Huemene, that I should always wear my vest. Just to let you know if I am in uniform, my vest is on! I sure miss the way you use to mess with the words in the songs played on the radio. I know you are in good hands now.
Thank you for everything you did to help me along the way.

Officer Mike Cosens
Idaho Falls Police Department

July 12, 2009

As I reflect on the senseless killing of three brave Pittsburgh Police Officers I was drawn back to this site and my cousin Jimmy O'Brien. That was 1993 when an argry unemployed man decided that he would extract his twisted revenge on inocent people and brave public servants. Unfortunately this same scene has been repeated over and over again. I have been in law enforcement for most of my adult life. I have attended at least a dozen police funerals, Jimmy's being about the forth. Now I will attend three more. I pray for the family of these officers, their "Brothers and Sisters" in Blue and I pray for this country. I truly believe that Christ Himself is shedding tears for what this world has become and He is shedding tears for these brave men.
Never forget

Sheriff Nick Hoke
Crawford COunty Sheriffs' Office

April 6, 2009

I attended Jim's service with my son, who was only two at the time. My brother was one of the motor officers who rode in the motorcade that day, and I wanted to teach my son how important it is to stand up and remember the officers that give so much to the community every day, sometimes even their lives. My boy is 16 now, and I can't believe how the time has flown by. I still remember like it was yesterday, and still appreciate all that he gave.

REMEMBRANCE

February 8, 2008