Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sweet Victory!! Baby Malia busted out her Randel El jersey and we're taking the Bus to Detroit.

Love You Man!

Donnie O

January 23, 2006

Go Steelers, guess you were watchin out because God knows someone had their back. Lets go all the way......

friend

January 16, 2006

Gump,

The Steelers just pulled off a victory in what was almost the biggest bunch of crap in the history of organized sports. You would have been so pissed and so happy at the same time. A win is a win, but the refs tried their best to break one off in us. Wish you were here to experience it with me.

Donnie O

January 16, 2006

Bryan,

Although I never knew you personally, everytime I watch the Steelers play I take a moment and think of you. God bless you brother, you are missed.

"Gone but never forgotten"

Officer Eric H. Brill (Retired)
Whitehall Division of Police

January 11, 2006

Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you mark the first anniversary of Officer Hurst's tragic death. May he always be remembered as a hero

Linda Lamm - LEO Wife and Sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

January 10, 2006

Officer Hurst..you - your family - friends & co-workers are in my thoughts & prayers as they honor you on your 1 yr. anniversary with the Lord..continue to watch over them & your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..YOU ARE GONE..BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL!!!!

girlfriend of a dpd
detroit, mi

January 10, 2006

Bryan-

It has been an emotional day. This morning, we laid another of our own to rest, Dep. Ethan Collins. I went to the funeral with Krissy, Sara and Angie and am so glad that I did. What an outstanding group of women - they are such incredible friends. I seem to go back and forth between being a grieving deputy and a grieving widow - it's hard to be both. On one hand I want to remain stoic and on the other, I want to really take everything in and feel every emotion. I made it through the funeral just fine but the burial was another story. We seemed to collectively lose it during the procession of the riderless horse and then the radio call "Radio to 268? Radio to 268? Unit 268 is signal 37. Unit 268 has been called home." What made it incredibly emotional is that the riderless horse was in fact Ethan's own horse, Jake. It was unbelievably sad, but we all clung to each other and made it through.

The burial brought back a lot of memories about your's. Seeing the Pipes and Drums today made me think of last year, how I could remember the pouring rain dripping from their fuzzy hats. I remember the bagpipes sounding a little funny because they were soaking wet. Selfishly though, I kept thinking today that I was so glad that it wasn't me going through all of that again; so happy that my days of confusion and intense grief have passed. I would not wish that feeling of emptiness on my worst enemy. There aren't even words to express how I hurt for Kylie Collins.

The one year anniversary of your passing was exactly as I had hoped it would be; low-key, private, and respectful. There was an incredible plaque dedication to you at the 2/18 sub. It was packed with family and friends and it was nice to see some faces that I haven't seen lately. Afterwards, we had our Christmas with your family at my house. Malia got to open her presents and had a blast. She got lots of goodies, including a Dora table and chairs, which she is very thrilled with. We all went to Buca di Beppo for a big dinner, which I felt was fitting since we had our wedding rehearsal dinner there. Everyone had a good time and we celebrated the good times. I don't want to talk about anything but the good times. I don't like when I am drilled about what happened in the bank...do I think A, B, or C happened? Hey, I wasn't there that day and therefore I don't know what happened. I'm not going to drill anyone who WAS there for details because I am sure they are dealing with their own grief. I am not getting caught up in all of the little details because it doesn't change the outcome. Further, it doesn't help my mental health to intensely focus on that day. Hearing from the Reynoldsburg officers as well as the medics was good enough for me. They all told me that your death was almost instant and that you did not suffer. That is comforting for me.

Every time I come to this page and look at the academy photo that was posted, I think "That is NOT Bryan." That picture was of you many years ago, before we even knew each other, and is not the Bryan I remember. I searched the computer photo files for one that looked like MY Bryan so here it is. Upstairs in my memorial room, I have the enormous photo (again, the academy pic) that sat on your casket at the funeral. Every time I look at it, I smile because it just isn't you. That was the all-business, just outta the Marine Corps, high-and-tight haircut Bryan. I'm glad we met several years later, because I don't know if we would've liked each other then!! The Bryan in all of my pictures is the pizza-eating, Xbox playing, relaxed, sarcastically funny guy that we all remember.

Miss Malia is with your parents this weekend. It's been a long time since she has been to visit them overnight and I miss her. It's going to be quiet around her until I get her back, because Felony leaves for puppy college tomorrow.

We love you and miss you!

Love,
Marissa and Malia

Marissa
Delaware County SO

January 9, 2006

Bryan, I was one of the paramedics that responded the day you were shot. I wrote this while sitting at Grant afterwards. I'm sorry i'm not much of a poet.

Thank you noble servant
for your vigilant watch
answering our calls
no matter what the cost
i wish i could pay you
for all that you endure
but never could i afford
the reward you so deserve
all my riches i would give to you
my faithful brother in blue
keeping me safe, all the nights thru
having your family and friends
make that sacrifice with you
so my gallant man
all that i can do
is raise a hand to my brim
in a show of gratitude
take my salute, it is all i can do
to humbly say "Thank You"
for all that you do
so go in peace
God rest your soul
help us dry our eyes
know that you have given
something than can not die
Frienship
Love
Brotherhood
Honor
Sacrifce

TTFD

January 8, 2006

Rest in peace

Detective S. T. Alexander
Columbus Division of Police

January 8, 2006

My Friend

My Friend when I think of you.
I think of all that we've been through.
All the times we argue and fight,
I know deep inside that it isn't right.
I, then feel bad and alot of pain.
It feels like I've fallen from the sky like the rain.
I love you dear friend with all of my heart.
But now that you're gone I've fallen apart.
I'm getting better as the days go by.
I wish sometimes this was all a big lie.
I pray to you every night.
It's like you're my fire, a burning light.
My dear friend, I miss you alot.
I still wonder why you were put in that spot.
I know you're in a place much better than here.
Watching and helping me with all of my fear.
Our friendship my dear friend,
we will have to the end.
Friends til the end is what we will be.
Someday we'll be together,
together you and me.

January 8, 2006

it doesn't seem like a year has gone by. it only seems like days. i think how unfair it is to your family to have you ripped away so suddenly. i know a lot of people view you as a hero, and you ARE, i just wish you were here to tell the tale. i wish God hadn't decided it was your time to go and had taken someone else instead. i keep thinking it's a bad dream and i will still run in to you and be able to catch up on all our goings on. you will tell me how happy you are to be a hubby, a daddy, an uncle and how Grandma and Grandpa are spoiling all the children. i just don't want you to be gone. i visited your grave this week - even with the headstone it doesn't seem like reality.

i miss you

January 7, 2006

HURST,

Tracy and I visited your Mom, Dad and sister and we got to see Malia but it was short because Malia was sick. I was holding Rebekah and Malia said: "baby." It was so cute.

Well, yesterday was of course one year since you were taken from us. It's still so unbelievable and sad. Lots of thoughts run through my head, especially the guilt of only seeing each other a handful of times each year since you moved to Columbus. It makes me think of this song by Tim McGraw:

“My Old Friend”
Written By CRAIG WISEMAN, STEVE MCEWAN
My old friend I recall
The times we had are hanging on my wall
I wouldn't trade them for gold
Cause they laugh and they cry me and
somehow sanctify me
They're woven in the stories I have told
And tell again
My old friend I apologize
For the years that have passed since the
last time you and I
Dusted off those memories
But the runnin' and the races and the
people and the places
There was always somewhere else I had to be
And time gets thin my old friend
Don't know why, don't know why
Don't know why, don't know why

My old friend this song's for you
Cause a few simple verses was the least
that I could do
To tell the world that you were here
‘Cuz the love and the laughter will live
long, long after
All of the sadness and tears
And we'll meet again my old friend
Goodbye, goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye
My old friend
My old friend
Goodbye, goodbye.



Still missing you and thinking about you everyday.

Semper Fi,

Brandon

Brandon C. Walton
Toledo, OH

January 7, 2006

I know you would be so proud of Marissa. I called her last night to see if I could offer any great words of wisdom or comfort at the end of the day. By the end of the conversation she was helping me understand some of the events of Brandy's death with her perspective.

As I talk with her and hear stories about your lives together, I laugh at your humor as a couple. It reminds me of the humor and laughter Brandy and I had as a couple. I know from the stories I have heard, from Marissa's wonderful sense of humor, and her wonderful caring way your daughter will grow into a beautiful, independent young woman that you will be so proud of...

Thank you Bryan. I beleive it is destiny that all of us were brought together to support one another in this path that God chose for us. I hope you, Brandy, and Larry all enjoyed the Buckeye game together....God is gathering a big tailgate party of some might fine police officers up there.

Sara Winfield

January 7, 2006

P.O. Hurst: Although I have never met you, I feel compelled to leave a note. This evening, I read through many of the reflections that have been left over the past several months.

Although it has now been a year since your heroic passing, you have obviously left quite an impact on the lives of so many people.

God Bless your wife and daughter as their time of need will continue for years to come. Your family, friends and the members of the Columbus PD are in our thoughts and prayers.

Rest in Peace, Never forgotten!

St. Louis County Police Department
St. Louis, Missouri

January 6, 2006

Bryan,It has been a year today that you left us.It is still so hard to believe you are gone.I think about you everyday.We were at your substation today and it felt good to know that everybody there loved you.You were so lucky to have worked with such a wonderful group of people but I'm sure you already knew that. I understand now why you loved your work. We went to the Bank afterwards and left flowers and talked to everybody.Rob was working and Gilbert had put a really nice tribute up outside the Bank.I think it was a really tough day for everybody but it was nice to see everybody and talk about you.(Good stuff,honest).Malia is getting so big and she is a doll.Your Mom and Dad were going to visit with Marissa and Malia,I'm sorry I couldn't stay and visit too but I was afraid the weather would get bad.Maybe we can plan a get together soon.Your Mom is really having a tough time so maybe being with Marissa and Malia is just what she needs.We all miss you so much and you are always in our thoughts and our hearts. I love you,Aunt Joy

Bryan's Aunt Joy

January 6, 2006

Bryan,
It's been a year since your have gone to heaven, and I still think about that day every day. Now we lost another brother, Ethan Collins Fairfield County S.O., and now I feel the emotions all over again. I will try to keep Tennis in line, but you know what a hard job that is.


Bill

Officer William Lang
CPD

January 6, 2006

Bryan, you don't know me. And I have written here once before when I came across thsi website by accident awhile ago. But I know of you and your wife. Sounds odd but I think of you from time to time. I guess I just feel so bad for what happened to you. I wonder what you see and what you think now. You were a good man and still are a good man. I am sorry for your friends and family, for their loss. I read everything that was written today to you. You still have your best friends. I like seeing that. Made me smile.I know it was your job but I am truly sorry for what you went through that day. You are very sadly missed Bryan.

January 6, 2006

Officer Hurst -

Today marks the one year anniversary of your passing. While this milestone day breaks the scab that has formed over your family and uncovers a wound that will never fully heal, it is also an opportunity for all of us to once again reflect on what a hero you are to not only the patrons and employees of the bank, but to the rest of the grateful citizens of this city. While your passing certainly stings every bit today as it did one year ago, I view the reflections posted on this page and I am comforted to see what a strong bond your family, friends, and loved ones all have. Your wife, as strong as she appears to be, certainly seems to have the comfort and support from everyone whose lives you touched. You need not worry about her ever feeling alone or desserted with the support system she has. I hope someday your daughter realizes how invaluable her presence has no doubt been to her mom during the last 365 days. A year has passed, but the gratitude I have and the admiration I feel for you has not and never will. Continue to rest peacefully.

Anonymous

January 6, 2006

Hey Bryan,

They had a dedication in your honor today at 2/18 sub, the plaque is great. Your family was there, & Marissa and Malia. Malia is so cute! Donnie spoke, along with some others, it was very moving. You would have been proud! Till we meet again on the other side, GO BUCKS!!!!!

Ofc. Dan Jones #2079 (Med. Ret)
C

January 6, 2006

GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS DAY AND ALWAYS!

January 6, 2006

Bryan,
I didn’t know you but I was one of the paramedics who responded to the bank on the day that you were tragically taken from the many people who loved and respected you. It has been 1 year since that tragic day but it is a day in my life that will forever be burned in my memory. I came very quickly to realize what a great person and what a great HERO you were. I just want to take a minute to thank you and your family for the great sacrifice you made to protect others. You are a true HERO.

CFD

Fire Fighter
CFD

January 6, 2006

God bless you, Officer Hurst, and may He also comfort those who still mourn your loss.
You are missed.

MC
Dublin, OH

January 6, 2006

Bryan,
One year has passed so quickly. It feels like it was just yesterday when we all received the tragic news. I can recall every vivid detail of the morning of January 6th, 2005. When I walked up to the bank this morning I pictured you grabbing your hat out of your Mustang before you went inside. I remembered talking to you in length about your daughter Malia and also your new bureau job you were taking in Juvenile. I remembered driving away... getting to go home. It was tough to think of those memories today. They are always there....everytime I walk into the bank....but today was different. I didn't think that the "one year" would impact me the way it did. I figured that the same feelings are there 365 days a year, what would be different about this day? I was wrong. What you did to protect those defenseless people ran through my head all morning long. It started because several officers (including first responders from Reynoldsburg and Whitehall) came to the bank to put out a sign in your honor. Then the girls from the bank all gathered getting ready to go to the dedication at 2/18sub, and I could see each one of them reliving every terrifying moment in their minds. But then they replayed the part where you took action....and although sad, you could see that they all feel safe because of what you did. They remember exactly what you did and how you didn't stop until each and every one of them was safe. Then your family came in to the bank. For many of them it was the first time inside the bank. I just pray for each of them as they continue through this tough time. The "one year" does not mark and end for the memories. You are always missed and will never be forgotten. Watch over us all and God bless you.

Ofc. Robert Sagle #2254
Columbus Ohio Division of Police

January 6, 2006

"These things we do, that others may live."
We remember the life you gave for the lives you saved.
Rest easy.

Columbus Division of Police

January 6, 2006

Dear Marissa,

I just wanted to leave a quick note to let you know that I am thinking of you an Malia today as you reflect on the events of the past year. I met you briefly on the YWBB mid-2005 and it turned out that we had quite a lot of things in common. My husband Bryan's EOW is 12/13/03, but his birthday is the same day as your Bryan's EOW.

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and all of Bryan's family, friends and co-workers today.
God Bless You,

Juli Verkler
Widow of Ptlm. Bryan S. Verkler EOW 12/13/03

January 6, 2006