Columbus Division of Police, Ohio
End of Watch Thursday, January 6, 2005
Reflections for Police Officer Bryan Scott Hurst
Let's not lose sight of this memorial. This is to honor Bryan's friendships, the memories people have made with him, and to keep him close to us.
We all come to this sight to remember Bryan in some way. Let's focus on the important. This could be a wonderful tribute for Malia to have as she grows. Our personal opinions about how others conduct themselves have no place here. We all mourn Bryan, and that's what matters.
August 15, 2005
To the family and friends of Officer Hurst, and to his law enforcement family of Columbus: I wanted to extend my deepest condolences on the grevious loss you suffered when Bryan was brutally murdered. It is heart wrenching to know that another young child has lost their father, but I am sure that his daughter will learn to know her father through the memories of others. Bryan displayed much courage and valor, especially when he was able to return fire after being wounded. His bravery that day saved lives, and he is a true hero. In reading the reflections about Bryan, I have learned that he was a Marine veteran. Our family lost our beloved Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg, CA Police Department when he was shot on 4/23/05 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers. Like Bryan, Larry was also a Marine. Prior to going into law enforcement, Larry was a tank commander. His last active duty assignment as a Marine Captain was at the training depot in San Diego. Bryan and Larry were not just brothers in blue, but brothers in green as well. Like Bryan, Larry leaves a loving wife and child although Larry's son was born three months after he was killed. How very sad that we lose the precious lives of such splendid men and women who die in the line of duty at the hands of uncaring, malicious criminals. The common thread in the minds of these scumbags is that they would rather shoot an officer in cold blood in an attempt to avoid going to jail for crimes each of them chose to commit. Even more ironic is that a lot of the defendants who murder officers wouldn't actually do that much time for the crimes they committed, but will shoot to kill to evade being arrested. I hope and pray that justice is served as the victims deserve no less than the full measure of justice for the supreme sacrifice Bryan and his family have made. This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Bryan gave to man, community and country.
Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater,
Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05
phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
August 13, 2005
MJ-12B
265/282
O-123B
August 12, 2005
Moving on and being at peace is not necessarily a bad thing for those who chose to heal by taking that path.
August 12, 2005
On August 8th, 2000 our lives were changed forever, when our loved one, Officer Bob Stanze was taken from us. He had an 18 mos old son and had just learned that his wife was pregnant with twins. I look through these pages to find solace and sometimes just to feel closer to others who are experiencing the overwhelming loss we have felt. I want to express my condolences for your tragic, unexplainable loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Keep his wonderful memory alive in all you say and do. God bless you all!
Family of Officer Robert Stanze
EOW 8/8/00
August 10, 2005
Bryan, you were on my mind alot today for some reason, not that I don't think of you every day, but today it was different. I missed putting flowers at the bank on the 6th, it felt weird not going. I often just drive there and sit for a few moments and then leave. I guess its my weird way of staying in touch with you. It has been tough at times, seeing some move on and others so at peace with things, I will never be at peace, you were taken from your child. Its hard to imagine how some have no ideals and no concience I guess, but everything comes full circle as I hope it does with your death. Justice will be done too all. Keep watching over us all.
Our HERO!
August 9, 2005
Rest in Peace Brother, Your sacrifice will not go unnoticed!!!
SGT. Mike Munoz
Perrysburg Township Police
August 4, 2005
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 that shot him will stand up in court,
with counsel demanding his rights.
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids,
and spend many long, lonely nights.
The beat that he walked was a battle field 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,
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, of himself gave his all,
and a part of America died.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God."
August 2, 2005
I remember seeing your death posted all over the news...not long after Officer Foster.A great tragedy struck our city for the second time so close together.I'm a citizen and I'm proud to support Columbus Police Dept.It's very hard to try to understand why these things happen or better yet where did the respect go for our law enforcment?You will never be forgotten and Thank you Officer Hurst for serving our great city.
columbus citizen
July 30, 2005
For the person or person(s) who feel they have lost their way may I simply say that life does not go the way we plan, and what makes you a true hero is what you do with the hand your delt with now, no matter how difficult. I know Brian and I am sure he would say you need to try and re-connect and get back on the right path, we all have choices and even though each day is difficult, we control what we do, that is why we have free will. I pray for those of you experiencing this difficult burden and encourage you to please speak to a professional about this to help put it into light for you. Remember, we are all human, and even "We" need help sometimes! My prayers are with you! Please remember that we need to honor Brian by doing the best we can in our own lives and live every day as though its the last!
Anonymous
Anonymous
July 20, 2005
Dear Bryan
It's been 6 months since you've left us. We need your help. Some of us have lost our way since you're gone. The void you've left in some of our souls is too much. Watch over us. Help those of us who are going down the wrong path, to make the right decisions. Most of all, give those of us strength who need it the most and forgive those of us who should have appreciated you more when you were with us.
Life without you is too much sometimes. Whoever said 'Time heals all' has never lost a hero.
July 19, 2005
I overheard Malia's baby sitter on 104.9 yesterday requesting a song for you and you could hear Malia laughing in the background, while my daughter was in the backseat of the car. She remembered you as the DJ spoke of you and Marissa! It was kinda tranquil hearing that on the radio on her birthday! Keep an eye on the rest of the boys and girls in blue!
P.O. Daniel Jones
Columbus Ohio Division of Police
July 15, 2005
We know you're smiling as your little baby turns 1 today!!!
A friend
July 14, 2005
Bryan, Thank you for your service. May you rest in peace.
Ofc. A. Faverio 1D1
Washington DC Metropolitan Police
July 13, 2005
Was driving to work and got to thinking about you. Getting ready to grab my gear and head out for my shift. I checked the website and 2 State Troopers have been added. Keep us safe...
officer Jim Gilbert
Columbus Division of Police
July 12, 2005
May the Lord Bless you, keep you, guide and comfort you and your family through all.
May we all be comforted knowing you are there watching over us, protecting us from your place on high.
For the Lord blesses "Us and those like us."
Wisconsin
July 9, 2005
Bry-
I can't believe that yesterday was the 6 month mark of this tragedy. Sometimes it seems like it happened years ago and other times it feels like yesterday. Almost everyday, I relive the feeling of seeing you in the emergency room. That scene gets replayed over and over and over. A few weeks ago, I had to write a letter to the US Atty General describing my feelings on the death penalty. What do you say? As if I should need to give my thoughts on WHY it should be a death penalty case. It seems so obvious. Anyways, I decided to write the events of that day, right down to every detail and every emotion that we all went through.
It's been making me sad lately that Malia will turn one next week and you won't be here to celebrate with us. We are having a big party for her with all of our family and friends. I want to make every birthday, Christmas, Easter, as awesome as possible for her. I don't think she really knows what has happened, but I show her pictures of you everyday. One way or another, she is going to know you. I can't wait until she is old enough to hear stories about her Dad and what kind of man he was and what he did to save the lives of so many. Even if she can't be with you, she can still be proud of you.
We are all moved into our new place and it feels great. The memories at our old home were sad and suffocating. Everything there reminded me of you, and honestly, it wasn't healthy. The reality is that although our time together was short but incredible, you aren't here anymore. We will continue to honor your memory every day, and, at the same time, start a new chapter in our lives.
I am feeling good that your headstone will finally be laid next month. It is beautiful and will provide better closure for many family and friends. I don't like going to the cemetery and seeing your plot with no real marker, just lots of flowers and flags. The headstone is an awesome representation of your life and includes all of the things that were important to you.
We love you and miss you,
Marissa and Malia
Marissa
DCSO
July 7, 2005
It will be six months tomorrow 7-6-05... and just wanted to say your still in our hearts and mind. Please keep my friends who worked with you safe. Wish I had the chance to know you. God bless you and those you left behind.
Westerville Ohio
July 5, 2005
Happy 4th of July to you and your family. Thanks for serving our country
a friend
July 3, 2005
Brian,
Happy 4th of July, to you and your Family! May we always remember what it cost you to protect others!Semper Fi my brother!
Ofc. Daniel R. Jones #2079
Columbus Ohio Division of Police
July 1, 2005
Bryan-
I just wanted you to know that your bravery has not been forgotten. I was in the bank the day you ended your tour of duty and cannot thank you enough for saving my life and those of the others. I am reminded daily of how much you gave up for all of us. I visited the cemetery on Sunday to say Happy Fathers Day. I send you my best of wishes and prayers that you are resting peacefully. Thank you again for your sacrifice.
Andrea Ross
Fifth Third Bank
June 25, 2005
HAPPY FATHERS DAY
June 21, 2005
Officer Hurst: just wanted to write and wish you a Happy Fathers Day. Watch over your family and the rest of us trying to do this damn job. Rest in Peace Brother
Detective First Grade Robert F. Jackson
Metropolitan Police Department Washington DC Homicide Branch
June 21, 2005
Dear Bryan,
Happy First Father's Day! Malia and I lit a special candle in your memory at the chapel today. Malia is sending you angel kisses and hugs and feels your love surrounding her always. Today and every day we honor your memory. Continue to watch over us.
With Love,
Sherri
Sherri A. Marzick
Mother-in-Law
June 19, 2005
Bryan, I am a friend of fallen Deputy Brandy Winfield and I just would like to tell you Happy Father's Day. You and Bran stay out of trouble up their and send that wonderful daughter of your lot's of hug's and kisses.
Sincerely,
Never Forgotten
Kasey Williamson
June 19, 2005