Columbus Division of Police, Ohio
End of Watch Thursday, January 6, 2005
Reflections for Police Officer Bryan Scott Hurst
HURST,
Every day that passes is difficult because you are not here. However, it's day's like today, Father's Day, that are extremely difficult. Knowing you are missing your first Father's Day with Malia just deepens the sorrow and tugs at the heart.
I talked to my sister and your Class of 1990 had a get together at The Distillery Friday night. Angie found out they raised a little money for Marissa and Malia. The 15 year reunion was last night.
Tracy is doing great aside from the morning sickness which lasts all day some days. She is 12 weeks now! Hopefully it's smooth sailing from here for the next 6 months and we'll have a Christmas baby.
Well, time to go see my Dad...Jack is having a cookout at his house.
Semper Fi,
Brandon
Brandon C. Walton
Toledo, OH
June 19, 2005
Happy Fathers Day Bryan. I know you will be sending Malia angels hugs from Heaven tomorrow on your special day :)
Amy
Marion OH
June 18, 2005
Bryan,
I still can't believe Malia's dad is gone. Each time I saw you holding Malia, your eyes glowed with love for her. Thank you for being such a inspiration to me. You made me see that there are men who are true father's out there. Even though you will not be with Malia for her first Father's day I know that she will always feel your love for her. Marissa is doing wonderful job with Malia. I know that you are very proud of her. I have been wanting to leave you a message here, but just could not think of any words to say. But as Father's day is approaching, I just want to say I am proud to know you as Malia's dad. She is such a joy to be around and so much fun. Her eyes sparkle just like yours did. I know you will always shine through her!
June 16, 2005
Bryan, I never had the opportunity to meet you, but I work at Mercy and know your Mother-in-law. We are like family here, and learning of your loss left an ache in our hearts, too. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Kalk Okey
Mercy Medical Center
June 15, 2005
Gump,
I tried to call you the other day because I needed some help building my deck. You were always around when a brother needed a hand. We had some great times doing projects together. So much so that I forgot for a minute that you are gone. Maybe it just hasn't sunk in yet. I can't get myself to take your number out of my cell phone. Maybe one day you'll answer your phone again when I call. Love you man.
Sgt. O
Columbus Police Department
June 14, 2005
Bryan, I just got back from visiting your grave. Its hard not to sit there and think why. We miss you dearly. Please save a place in heaven for the next time we meet forever
a friend
June 12, 2005
Marisa and Malia,
I pray for you both daily even though we have never met. I am a rep that calls on your mom at Mercy. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer Burns
June 8, 2005
You were called to Heaven three days before Howard. I know you did not know Howard at that time, but I'm hoping that you both saw the same warm loving face of God, who greeted you at the gates of heaven. I know God was there to take the pain away. I know you were special, because you were there to save others even at a risk to your own life. You will not be forgotten here and will be forever with God awaiting your loved ones. My prayers are with your family and all the men and women of the CDPD. wife of Howard stevenson
wife fallen officer howard stevenson
ceres ca.
June 5, 2005
I visit this site daily with the hopes that its list will not get longer. When I see a new name on the list my heart drops to the floor knowing that another Father, Mother, Son, Daughter, etc.. has given their life in the line of duty. It continually brings tears to my eyes when I read the personal reflections that are left by the fallen Officer's Family and Friends. I hope you can rest easy knowing that this brave HERO is watching over us from his place in Heaven. He served with honor and will never be forgotten. Rest Easy My Brother. God Bless you and your Family.
Police Officer
Newark NJ P.D.
June 4, 2005
As I started reading through, I noticed the recent entries by the mother and father, and the wife and daughter. It brought tears to my eyes. 21 Pages and counting. That should mean something powerful. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Peace, Love, Honor.
Jon M.
Alabama
June 3, 2005
Hello Brian,
Our first Memorial Day without you was extremely difficult for the both of us. We all stopped by your gravesite yesterday, left some flowers, planted some flags and cried. It is impossible to put into words just how much we all miss you. We both have dreams about you visiting us and reassuring us that you are alright, but it does not diminish the pain we feel for your loss. Hope you can forgive our selfishness, because we would give up everything we have to see you again.
Last Friday you and Melissa Foster, were enshrined in the CPD Hall of Fame, honored by all of your friends, family and fellow officers. The ceremony was beautiful. Later that afternoon, Marissa was presented with the Medal of Honor and Purple Heart. The outpouring of love and respect was incredible. You would be so proud of Marissa, she has conducted herself so honorably. In fact, all of your fellow officers and families have been tremendously supportive. All have honored you in so many ways. What a great bunch of people they all are. We hope you can smile when you see how much everyone genuinely loves and misses you.
We ended the day with an awards banquet to honor all the retirees and heros. We received two additional award plaques, as well as an incredible amount of support from everyone. It was a fitting tribute to all of you and ended a wonderful day. It was especially important to see that you have not been forgotten, nor will ever be.
While we reflected at your gravesite yesterday, we could not help but wonder...why? Maybe you will be able to help us better understand our feelings someday, but for now, it is extremely difficult to comprehend losing you. Rest assured Brian, we think about every day. It is comforting to know that you are deeply loved and missed by so many. Rest for now son, we love you and will continue to honor your memory, Take care Bryan, look out for all of us, but most of all...save us a good seat.
Love Always,
Mom & Dad
Mom & Dad
June 1, 2005
Brian,
Happy Memorial Day to you and your family!
Det. Daniel R. Jones #2079, Background I
Columbus, Ohio Division of Police
May 31, 2005
Gump,
Happy Memorial Day! I wish more then anything we could spend it together with some other brothers over a cold one. We put you on the CPD wall last week which was the second hardest thing I have done on the department. You are in our minds and hearts everyday. I never had a chance to tell you thanks for teaching me so much when we worked together on 12. You could make a shift fly by and there was never a dull moment just listening to your stories. You have made myself and so many other officers stronger, smarter, and most of all proud. You are are truely a hero and are missed every day. I know you are backing us up from heven and we thank you for it. God bless you Bryan!!
Jimmy Ashenhurst #1204
CPD
May 31, 2005
Happy Memorial Day Bryan.
ROSS COUNTY OHIO SHERIFF DEPARTMENT
CHILLICOTHE OHIO POLICE DEPARTMENT
May 30, 2005
Thinking of you and your service to our counrty on this Memorial Day.. I miss you!
officer Jim Gilbert
CPD
May 30, 2005
HURST,
Tomorrow is Memorial Day and I will be working so I thought I'd write you tonight.
Memorial Day is the day I used to stop and think about my Great Grandfather, Grandfathers, and Great Uncle who served our country in World Wars I and II.
Now I will think about you too and your service to our Country and Corps and then your sacrifice in saving all them peoples lives in that bank that day.
"Uncommon Valor Was A Common Virtue." You know what I mean.
Gone but never, ever forgotten.
Semper Fi,
Brandon
Brandon C. Walton
Toledo, OH
May 29, 2005
Bryan-
It has been a busy couple of weeks. We all went to DC for the memorial and it was an awesome experience. I went somewhat so I will know what to expect when you are honored next year. The candlelight vigil was emotional for everyone. I was okay until a younger guy walked up to us, holding a little girl about 3 years old. I can't remember what he approached us for, but he told us "Her daddy was killed this year." This guy was really emotional and was obviously one of his best friends. It struck me in a really difficult way, seeing him holding that little girl who now has no Daddy. It hit me that Malia and that little girl are in the same exact situation. Malia doesn't have her Daddy anymore either.
Just a few days later, you and Melissa were honored by CPD. Your mom, Ted, and I were presented with the purple heart and medal of valor on your behalf. They are really beautiful and one day, when she is ready, I will give them to Malia. Later that evening, we all went to the OC where a huge shadowbox was placed on the wall in your honor. Donnie did an awesome job on it - it has both your CPD and Marine Corps uniforms. Everyone shared funny stories about you, especially when you first got out on the road. All of the stories makes me realize even more that you will never, ever be forgotten. We can celebrate your life with every story we share.
I went to Kingwood today and found that they have poured the cement that your headstone will rest on. The grass has began to grow over your plot and no longer looks so fresh. I'm not sure yet whether that makes it easier or harder for me. In 2 weeks, I meet with the artist to design your headstone. I promise it will be amazing and incorporate all of the most important things to you.
On another note....although I tried to deal with this, everything here in this house constantly reminds me of you. Everyday I see the deck you built, the garage you perfectly organized...it is just too much. After a lot of thought, Malia and I need to change environments and are moving. It is going to be very hard to say goodbye to the home we shared when we got engaged, got married, and had Malia.
We miss you and love you.
Love,
Marissa and Malia
Marissa
DCSO
May 25, 2005
Gump, we officially enshrined our corner at the OC last night. The memorial frame O had made up was most outstanding. As always, continue watching over us as we'll continue watching over yours!! You're Brother in Blue!!
Ward
CPD
May 21, 2005
Dear Hurst Family,
My deepest sympathy and prayers to all of you and to Bryan himself. As a newly appointed firearms instructor (16 years on the job) teaching officers the ultimate use of force, Bryan exemplifies what I teach my officers...that even when mortally wounded "Officers" still find the courage and incredible strength to still fight back. And what Bryan did by returning fire to his adversary saved the lives of people he was sworn to protect. He gave the ultimate sacrafice and I just pray that everyone in that bank knows that...that he layed down his life for them. Officer Bryan Hurst, you Sir, are a hero!
Gregg Crandall, Police Officer
Fremont Police Department, fremont, CA
May 19, 2005
Recently I attended the Law Enforcement Memorial where I briefly spoke to members of the Columbus P.D. We also lost a deputy on 05-11-04. I'd like to send my condolences to Officer Hurst's family. Obviously he died protecting his fellow citizens. The fact that he was able to return fire after being mortally wounded is testament to his uncommon valor.
Assistant Sheriff Jim Lopey
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
May 18, 2005
tylr
That speech was really nice.
May 16, 2005
Taylr,
That was beautiful...brought tears to my eyes.
May 16, 2005
I would like to present the true american hero award to officer bryan scott hurst for his bravery and strength. Bryan was born on April 15,1971 and died on January 6,2005. He was shot recently in the line of duty. I chose Bryan bcuase he was very brave and always made good choices. My connection to him is that I want to be a police officer when I get older.I personally respect Bryan for his hard work and will to sacrifice for others. An ultimite misfortune in his life was when he was shot in the line of duty. He was working special duty in a bank when a bank robber came in. The bank robber shot his gun at my cousin and my cousin returned fire. By returning fire he saved many lives in the bank and helped indinify the bank robber. another accomplishment is that he made it in the marines. This taught him disipline. A third goal he reached was that he made it though the police acadamy and became a police officer. I would like to present his wife Marissa and his brother greg the true american hero award in honor of my cousin Bryan scott Hurst.
Taylr pierce
May 16, 2005
Taylr,
I'm sure that Bryan is honored to be chosen as your hero. Maybe you could post your speech here so that we can all remember him through your words.
Bryan,
We remember you everyday. So many who love you will always honor you. I'm so sorry that this happened. I often think about the reasons you were in the bank that day and wonder if I could have done anything to change that. Other times I think that you were there because you were so special. Not many people would have been brave enough or had the presence of mind to react as you did. I'm so sad for little Malia. I hope the entire community helps her to remember you. God Bless.
May 14, 2005
if anyone wants to come to my speech todaay (1:00) its 2025 burg st granville ohio school phone number 587-8103. if you are able to come please let me know
Taylr
May 13, 2005